City Services
City Directory
FAQ
Parking Meters Division
How does the City set the hourly rate for parking meters?
The rates are established by ordinance and approved by City Council for each of the parking meter zones (PMZ) in the city. The rates are adjusted in the LA Express Park areas (Downtown, Hollywood, Westwood, and Venice) based upon the parking demand. The goal is to maintain occupancy between 70% and 90% through pricing. The higher prices in the high demand areas create open parking spaces, which reduce the time spent circling, looking for a parking space. The lower prices in the low demand areas encourage parking space utilization.
How much is metered parking?
The cost or rates for metered parking areas vary throughout the City, and can be set anywhere between $1.00 to $8.50 per hour, depending on the area. Generally, the higher rates are found in the higher parking demand areas, and the lower rates are found in the lower parking demand areas. In some areas, the rates are subject to change throughout the day depending on historic increases and decreases in the demand for parking on that block.
Can I reserve a parking space?
Parking spaces cannot be reserved.
Why should my parking time at a parking meter be limited to the posted time?
In retail areas, the primary goal of the metered parking is to encourage turnover, which allows more shoppers to visit the retail stores. Therefore, the city has established time limits for the metered parking spaces. LADOT reviews these policies periodically.
How do I dispute an erroneous charge for parking?
Please call (213) 473-8270
If the parking meter is not working or broken, do I have to pay for parking?
The parking meter is considered broken ONLY if it is, 1) unable to accept coins AND 2) unable to accept credit cards. If the parking meter is not accepting coin payments, then you must pay with a credit card. If the parking meter is not accepting credit card payments, then you must pay with coins. If the parking meter can grant time in return for payment for either of these two ways during operating hours, then you must pay the parking meter or park somewhere else. If the meter is not accepting both forms of payment, then you can only park for free up to the posted time limit (California Vehicle Section 22508.5). Please report broken meters online or call our meter hotline at: (877) 215-3958.
Can I pay the meter in advance of enforcement hours?
A majority of the parking meters are programmed with “prepay”. The exceptions are spaces with enforcement hours preceded with “no parking” restrictions such as morning peak hour restrictions (for ex. “Tow Away No Stopping 7AM-9AM Mon-Fri”), Street Cleaning No Parking restrictions, or other “No Parking” restrictions.
How do I set the time desired on the meter?
Instructions for using single-space and multi-space meters. If the buttons don’t work as described, call our meter hotline at: (877) 215-3958 and report the meter needs to maintenance.
Do all of the City’s parking meters accept credit card payments?
All parking meters in the City of Los Angeles accept credit cards.
Where can I pay for parking using my cell phone?
LADOT is gradually expanding the Pay by Cell options throughout the City. These meters can be identified by information on the screens and decals. LADOT aims to have mobile payment available at all meters and pay stations by the end of 2025.
Do the City's parking meters accept Tap to Pay/NFC payment?
The City is gradually rolling out Tap to Pay. This includes Apple Pay, Android Pay, etc…
How do I report a broken meter?
If you notice a broken or vandalized meter, please report it online or call our meter hotline at (877) 215-3958.
What should I do if my credit card is stuck in the parking meter?
Call our meter hotline at (877) 215-3958.
How do I contest a citation?
If you have any questions regarding a parking citation you can call us on our 24-Hour Customer Care Hotline: (866) 561-9742. Citations can be paid online or contested online. Learn more.
Is there a grace period before payment is required for parking at a meter?
No. There is time to unload passengers and baggage from the vehicle, but payment must be made immediately. Los Angeles Municipal Code Sections 88.07, 88.13(b).
Where can I obtain a copy of a credit card parking meter receipt?
Using your credit card information, you will be able to obtain a copy of your credit card parking receipt as follows:
- For single-space parking meters: www.myparkingreceipts.com
- For multi-space parking meters
- On-Street Meters: www.getthereceipt.com
- Off-Street Meters: www.myparkingreceipts.com
Passenger Loading Zone (PLZ) &
Commercial Loading Zone (CLZ)
How do I request a parking restrictions change including a request for PLZ, CLZ, or change in time-limit?
Submit a request through MyLA311
Construction
How do I have meters temporarily or permanently removed?
Email: ladot-parking-meters@lacity.org for more information.
Valet
Does the City have a valet ordinance? If so, when was it passed?
Yes, the City passed the Valet Ordinance in October 2013
Who needs a Valet Permit?
Any valet operation which drives customer vehicles on public properties/right of way, even if the valet service is free. All valet operators must receive approval from both the Police Commission and LADOT.
How do I apply for a Valet Permit?
Applicants must submit a request with LAPD and LADOT. Please reference the valet request process on the Parking Meters Division webpage.
What if I am only operating the valet for one day, do I still need a Valet Permit?
You would need a Special Events Permit from the Police Commission; no LADOT approval is required. Email LAPD at: pcpermitapplications@lapd.online
Would my valet drivers need a permit?
All valet drivers must have a valid California driver license, and apply for a valet attendant permit. In addition, all valet drivers will be fingerprinted.
Email LAPD at: pcpermitapplications@lapd.online.