Cars parked on a Vancouver street

Parking in Vancouver

We manage parking to balance the needs of residents, commuters, and visitors. We have rules about:

  • Where you can park
  • How much it costs to park
  • How to report parking-related issues

By following the rules, you can help maintain a smooth flow of traffic throughout Vancouver.

Scam alert: Parking ticket payment text messages

June 6, 2024: 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

Paying your parking ticket

Pay parking tickets online, by phone, or in person. Pay within 14 days of the issue date and get 40% off the full amount.

Time-limited and pay (meter) parking

On-street parking in Vancouver includes time-limited parking and pay (meter) parking.

Residential parking permits

Vehicles parked in residential parking zones must have a valid parking permit. Learn how to get one.

Parking at parks

Get information on parking at Vancouver parks, including reporting parking issues.

Pay for meter parking with the free PayByPhone smartphone app

When you use the PayByPhone app, you:

  • Park until the next day
  • Get reminders before your time on the meter expires
  • Can extend your time on the go, without running back to the meter

Download the PayByPhone app now

Learn more about how to pay for parking in Vancouver

Tickets and towing

Learn why the City tickets and tows vehicles, and how parking bylaws impact public safety and the flow of transportation.

Parking tips, regulations, and by-laws

Avoid getting a ticket by knowing the top parking laws. Park smart by following this guide to parking bylaws in Vancouver.

Commercial and business parking

Learn about commercial loading zones and lanes, tour-bus parking, reserving metered spaces, and adding and removing meters.