Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
State law lets a city or county allow permit holders to park at meters without paying, but whether fees apply is up to each city or county. Check the rules where you plan to park.
- The ODOT DMV page says Oregon law gives cities and counties the right to decide whether parking fees apply.
- The statute covers metered zones and time-restricted zones.
- The DMV page says permits cannot be used where parking is only permitted for 30 minutes or less.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Park a motor vehicle in any public parking zone with metered parking without being required to pay any parking meter fee.” (ORS 811.635 (Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 811))
“Oregon law gives cities and counties the right to determine whether parking fees apply.” (Disabled Person Parking Permits (Oregon DMV))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
Qualifying residents and visitors with disabilities certified by a healthcare provider can get a permit, for example if they cannot walk more than 200 feet. Oregon honors permits from other states and countries.
- Permits are available at no charge.
- The other state's permit must show the international symbol of accessibility, and the vehicle must be transporting the disabled person.
- Temporary permits: up to six months (temporary disability), 120 days (temporary duplicate travel), up to 30 days (foreign visitor).
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“recognizes and honors Disabled Parking Permits from other states and those issued internationally.” (Disabled Person Parking Permits (Oregon DMV))
“Disabled Person Parking Permits are available at no charge to qualifying Oregon residents (and visitors) with disabilities.” (Disabled Person Parking Permits (Oregon DMV))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Oregon has no statewide time-limit rule we could confirm. Example city: Portland's city code lets you park in a time zone only up to the posted limit, and bars returning to the same block face for three hours.
- Portland's code says a vehicle may park in a time zone only for a period not to exceed the posted time limit.
- It also bars returning to the same block face, or within 500 feet of it, for a three-hour period.
- Other Oregon cities set their own limits, so read the signs.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“A vehicle may park in a time zone only for a period not to exceed the posted time limit.” (Example city: Portland - City Code 16.20 Public Right-of-Way Parking (Portland.gov))
“A vehicle may not return to a time zone in the same block face or within 500 feet of where previously parked” (Example city: Portland - City Code 16.20 Public Right-of-Way Parking (Portland.gov))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
We could not confirm a statewide rule. Snow and street-cleaning restrictions are set by cities and counties, so check local signs and city notices.
Not confirmed: check local rulesVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Oregon has no statewide overnight rule we could confirm. Example city: Portland's city code treats a vehicle left on the same block face for more than 24 hours as stored, which can be abated. Other cities differ.
- Portland's code says no one may store a vehicle on public right-of-way over 24 hours without City permission.
- Failing to move a vehicle off the block face within 24 hours is treated as evidence of storage.
- This is one city's rule, not a state rule. Check local signs and permit-zone rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“a vehicle or other personal property on public right-of-way or other public property in excess of 24 hours without permission of the City Administrator” (Example city: Portland - City Code 16.20 Public Right-of-Way Parking (Portland.gov))
“within a 24-hour period constitutes prima facie evidence of storage and may be abated” (Example city: Portland - City Code 16.20 Public Right-of-Way Parking (Portland.gov))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law makes parking in a space reserved for people with disabilities a Class C traffic violation, and such a vehicle can be removed. Other fines and tow procedures are local; Portland is shown as one example.
- A second or subsequent disabled-space conviction is a Class A traffic violation.
- ORS 811.620 allows removal of illegally parked vehicles in disabled spaces and a lien for unpaid removal and storage costs if unclaimed after 30 days.
- Portland example: call Police Auto Records at (503) 823-0044 to find out who towed the car and what is needed to get it back.
- Dollar fine amounts were not confirmed from an official page.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“unlawful parking in a space reserved for persons with disabilities is a Class C traffic violation.” (ORS 811.615 (Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 811))
“Fees for tows requested by an agency under this contract are approved by City Council.” (Towing FAQ (City of Portland, example only))
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.
