Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
State law does not say meter fees are waived. It gives plate and hang tag holders extra time beyond the local limit: two hours, or three in New Orleans. Check local rules on meter payment.
- The extra time applies only when the vehicle is being used to transport the person with a mobility impairment.
- It does not apply where local rules ban parking for a fire lane, heavy rush-hour traffic, or where the vehicle is a clear traffic hazard.
- We could not find an official state page on meter payment for placard holders.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: unclearVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“may be parked for a period of two hours, three hours in the city of New Orleans, in excess of the legal parking period” (La. R.S. 47:463.4 (special plates and hang tags for persons with mobility impairments), subsection F)
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
People with a mobility impairment can get a special plate or hang tag from the state with a medical examiner's statement. Louisiana recognizes parking cards, placards and plates issued by other states and countries for reserved spaces.
- Qualifying conditions include being unable to walk 200 feet without resting, needing an assistive device, certain lung, heart or neurological conditions, or using portable oxygen.
- Permanent hang tags are renewable every ten years; temporary tags are for impairments not expected to last more than one year.
- A tag must not be displayed when the vehicle is not being used to transport the person with a mobility impairment.
- A licensed medical examiner's statement is required with the application.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.” (La. R.S. 47:463.4 (eligibility))
“shall recognize parking cards or other removable windshield placards and special license plates which have been issued by authorities of other states and countries” (La. R.S. 40:1742 (other states))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Parishes and municipalities set time limits and overstay penalties; check posted signs. State law gives plate and hang tag holders two extra hours (three in New Orleans) when transporting a person with a mobility impairment.
- State law gives local parish authorities power to adopt ordinances regulating parking.
- We did not find a state statute setting general time limits or overstay fines.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“may be parked for a period of two hours, three hours in the city of New Orleans, in excess of the legal parking period” (La. R.S. 47:463.4, subsection F)
“have henceforth, power to adopt ordinances regulating the matters enumerated in R.S. 32:41.” (La. R.S. 32:42 (power of local parish authorities))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow rules rarely apply in Louisiana; street-cleaning parking is set by each city. Example city: New Orleans posts No Parking Zones in the French Quarter that are enforced Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon.
- New Orleans says mechanical sweeping happens seven days a week in the French Quarter.
- The page covers the French Quarter and the Downtown Development District, not the whole city.
- Follow posted signs; other parishes and cities differ.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
We found no statewide rule; parishes and cities decide. Example city: New Orleans has Residential Parking Permit zones, where a permit lets the holder park up to 24 hours without the time limits that apply to other vehicles.
- New Orleans says parking without a permit in a zone for more than two hours can bring parking violations and fines.
- A permit does not guarantee or reserve a curbside space.
- This is one city's program; other Louisiana cities differ.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law bans parking on sidewalks, crosswalks, in front of driveways and near hydrants, and in accessible spaces without a plate or tag; officers may tow if the driver refuses to move. Other fines are local.
- A violator in an accessible space may also be required to pay towing and storage costs.
- Knowingly using a hang tag or special plate to get accessible parking without transporting a mobility-impaired person can bring a fine of $50 to $250 or up to 30 days in jail on a first offense.
- New Orleans example: outstanding parking or camera citations must be paid in full to collect a towed vehicle, at the tow lot at 400 N Claiborne Ave.
- New Orleans tow fees are being updated; check the city page for current amounts.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant;” (La. R.S. 32:143 (stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified places))
“the violator may also be required to pay the towing fee and any storage costs which are incurred.” (La. R.S. 40:1742 (parking spaces for persons with disabilities))
Ask about parking rules
COMING SOONSoon you will be able to ask a question and get an answer from these verified rules, with the source.
General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
