Car Sharing and Parking Regulations

Car sharing is a system where a fleet of vehicles is made available for use by members. Vehicles are generally available at dispersed, unstaffed locations and are available to members 24/7 without a separate written agreement. Anyone who is a qualified driver can become a member.

Car sharing vehicle zones

Some parking spaces throughout the city are designated for car sharing vehicles. A specific operator is permitted to use each space. Only vehicles owned by the designated operator can park in these spaces. Follow the rules of the specific car sharing company about which vehicles may be parked where. Some companies require you to return a car to the same space where you got it, while others allow you to end your rental in a different location.

zipcar sign

Free-floating car sharing is a system where a car sharing company has permits to park in most types of on-street space. If you're a member, you can pick a vehicle up in one location and drop it off in another within a defined free-floating zone (usually covering all or almost all City right-of-way). Free-floating car sharing vehicles MAY park:

  • In paid parking areas, without paying separately 
  • In time-limited parking areas, without regard to the time limit 
  • In Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) areas

Free-floating car sharing vehicles MAY NOT park: For longer than 72 hours, regardless of where they are parked 

  • In bus zones 
  • In designated car sharing spaces, UNLESS permitted to do so 
  • In no parking or tow-away zones 
  • In any type of load zone 
  • In any type of zone reserved for a different vehicle type (food vehicle zones, carpool zones, taxi zones, etc.)

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.