Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Sometimes. Under state law, a placard holder need not pay meters that do not meet ADA requirements. At other meters, the holder may park for twice the posted time, up to 4 hours. Local rules in some places may differ.
- At a meter that permits more than 4 hours, the holder may park for the period the meter permits.
- The state rule supersedes local ordinances, with exceptions such as no-parking zones, rush-hour bans, and Baltimore City residential permit zones.
- The holder must have Motor Vehicle Administration identification and show it on request.
- Only a person with a qualifying disability, or someone accompanied by one, may use the privileges.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: unclearVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Is not required to pay any parking meter fees of this State or of any political subdivision of this State” (Md. Transportation Article, section 13-616 (special disability registration plates; parking privileges))
“twice the maximum time period permitted on the parking meter but not to exceed a maximum of 4 hours” (Md. Transportation Article, section 13-616 (meter time))
“is accorded the privileges contained in” (Md. Transportation Article, section 13-616.1 (parking placards))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
Maryland residents with a qualifying permanent disability certified by a licensed health professional can apply to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Another state's or country's placard is accorded the same Maryland parking privileges.
- Qualifying conditions include being unable to walk 200 feet without resting, needing a wheelchair, certain lung or heart conditions, loss of a limb or its use, or certain vision loss.
- A parent or legal guardian may apply for a minor.
- Placards hang from the rearview mirror when parked and must not hang there while driving.
- A placard issued under this section is valid until the holder's death, per the statute.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Is a resident of the State; and” (Md. Transportation Article, section 13-616.1 (parking placards))
“Is unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest;” (Md. Transportation Article, section 13-616 (eligibility))
“under this section or under a similar provision of law of any state or country is accorded the privileges” (Md. Transportation Article, section 13-616.1 (other states))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits and overstay penalties are set locally; check posted signs. State law says disability plate and placard holders may park for unlimited periods in time-restricted zones (not at meters), with exceptions.
- Meters have a separate rule for disabled holders (twice the posted time, up to 4 hours).
- The state exemption does not apply to no-parking zones, zones reserved for special vehicles, or rush-hour restrictions.
- We did not find an official state page setting general time limits or overstay fines.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“may park for unlimited periods in parking zones restricted as to the length of parking time permitted” (Md. Transportation Article, section 13-616 (parking privileges))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow and street-cleaning rules are set by each city or county. Baltimore City example: when Phase II or Phase III of the snow emergency plan is in effect, you cannot park on snow emergency routes.
- Baltimore example: routes are marked with black and white signs, often higher on the pole than other signs.
- Baltimore example: parking there can bring a $52 ticket and the car may be towed to a safe location.
- Other Maryland jurisdictions have their own rules; check your county or city.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“When Phase II or Phase III of the city's snow emergency plan is in effect, you can't park on snow emergency routes.” (City of Baltimore: Tips on Parking During a Snow Emergency (city example))
“you could get a $52 ticket and your car might be towed to a safe location.” (City of Baltimore: Tips on Parking During a Snow Emergency (fine, city example))
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
We could not find a statewide rule. As an example, Baltimore moved parking enforcement to 24 hours, so overnight enforcement now covers residential permit parking violations, illegal commercial vehicle parking and towable offenses.
- Example city: Baltimore. This is a city enforcement announcement, not a permit program for overnight parking.
- Baltimore's release says overnight tow and impound resources will be available.
- Check posted signs and the Parking Authority for permit areas; rules vary by block and city.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Overnight enforcement will allow agents to cite habitual offenders including commercial vehicles parked illegally in residential areas, residential permit parking violations” (Example city: Baltimore - Department of Transportation to Begin 24-Hour Parking Enforcement)
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law bans parking in places like sidewalks, crosswalks, and within 15 feet of a hydrant, and in disability spaces without authorization. Other fines and towing are local. Baltimore example: call 311 or 410-396-9958 if towed.
- Parking in front of a curb ramp for people with disabilities, or in a disability space or zone when not entitled, is prohibited; the fine for those two violations is $25 under state law.
- Baltimore example: a ticket is not always required before towing, and tickets owed are added to the fee to get your car back.
- Baltimore example: towed cars go to the Pulaski Highway Impound Facility (6700 Pulaski Highway) or the Fallsway Facility.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“A person may not stand or park a vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.” (Md. Transportation Article, section 21-1003 (stopping, standing and parking prohibited))
“A person convicted of a violation of subsection (u) or (dd) of this section is subject to a fine of $25.” (Md. Transportation Article, section 21-1003 (penalty))
“If your car was towed during a snow emergency, call 311 or 410-396-9958 for help.” (City of Baltimore: Tips on Parking During a Snow Emergency (towing, city example))
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.
