Austin offers travelers and residents alike a wide variety of activities to explore within its city limits, but the local government makes parking tricky. When you’re looking for parking, expect to compete with a high volume of people who are also looking for the most popular spots.
Keep reading to find out about Austin parking rules and discover tips and tricks to avoid surprise regulations and find the best parking spots near your destination.
Back-in parking, weekend parking rates, and residential parking rules can make parking in Austin seem pretty confusing. Luckily, with some understanding of these rules you’ll be a parking pro in no time.
If you live in a neighborhood that requires a residential parking permit to park on the street, there are a few things to know. You’re able to apply for a permit in-person, by mail, and online.
You’re able to apply for a permit at any time, but if you’re renewing you have to renew during one of the two renewal periods and there are no grace periods. That means, if your parking permit goes up, you’ll be ticketed right away!
Here’s how to read the parking signs you’ll come across while parking in the city:
Here’s a photo of a typical Austin parking meter.
Only park here if you have a residential parking permit.
Austin has plenty of street and metered parking that costs between $1.0 to $1.25 per hour. It’s important to understand the rules of that specific meter if you don’t want to get a parking ticket.
Read all of the street signs carefully before you park.
Parking meters and parking garages are great options for cheap Austin parking. If you’re looking for a metered spot, they are free when meter limits are’t running.
Pay attention to Austin parking rules to make sure you don’t end up with a ticket on your windshield. Here is some useful knowledge to find the best parking near your destination:
The easiest way to find parking garages in Austin is by heading to the parking map. There, you’ll find all of the information you need and you’ll be able to reserve a spot right then and there.
Costs for parking tickets in Austin aren’t cheap. If you’re already facing a steep parking ticket bill
| Parking Violation | Standard Fine | Early Payment Fine |
| Parking within an intersection | $40.00 | $20.00 |
| Parking in a loading zone | $40.00 | $20.00 |
| Double parking | $70.00 | $35.00 |
| Parking with 15’ of a fire hydrant | $70.00 | $35.00 |
| Parking in a tow-away zone | $50.00 | $25.00 |
| Parking at an expired meter | $30.00 | $15.00 |
Drivers with parking tickets are encouraged to pay online.
Before you jump to any conclusions, call 311 or visit the official city towing page. There are several ways you can find out if your car was towed or stolen.
Austin does give people a break once a week. Parking at metered street parking spaces is free every Sunday. Street parking is also free on select parking holidays throughout the year.
Check out this guide if you’re looking for free parking in Austin.
Below are the official parking holidays in the city. To know which specific regulations are suspended on these days, please check the SpotAngels app.
| Holiday | Date |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Labor Day | September 7 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |