Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Only with a free parking sticker. Free metered or public-structure parking requires a Michigan placard with a free parking sticker, or an equivalent other-state item. Otherwise you must pay and may face a civil infraction.
- The free parking sticker is for drivers who cannot do certain tasks, such as handling coins at meters, reaching above 42 inches, approaching a meter in a wheelchair, or walking more than 20 feet.
- Applicants for an initial free parking sticker must be licensed drivers with a health professional's certification.
- A regular placard alone gives 'courtesy' in parking, not free metered parking.
- Local ordinances banning parking for fire lanes or rush hour are not overridden.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“To be entitled to free parking in a metered space or in a publicly owned parking structure or area” (MCL 257.675 (Michigan Vehicle Code, parking; disabled persons))
“is not entitled to free parking in a metered parking space or in a publicly owned parking area or structure” (MCL 257.675 (no free parking without display))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
A disabled person can apply to the Secretary of State for a temporary (up to 6 months) or permanent placard; permanent placards require proof of Michigan residency. Other states' placards, certificates and plates are recognized.
- Temporary placards are valid for no more than 6 months; permanent placards for no more than 4 years per renewal.
- Another person may use the placard only to transport the disabled person.
- Another state's placard, certificate or plate entitles the holder to courtesy in parking and, if displayed, to free metered parking.
- The placard hangs from the rearview mirror (or the dashboard if none) while parked.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The secretary of state shall not issue a permanent placard to an individual under this section unless that individual has provided proof of Michigan residency.” (MCL 257.675 (placard application))
“a certificate of identification or windshield placard from another state” (MCL 257.675 (other states))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Local ordinance sets time limits and penalties; check signs. State law lets local authorities regulate parking, and gives placard holders a courtesy for parking violations other than violations of the state vehicle code.
- Most local parking rules are only enforceable once signs give notice.
- A disabled person with a placard or plate (including from another state) is relieved from parking liability, except for violations of the vehicle code.
- Local fire lane and rush-hour bans still apply to placard holders.
- We did not find an official state page listing time limits or fine amounts.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Regulating the standing or parking of vehicles.” (MCL 257.606 (local authority powers))
“is entitled to courtesy in the parking of a vehicle.” (MCL 257.675 (courtesy for disabled persons))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow rules are set by each city. Detroit example: signs on snow emergency routes can prohibit parking for plowing, and in extreme weather police may ticket and tow illegally parked cars on those routes.
- Detroit example: snow emergency route signs are posted up to 48 hours in advance.
- Detroit example: routes marked with red and white signs are first priority for snow removal.
- Other Michigan cities have their own rules; check your city.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“the City may declare a snow emergency, which will allow police to ticket and tow illegally parked vehicles on snow emergency routes” (City of Detroit: Snow / Ice Management (city example))
“will have signs posted up to 48 hrs in advance to prohibit parking for the purpose of plowing.” (City of Detroit: Snow / Ice Management (signs, city example))
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
It depends on the city. State law recognizes local ordinances that limit or ban all-night or early-morning parking, usually announced by signs at the municipality's borders. We did not find a statewide overnight permit program.
- Municipalities with such ordinances may post notice signs on highways at the corporate limits instead of on every street.
- Check your city's ordinance or parking office for overnight bans or permits.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“ordinances of general application throughout the jurisdiction of the municipalities enacting the ordinances that prohibit, limit, or restrict all night parking” (MCL 257.606 (local authority powers; notice of all-night parking rules))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Fines and towing are mostly local. State law lets cities regulate impoundment, including for 6 or more unanswered parking tickets, and caps any bond to recover an impounded car at $500. Detroit may tow in a snow emergency.
- Local impound ordinances cannot require a bond or cash deposit over $500 to recover a vehicle pending final adjudication.
- Misusing a disability placard can be a misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
- We did not find an official page on how to recover a towed car statewide; contact the local police or city.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Regulating the impoundment or immobilization of vehicles whose owner has failed to answer 6 or more parking violation notices” (MCL 257.606 (impoundment))
“shall not require a bond or cash deposit by the owner of the motor vehicle in excess of $500.00” (MCL 257.606 (bond cap))
“is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both” (MCL 257.675 (placard misuse penalty))
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.
