View information about changes to on-street parking restrictions, permit applications, and other services.
Parking Meters
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**Please visit our department Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates page for current information.
Meters
There are currently 2 styles of on-street meters located throughout the Madison area.
Single space "smart" meters: Each space has its own stand-alone meter. Payments are made at the meter using Visa, MasterCard or coins. Time can be added up to the maximum time the space allows. Receipts are not provided on site. If a receipt is needed for a credit card transaction, visit My Parking Receipts.
*Payments cannot be made for these meters at multi-space pay stations.
Multi-Space: Stalls are marked by an oval containing the space number, time limit and additional information. Payments are made using Visa, MasterCard or coin at a pay station conveniently located on each block. Any pay station can be used to pay for any meters with a multi-space number. Once payment is made, a receipt is produced. Time cannot be added once payment, or the maximum time limit, is complete. *Payments for single space meters cannot be made at multi-space pay stations.
The Parking Division launched the Park Smarter mobile payment application to provide an additional, convenient, contact-less option for smart phone users.
Rates
On-street meters accept Visa, MasterCard and nickels, dimes and quarters.
Compare garage, lot, and metered hourly parking rates.
Time Limits
Parking meters are intended for short-term parking. The purpose of time limits on parking meters is to ensure that parking spaces regularly become available for customers of area businesses and visitors to the area.
It is illegal to deposit additional coins in the meter after the time limit has been reached. You must leave a parking space when the time limit posted on the meter has been reached. Vehicles parked longer than the posted time limit are subject to citation.
Enforcement
Meters located on City streets are enforced from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday.
Be aware that some meters have special restrictions such as "No Stopping, Standing or Parking" during stated hours of peak traffic.
Vehicles may not idle in excess of 5 minutes – MGO (12.1291 & 28.141).
Additional information: Parking Enforcement General Information
Contact Parking Enforcement
Unenforced Holidays
Meters and parking restrictions are not enforced on the following City Holidays:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (the third Monday in January)
- Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Enforced Holidays
Meters and parking restrictions are enforced on the following observed holidays when City administrative offices are closed:
- The Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve (December 24)
- New Year's Eve (December 31)
It is important to note that there are more holidays that are classified as Federal Holidays (i.e. President’s Day, Veteran’s Day) that are NOT city holidays. Parking meters are enforced on these days.