Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find some of the most commonly asked questions about Parking Enforcement and the regulations established for the City of Madison. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please reach out to Parking Enforcement for additional assistance.

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What are the hours of enforcement?

Meters and non-metered on-street parking restrictions are enforced from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Some examples of on-street parking restrictions include residential parking and 1-hr, 2-hr, and 4-hour Clean Streets Clean Lakes restrictions.

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).

Many parking meters note that they aren't enforced on "City Holidays." What are the "City Holidays?"

Unenforced Holidays

Meters and time restricted on-street parking 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)
Juneteenth Day (June 19)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
Christmas Day (December 25)

Enforced Holidays

Meters and all on-street parking restrictions are enforced on the following observed holidays when City administrative offices are closed:

The Friday after Thanksgiving (Ho-Chunk Day)
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. All parking restrictions enforced on these days.

Why did I receive an Alternate Side parking citation last night when it didn't even snow?

The purpose of this regulation is to allow access by plows when it does snow. Citations are issued consistently throughout the winter to ensure compliance on those nights when it is needed for snow clearing.

For more information on snow regulations, call 608-261-9111 or go to: City of Madison Winter.

Why are some streets around schools posted "No Stopping, Standing, or Parking." Can't I just stop for a moment to drop off my child?

Parking regulations are designed to provide a safe environment.

If the sign states "No Stopping, Standing or Parking" - vehicles cannot stop for any reason. Drop-off and pick-up is not allowed in these areas. These areas are used to reserve space for buses to safely load and unload passengers, and to keep high traffic areas, such as crosswalks, clear for pedestrians.

If the sign states "No Parking" - vehicles can stop briefly in these areas to drop-off or pick-up, but the operator must remain with the vehicle at all times.

If the sign has a time limit restriction (10 minute limit, etc) – vehicles can park in these areas and be left unattended, but only for the allowable time limit on the sign.

I have a Disabled Parking permit and/or plates. What are my requirements when I park at a meter or in a metered lot?

Individuals with valid Disabled permits and/or plates are exempt from payment of meters that are at least 30 minutes in duration. All posted restrictions in marked Disabled stalls must be followed.

Disabled permit and/or plates are not exempt from the payment or time restriction of 25 minutes meters.

I have a Disabled Parking permit and/or Disabled plates. What are my requirements when I park at a garage?

Individuals with valid Disabled permits and/or plates have access to marked Disabled stalls, and all other general stalls, in City-owned garages. When parking in a garage, the locations standard fee applies to all vehicles. Payment can be made using Visa, MasterCard, cash and coin at all pay-on-foot stations, or at the exit gate.

I recently received a Street Storage Citation for my vehicle which was parked right in front of my house. What am I required to do and why?

Vehicles can not be parked continuously on any public street for more than 48 hours.

This violation is typically enforced in high demand parking zones, on complaint, or when it becomes an obvious violation due to previous citations on the vehicle, accumulated snow/debris on or around the vehicle, etc. This regulation facilitates street maintenance, snow removal, identification of abandoned vehicles and allows for equal access for all community members and visitors.

Can I return to a meter and add money to extend my parking time?

You are limited to the total parking time listed on the meter. If you have not already met the maximum time allowed, time can be added UP TO the total maximum time allowed for that space. It is not legal to restart a full parking session in that same location after the meter has expired. Meters are in place to provide turnover of parking spaces to increase access in high demand areas. The City offers many off-street options for longer term parking.

How do I obtain a residential parking permit?

2 hour parking sign, 8am - 6pm, Except Sunday and City holidays, for Residential Parking Permit Area (lower left shows number 5)

Streets with Residential Permit Parking are identified by an area number which is located on the lower left-hand corner of the 1 or 2 hour parking signs. Vehicles with Residential Parking Permits are exempt from the 2 hour time restriction, but must abide by all other parking restrictions.

Go to the Residential Parking Permit webpage for specific information about cost, necessary documents and other requirements.

Click here to apply online

What is the parking restriction at a bus stop?

Stopping, standing or parking of vehicles in a bus stop is restricted between the bus stop sign and nearest intersection - or between the bus stop sign and another no parking sign in the middle of a block. If passengers can not safely board or exit a bus because of a vehicle blocking a bus stop, the vehicle may be towed.