Learn how to pay at a parking meter using coins, cards, or apps. Avoid costly parking tickets with these practical tips for new and experienced drivers.
The average parking ticket in the United States costs $50, according to data from the International Parking and Mobility Institute. In cities like New York and San Francisco, that number climbs past $65. For a new driver on a tight budget, a single expired parking meter can wipe out a week's worth of gas money.
A parking meter is one of those things nobody teaches you about before you start driving on your own. P You pull up to a curb, see the meter, and realize you have no idea what coins it takes, whether it accepts cards, or how long you actually need. P This guide walks you through every type of parking meter you will encounter, how to pay at each one, and the specific habits that keep tickets off your windshield.
Cities use three main types of parking meters. Knowing which one you face saves time and prevents confusion.
Classic individual meters mounted on a pole next to each space. Older models accept only quarters. Newer ones accept coins, credit cards, and contactless payments. According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly 70% of metered spaces in cities under 250,000 population still use single-space meters.
How to pay: Insert coins or tap/insert your card. The display shows accumulated time.
Kiosk-style meters that serve an entire block. You park, walk to the kiosk, enter your space number, and pay. The machine either prints a receipt for your dashboard or records your license plate automatically.
How to pay: Select your space number, choose your payment method, select duration, and confirm.
Over 800 U.S. cities now use app-based parking meter systems like ParkMobile or PayByPhone, according to the Parking Reform Network. You pay through your phone.
How to pay: Download the city's parking meter app, create an account, enter your license plate and zone number (posted on signs or the meter), and confirm payment.
Follow these steps every time you park at a metered space, regardless of meter type.
Before you touch the meter, check the posted signs for rate, time limit, enforcement hours, accepted payment methods, and restrictions. Some spaces become no-parking zones during rush hour or street cleaning. Skipping this step is the most common reason new drivers get tickets at meters that appeared to be paid.
Credit or debit cards offer the most flexibility since you can often add time remotely through an app. Keep a roll of quarters in your center console as backup. According to AAA, 35% of single-space meters in smaller cities still accept only coins.
Estimate how long your errand takes, then add 15 minutes. The cost difference is usually under a dollar. A parking meter ticket for an expired meter costs 50 to 100 times more.
Set an alarm for 10 minutes before your meter expires. That gives you enough time to walk back or add time through the app.
At multi-space meters, place the receipt face-up on your dashboard. If the system is plate-based, double-check that you entered your license plate correctly.
A 2024 survey by the National Parking Association found that 40% of all parking citations are issued for expired meters. These habits help you stay on the right side of enforcement.
Parking enforcement officers follow timed routes. If your meter expires while they pass, you get a ticket regardless of how close you are to returning.
Many cities prohibit "meter feeding," which means you cannot keep adding coins beyond the posted maximum. In city driving situations, this rule catches new drivers off guard. If the sign says "2-hour maximum," you must move your vehicle after two hours.
Parking is often free on Sundays, holidays, and after evening hours. The difference between "8 a.m. to 6 p.m." and "8 a.m. to 8 p.m." could save or cost you $65.
Apps send expiration alerts and let you add time remotely. Download the relevant app before you need it.
Snap a photo of the meter display and posted signs before you walk away. If you receive a ticket you believe is unjust, this timestamped evidence is critical for appeals.
Some metered spaces become tow-away zones during rush hour or street sweeping. Read every sign on the pole, not just the meter instructions.
If a parking meter is broken, do not assume you can park for free. Rules vary by city. When in doubt, park elsewhere.
Read the ticket carefully. Most cities give you 14 to 30 days to pay before late fees apply. Valid grounds for appeal include a malfunctioning meter, incorrect license plate, missing signage, or payment confirmation showing you paid.
Pay promptly if the ticket is valid. Late fees can double the fine. Understanding right-of-way rules drivers get wrong and parking regulations are both part of becoming a confident, ticket-free driver.
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelingo drivers (app-savvy) | Familiar with using driving apps; quick to adopt meter apps | Requires phone and data connection | Drivers who already use Wheelingo for test prep and are comfortable with mobile tools |
| Coins (quarters) | Works on every meter type; no account needed | Limited time; hard to find change | Backup when apps or cards fail |
| Credit/debit card | Convenient; no coin hunting | Some older meters lack card readers | Most metered parking in mid-to-large cities |
| Mobile app (ParkMobile, PayByPhone) | Remote time extension; expiration alerts | Requires account setup; service fees ($0.25-$0.45) | Frequent city parkers |
| Contactless tap (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | Fast; no physical card needed | Limited availability on older meters | Quick stops in tech-forward cities |
Parking rules appear on permit and license tests in most states. Common DMV questions about parking meters include:
Q: What should you do when parking at a meter? A: Read the posted signs for time limits and rates, pay for the full duration you need, and return before the meter expires.
Q: Can you park at an expired meter if you are "just running in"? A: No. Enforcement officers issue tickets based on the meter status at the moment they check, regardless of how long you intend to stay.
Q: What is meter feeding? A: Meter feeding means adding more money to a parking meter to exceed the posted maximum time limit. It is illegal in many jurisdictions.
If you are preparing for your permit or license test, Wheelingo covers parking regulations as part of its state-specific practice tests. The app includes questions about parking meters, fire hydrant distances, and curb-marking colors, all tailored to your state's rules. Download Wheelingo free to practice these scenarios before test day.
Understanding the difference between stop signs and yield signs matters on the road, and so does knowing how to handle your first time being pulled over for a parking violation.
Parking in a city can feel overwhelming when you are used to suburban lots. These tips help, especially during your first year with a license.
New drivers handling highway exit signs and mile markers already know the importance of reading signage carefully. Apply that same attention to parking signs.
Rates vary by city, from $0.50 per hour in smaller towns to $4 or more per hour in major metro areas like Chicago and San Francisco. The rate is always posted on the meter or on a nearby sign.
Yes, in over 800 U.S. cities. Download the app designated by your city (ParkMobile, PayByPhone, or a city-specific app), create an account, enter your license plate and zone number, and pay from your phone.
A parking enforcement officer can issue a citation immediately. The fine ranges from $25 to over $100 depending on the city. In some areas, repeated violations can lead to booting or towing.
Yes, Wheelingo is free to download. Your first study plan and two drill sets cost nothing. Full 50-state access is a one-time unlock with no subscription.
Yes. Wheelingo includes state-specific questions on parking regulations, including parking meters, fire hydrant setbacks, curb colors, and no-parking zones. The app adjusts content based on your state's exact DMV requirements.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-01