We manage street parking with different types of parking signs to support a vibrant city with connected people, places, and products. We use the space next to the curb for parking, but we also use it for bus and bike lanes, deliveries, passenger loading, food trucks, and other things. And sometimes we need to limit parking to ensure visibility and safety. Many people and businesses want to use this limited resource, so we have to make careful decisions based on our city's priorities about how we use it.
Parking Sometimes Allowed
Parking for People with Disabilities
Do not park in designated disabled parking or use a permit unless:
1) you or your passenger has a disability, and
2) your vehicle displays a valid disabled placard, license plate, or tab. The fine for improper use is up to $450.
Restricted Parking Zones (RPZ)
If your vehicle has an RPZ permit,you may park along signed RPZ streets for up to 72 hours.
If not, you are limited to the time posted. Call: (206) 684-5086.
Time-Limited Areas
Park up to the posted time limit. You must then move your vehicle off the block (both sides of the street): for example, to the next block or around the corner.
Peak Hours
Do not park during the posted times, or your vehicle will be towed. Restricted hours vary, so check signs carefully.
Passenger Load
All vehicles may stop for 3 minutes to pick up and drop off passengers during posted hours. (Curb color: white)
Load and Unload
All vehicles may load/unload during posted hours. (Curb color: yellow)
Truck Load and Unload
Only truck-licensed vehicles may load/unload during posted hours. (Curb color: yellow)
Commercial Vehicle Load Zones
Only commercial vehicles may load/unload up to 30 minutes. (Curb color: yellow.)
Either payment is required or a valid CVLZ permit. Call: (206) 684-5103.
Food Vehicle Zones
Only permitted food trucks may park during the posted times under “Food Vehicle Zone.”
Others can park outside of those times, but payment may be required as posted under “Pay at a Pay Station.”
Parking Not Allowed
Tow Away Zones
Do not stop in these zones or in any zones painted red.
No Parking Zones
Do not park in these zones
Temporary No Parking Zones
Do not park here during the posted dates and times.
For questions, call (206) 684-7623.
Stop and Yield Signs
Do not park within 30 feet of Stop and Yield signs, nor within 20 feet of a crosswalk
Alleys
Do not park or stop in alleys. Commercial vehicles may load/unload for up to 30 minutes.
Driveways
Do not park within 5 feet of driveways. Residents/property owners may paint the curb yellow for 5 feet on each side of a driveway.
Fire Hydrants
Do not park within 15 feet of hydrants.
Sidewalks and Planting Strips
Do not park on sidewalks or the planting strip between the sidewalk and the street.
Intersections and Crosswalks
Do not park within an intersection, on a crosswalk, or within 20 feet of the crosswalk, which can include “T” intersections. Check for no parking signs. Crosswalks can be marked (with paint) or unmarked (no paint).
Other Designated Zones
Do not park in areas designated for buses, taxis, charter buses, carshare vehicles, or across cross-hatched pavement markings.
Commercial and Large-Sized Vehicles
Do not park any vehicle over 80 inches wide on any street or alley, except in Industrial Zones, between midnight and 6 AM.
How Close Can I Park?
A car showing a distance 5ft from the driveway, 30ft stop/yield sign, 15ft from a fire hydrant, and 20ft from a crosswalk.
72-Hour Rule
Do not park your vehicle on the same block for more than 72 consecutive hours, or the vehicle will be considered abandoned and may be ticketed or towed.
License Plates and Tabs
Vehicles parked on street with missing front or rear license plates, or with expired tabs, may be ticketed.
On-Street Paid Parking
Paid parking is generally in effect from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Saturday. Some neighborhoods have paid parking until 10 PM, and some special events might also require paid parking on Sundays and holidays as well.
- Always read the signs on the street.
- Rates and hours are adjusted three times a year and vary based on local conditions.
- Many busy streets have parking restrictions during the morning and evening commutes.
To Pay:
- Mobile payment and pay station kiosks are available in all paid parking areas.
- Download the app and set up an account for fast and convenient parking payment.
Parking Tickets
We hope you avoid parking tickets. However, if you receive a ticket, you have 15 days to act.
Paying Your Ticket
You have multiple options for making payment:
By mail, in the provided envelope
Municipal Court of Seattle
PO Box C-34109
Seattle, WA 98124-1109
By phone: (206) 233-7000
In Person
- Municipal Court of Seattle, 600 5th Ave,
Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM - Secure drop box to the right of the main entrance outside the courthouse
- Seattle Customer Service Centers
Disputing a Ticket
If you believe you were issued the ticket in error and want to contest the ticket before a judge, you may request a contested hearing.
Unpaid Tickets
Vehicles with four or more unpaid parking tickets will get the boot. Once booted, unless tickets and other fees are paid within 48 hours, the vehicle will be towed.