Austin City Council unanimously approved an ordinance outlawing forward parking in a back-in angled parking spot at its Jan. 12 meeting.

The ordinance mandates that drivers parking in these spaces must park their vehicles by backing into the space, leaving the vehicle's rear wheels at an angle against the curb or road's edge. Additionally, the ordinance states that vehicles parked in these spaces cannot obstruct traffic by extending into the street.

Traffic enforcement officers will issue fines to drivers who do not comply with the ordinance's terms. The standard fine is $40, though it may be reduced to $25 for offenders who pay quickly. Previously, officers were leaving educational fliers on cars parked forward in back-angle spots.

Back-angle parking spots were added to South Congress Avenue last July. The spaces are meant to improve safety by improving visibility for exiting drivers.