New Pigeon Forge ordinance changes parking along the Parkway ahead of Rod Run

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — A city ordinance is changing parking in Pigeon Forge, just in time for the Rod Run car show coming up next month.

Pigeon Forge Police shared that the ordinance took effect on August 27, which limits State rights-of-way inside the city limit to be exclusively for public parking of passenger motor vehicles with current and valid registration, and not vehicles “depicting any form of advertising.” This means vehicles with “for sale” signs will no longer be allowed.

Chief of Police Richard Catlett explained to 6 News that there have been issues in the past with vehicles for sale being placed on the State’s right-of-way, most of which happened during the two big car shows in the city each year.

“We have people that bring multiple cars and park them along the Parkway to try and sell them. When the City was re-signing the lease agreement, the State made it clear they didn’t want any advertisement or cars for sale on the right-of-way,” Catlett explained.

He added that the parking is for vehicles without trailers, and they are working to get the word out ahead of the upcoming Rod Run car show from September 12-14.

According to the ordinance, any vehicle that violates the ordinance and police cannot determine who owns the vehicle or get ahold of that owner will be towed by the City .

Pigeon Forge Police explained in its post that the ordinance was also passed to ensure that businesses along the Parkway will have adequate parking.

Every spring and fall, thousands of people descend on Pigeon Forge and the Parkway for the Rod Run and Spring Rod Run shows.

“I think just the sheer volume of people that we have come through Pigeon Forge during the car shows has grown significantly throughout the years,” said Assistant City Manager Eric Brackins told 6 News in April 2024 during the Spring Rod Run. “The car show takes up the right of way parking along the Parkway.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.