How to pay for parking

Scam alerts
Fake QR code on parking meters and pay stations

Dec. 18, 2025: A sticker with a fake QR code has been attached to various parking machines which, when scanned with a smartphone, navigates residents to a fraudulent version of the PayByPhone website. Residents are advised not to scan any QR code that has been placed on a parking meter or pay station as the City does not use QR codes for any parking payments.

If you see a QR code on a meter or pay station, report it on Van311

Parking ticket payment text messages

July 15, 2025: We have been notified of a scam targeting people through text messages requesting they pay an overdue parking ticket.
- These text messages are not from us.
- Do not click the link or provide payment details.
- Report these messages to your cellphone provider and then delete them.
- We do not notify the public of fines through texting, media, or social media.
City-approved notification methods for parking tickets:
- Ticket served to vehicle
- Ticket mailed to registered owner of vehicle

What you need to know

Coins no longer accepted for parking

We’re removing coins as a payment option for street parking to simplify how people pay.

Starting April 27, 2026, parking meters and pay stations will no longer accept coins.

Ways to pay for parking

Use the PayByPhone or HotSpot app
Use a credit card or debit card at a parking meter or pay station
Phone PayByPhone: 604-909-7275 (PARK)

Parking apps

Download the apps to your Apple or Android mobile phones.

PayByPhone app

HotSpot app

Benefits of using a mobile app to pay
- Provides a "Park until" feature.
- Park overnight by paying ahead for the next day.
- Pay on your phone.
- Extend your parking session using your phone.
- Get text alerts or push notifications before your time expires.
- Get the app in multiple languages such as French, Spanish, Chinese, and Punjabi.
- Get receipts online or by email.

Set up PayByPhone or HotSpot to pay for parking

App setup details

Details	PayByPhone	HotSpot
Sign up	Create a PayByPhone account or phone 604-909-7275 (PARK)	Create a HotSpot account or phone 1-855-712-5888
Provide required details	Mobile phone number Credit card number (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) Licence plate number	Mobile phone number Credit card number (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) Licence plate number
Note	Your details are saved and automatically recognized when you pay by phone. Your credit card number is encrypted, never entered, displayed, or spoken during a transaction.	Your details are saved and automatically recognized when you pay by phone. Your credit card number is encrypted, never entered, displayed, or spoken during a transaction.

Unsure about creating an account? You can also pay without creating an account:

Parking in Vancouver

Pay parking tips
- Pay parking is in effect from 9am to 10pm, 7 days a week, including statutory holidays, unless specified.
- Daytime rates (9am to 6pm) may be different from evening rates (6pm to 10pm).
- Before paying, check if there are parking restrictions in effect, such as rush hour, special events, or construction.
- Avoid getting a parking ticket.
  - You still need to pay for parking if a parking meter or pay station is broken. Use PayByPhone or HotSpot instead.
  - Make sure you select and pay for the correct licence plate
  - Get back to your car before your parking session expires. Pay with the HotSpot or PayByPhone app to get text alerts or push notifications and extend your time.
Learn more about parking in Vancouver
- Time-limited and pay parking, including veterans parking
- Motorcycle and scooter parking
- Accessible parking
Broken parking meter or pay station? Report a broken parking meter or pay station

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