Parking Rules and Regulations

Whether you're a resident, business owner, or visitor, understanding parking rules can help you avoid fines and keep the city moving. The Department of Public Works/Parking Division's, goal is to make parking easier and clearer for everyone.

 

Parking Rules and Regulations

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Parking Division enforces parking regulations outlined in the City of New Orleans Municipal Code. Violating these rules may result in fines, and in some cases, your vehicle may be towed. To avoid parking tickets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common violations.

Common Parking Violations:

  • Obstructing Fire Lanes – $40 Fine
  • Parking within 15 feet of a Fire Hydrant – $40 Fine
  • Parking within 20 feet of Intersections, Crosswalks, or Stop Signs – $40 Fine (Towable)
  • Parking in Bus or Taxi Cab Zones – $40 Fine
  • Parking at an Expired Meter – $30 Fine
  • Parking Against the Flow of Traffic – $40 Fine
  • Parking in Freight or Loading Zones – $40 Fine
  • Parking for More Than 10 Minutes in Passenger Zones – $40 Fine
  • Parking at Meters Covered with Yellow Bags for Special Events – $40 Fine
  • Parking Within 3 Feet of a Driveway – $40 Fine
  • Parking on Sidewalks (even adjacent to your property) – $40 Fine
  • Parking Within 50 Feet of a Railroad Crossing – $40 Fine
  • Parking Trailers, Campers, or 18-Wheelers on Residential Streets – $500 Fine
  • Parking Adjacent to a Neutral Ground (Medan) – Towable
  • Parking Larger Than 22 Feet Overnight in the Central Business District – $40 Fine
  • Parking Within 18 Inches of a Curb – $40 Fine
  • Unpaid Outstanding Violations or Traffic Camera Violations – Eligible for Booting
  • Parking on Parade Routes 2 Hours Before Parade Start – Eligible for Towing
  • Parking in Residential Parking Permit Zones Without a Permit for Over 2 Hours – $75 Fine
  • Parking in a Handicapped Zone Without a Proper Permit – $500 Fine
  • Towing Fee – Starting at $161.25 (Additional Fees May Apply)

* This is not a complete list of parking regulations. All regulations and restrictions are outlined in the City of New Orleans Municipal Code.

How to Avoid Parking Fines

  • Always check posted signs: Be sure to follow any posted parking regulations, including meter times and no-parking zones.
  • Respect Residential Parking Permit Zones: Only residents with valid permits can park in designated areas.
  • Avoid Parking in Restricted Zones: Be mindful of areas designated for buses, taxis, fire lanes, and loading zones.
  • Keep Your Meter Paid: Make sure to pay parking meters and always check for time restrictions.
  • Don’t Block Driveways or Sidewalks: Parking too close to driveways or on sidewalks can result in fines.

 

Report Violations & Pay Tickets

If you have a parking violation, you can pay it online or report it through the links below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Park Right NOLA: Avoid the Fines

The most common parking violations include parking too close to fire hydrants, blocking bus stops, parking in neutral grounds (medians), violating residential parking permit zones, and parking in loading zones. 

Always check for posted parking signs, ensure you park legally, respect parking time limits, and avoid prohibited areas like fire lanes and bus zones.

These zones are for residents with permits. You can identify them by the signs posted in these areas. To check if you are in a Residential Parking Permit Zone, use our Map.

 

To apply, visit our Permit Application Page and submit the required documents, such as proof of residency and vehicle registration.

 

Pay your ticket promptly online via the Payment Portal to avoid additional fees. If you believe it was issued in error, you can submit an appeal. Learn more here.

 

To locate your towed vehicle, contact the New Orleans Towing Service at 504.658.8100 or visit their Towing Page. You will need to pay fines and towing fees to retrieve your car

Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant results in a $40 fine. This ensures hydrants are accessible for emergencies.

During special events, parking restrictions are enforced, and cars may be towed. Check the New Orleans Event Calendar and Parade Route Maps for specific parking rules.

To report a parking violation, please contact NOLA 311 and provide the location, a description of the violation, and the vehicle's license plate number, if available. For urgent requests, you can also call (504) 658-8100 directly.

Neutral Grounds are grassy medians where parking is generally prohibited to maintain pedestrian and traffic safety. Always check for posted signs to avoid parking in these areas. In certain situations, such as during inclement weather, parking restrictions on Neutral Grounds may be temporarily lifted by the city.

Parking violations are not enforced on Sundays or the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

 

The hours of operation for parking meters are Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Resources

Service provided by

Central Adjudication Bureau

(504) 658-5050 Email

1340 Poydras Street
Suite 1100
8am to 5pm
Monday - Friday.

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