Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Under state law, an eligible person with a valid plate or placard (from any state) may park without fee for at least 10 continuous days in time-limited or metered spaces, and 24 hours in public garages. Exceptions apply.
- Does not apply where parking, standing or stopping is banned for all vehicles (including by a parking ban) or in spaces reserved for special vehicles.
- The placard must be displayed as the law requires (hung from the rearview mirror, or on the dashboard if there is no mirror).
- Applies to the disabled person or someone transporting them.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“to park without fee, for at least 10 continuous days in a parking space or area that is restricted as to the length of time” (23 V.S.A. 304a - Special registration plates and placards for individuals with disabilities)
“an eligible person shall be permitted to park, and to park without fee, for at least 24 continuous hours.” (23 V.S.A. 304a - Special registration plates and placards for individuals with disabilities)
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
Vermont residents who are blind or have an ambulatory disability (for example, cannot walk 200 feet without resting) can apply with a form signed by a physician, assistant or nurse. Plates and placards issued by any state are honored.
- The placard is issued without a fee; a new application is needed every four years unless the condition is certified permanent and stable.
- Temporary placards are valid up to six months.
- Visitors' out-of-state plates and placards are covered if displayed as required by the issuing state's law.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The placard shall be issued without a fee to an individual who is blind or has an ambulatory disability.” (23 V.S.A. 304a - Special registration plates and placards for individuals with disabilities)
“Eligible persons may park vehicles with special registration plates or removable windshield placards issued by any state in special parking spaces” (23 V.S.A. 304a - Special registration plates and placards for individuals with disabilities)
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
We could not confirm a statewide rule. As an example, Burlington's on-street meters have different time restrictions by meter type: none for smart meters, 30 minutes, 3 hours or 9 hours for others.
- Example city: Burlington.
- Burlington lists enforcement hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the downtown core and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside it.
- Other Vermont towns set their own limits.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“YELLOW TOP $1.50/HOUR COIN/PARKMOBILE 30 MIN BLUE TOP $1.50/HOUR COIN/PARKMOBILE 3 HOURS” (Example city: Burlington - Parking Rates)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Set by each town. Example: Burlington allows winter street parking except during a declared parking ban; when the warning lights are on, cars must be off the street by 10 pm until the lights go off.
- Burlington says towing is enforced only from 10 pm to 7 am during a ban.
- State law lets a town tow a car parked contrary to its ordinance in a way that interferes with snow removal, if signs are posted.
- Other towns have different hours and rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“You can park on City streets during the Winter months EXCEPT during a Parking Ban.” (City of Burlington - FAQs on winter parking (city example))
“Vehicles must be off the street by 10pm once the lights are activated and remain off street until the lights are shut off.” (City of Burlington - FAQs on winter parking (city example))
“so as to interfere with the policing, construction, or maintenance of the highways, including the removal of snow” (23 V.S.A. 1752 - Parked vehicles)
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Set by each town. Example: Burlington allows street parking in winter except during a parking ban, when cars must be off the street from 10 pm. Rules in other towns differ.
- No statewide overnight street-parking rule was confirmed.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Towing will be enforced only from 10pm to 7am during the Parking Ban.” (City of Burlington - FAQs on winter parking (city example))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Parking in a disabled space without being an eligible person carries a civil penalty of at least $200 plus towing and storage charges. Towns may tow for parking that violates a town ordinance if signs are posted.
- Displaying a placard not issued to you and parking in a disabled space carries a penalty of at least $400 plus towing.
- Storage charges under this law may not exceed $12.00 per day, and a lien may be placed on the vehicle.
- Towns may boot a vehicle with four or more unpaid parking violations in a calendar year if the town has authorized it and 15 days' mailed notice was sent.
- How to recover a towed car was not found on a state page; ask the town police or the tow company.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 for each violation and shall be liable for towing charges.” (23 V.S.A. 304a - Special registration plates and placards for individuals with disabilities)
“liable for storage charges not to exceed $12.00 per day” (23 V.S.A. 304a - Special registration plates and placards for individuals with disabilities)
“the police department of the town may cause the motor vehicle to be towed away at the expense of the owner” (23 V.S.A. 1752 - Parked vehicles)
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.
