WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MY SPECIFIC PARKING OR CURBSIDE MANAGEMENT ISSUE?
Contact the Department of Public Works (401-680-7500) with questions about applying for parking and traffic permits.
Contact Melanie A. Jewett, Curbside Administrator (mjewett@providenceri.gov, 401-680-7573) with questions about:
- Handicap Accessible Parking Signage
- Loading Zones
- 15 Minute Drop Off/Pick Up Parking Zones
- Micromobility Bike and Scooter Issues
- Requests for Permanent Changes to Parking Signs
- Requests for Parking Sign Repairs or Replacement
- Emergency No Parking Tow Zone permit
- Street Closures
- Traffic Calming
- Valet licenses
- Outdoor dining licenses
- Questions about parking tickets
- Contesting a parking violation
How much does it cost to park at a meter?
Providence replaced every parking meter in the city in Spring 2024. The parking meters accept multiple forms of payment. Residents and visitors can pay via coins, credit & debit cards, mobile parking applications, text to pay, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. For more information on metered parking in Providence, including parking zone numbers, visit www.park-pvd.com.
WHAT ARE THE BENEITS OF METERED PARKING?
Metered parking is an important way for Providence to generate revenue that can be used to provide important city services.
79% of people paying for parking in Providence live outside the city. Though we love our visitors, they use our roads and services but don’t contribute to city taxes. Metered parking is one way to gain back some payment from them to cover their use of those city amenities.
Additionally, paid parking reduces how long people stay in a parking space, thus freeing up the space more frequently for new customers. This means making the spaces paid can make it easier and more reliable to find parking in an area. It also reduces how much cars must circle to find a spot, which reduces traffic congestion.
Not all places should have metered parking. The general rule of thumb is that meters could be considered on streets where over 85% of the spaces are full at peak times. If that is the case, the surrounding businesses and residents could be consulted to see if metered parking could be appropriate to help manage demand, improve business vitality, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and generate revenue for city services.
If the posted sign limit is two hours, can I go back and “feed” the meter to obtain additional time?
No. The posted sign limits of 30 minutes, 2 hrs, 3 hrs, 4 hrs and 10 hrs are strictly enforced. The purpose of creating a time limit is to afford other motorists the opportunity to patronize local businesses. If you need longer-term parking, there are parking lots located throughout the city that charge affordable daily rates.
When are the meters and parking regulations enforced?
The parking meters and posted parking time limits are enforced from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, throughout the metered areas of the city. Parking on Sundays and Holidays is ALWAYS free. Overnight parking is by permit only, and it is enforced between 2:00AM and 5:00AM. Other violations such as no parking on sidewalks, within 25’ of a corner, within 8’ of a fire hydrant, and blocking driveways are enforced around the clock.
How many parking spaces are there and where are they located?
There are over 2200 metered spots in Downtown, the Jewelry District, Thayer Street & Vicinity South Water and South Main Streets, Federal Hill, the State House and Train Station, and Wayland Square. There are also numerous non-metered spots throughout the city. Most time limits are 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours, but some long-term parking (10 hours) exists in limited supply on the following streets:
- Canal Street
- Broadway (Downtown)
- Gaspee Street
- Greenman Lane
- Fountain Street (Across from Providence Public Library)
- Friendship Street (West of Chestnut)
- Clifford Street (West of Chestnut)
- South Main Street (from Wickenden to James Street
- South Water Street
- There are also well over 20,000 public/private parking lots within walking distance of most establishments in the Downtown area. A map of metered locations and parking facilities can be found here for your reference.
CAN I PARK ON THE STREET OVERNIGHT?
You may not park in any on-street parking space in Providence between 2:00AM and 5:00AM without an overnight parking permit or guest parking permit. The permit can be purchased online, or you can come in person to 700 Allens Ave. in Providence RI. Possession of an overnight parking permit does not grant the holder rights to a specific parking space, nor does it allow the holder to park in anything but a legal parking space. Anywhere that is designated as “No Parking” is not a legal parking space for overnight parking.
Overnight Parking Permit Application
WHERE DO I SEND A REQUEST TO CHANGE THE CURB REGULATIONS FOR A STREET, SUCH AS ADDING METERS, ADDING A LOADING ZONE, OR CHANGING THE TIME RESTRICTIONS?
You can reach out to the Curbside Administrator, Melanie A. Jewett. Generally, we will study the curb activity in the area, including parking utilization, double parking activity, and pedestrian and bike safety. We will also work with you to talk to the other businesses and residents on that street before making any final decisions.
What type of payment is accepted at the meters?
Providence replaced every parking meter in the city in Spring 2024. The parking meters accept multiple forms of payment. Residents and visitors can pay via coins, credit & debit cards, mobile parking applications, text to pay, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. For more information on metered parking in Providence, including parking zone numbers, visit www.park-pvd.com.
How do I use a Multi-space meter?
The new multi-space meters in the city are license plate based. Touch any key on the keypad (not the screen) to wake up the meter and the meter will walk you through the steps to pay. PLEASE NOTE: THE NEW MULTI-SPACE METERS ARE NOT “PAY AND DISPLAY” METERS. PARKERS NO LONGER NEED TO DISPLAY THEIR PARKING RECEIPT IN THEIR WINDSHIELD.
When parking at a single space meter, how do I know which meter goes to what parking space?
When parking at a single space meter, the meter that is closest to the front of the car belongs to that parking spot. To ensure that you receive credit for paying for a parking spot, always remember to pull the front of your car as close as possible to the meter pole so that they are parallel. There are some locations where there are double headed meters. In those situations, one meter will be at the rear of a car.
If a meter is not functioning, who should I contact and will I receive a ticket for parking there?
- If a meter is not functioning properly, you can report the issue to the Curbside Administrator’s Office at mjewett@providenceri.gov or 401-680-7573.
- For single-space or multi-space meters, parking can always be paid for through one of the city’s mobile parking applications. Visit Park-PVD.com for more information.
What is the fine for overstaying my time at my meter or at a regulated parking spot?
The fine for parking at an expired meter or for overstaying your time at a meter/regulated parking spot is $25.00. Fines will double if not paid within 14 days and will continue to increase the longer the ticket goes unpaid. If you feel that the ticket was given to you erroneously you can always contest the ticket and appear before the Providence Municipal Court, located at 325 Washington Street in Providence.
