Bowling Green, KY Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)

Bowling Green's Chapter 22 (Traffic and Motor Vehicles) does not contain a universal overnight ban for cars and light trucks; properly registered, operable passenger vehicles may park on most public streets overnight subject only to posted no-parking signs, the state-law no-parking distances in KRS 189.450 (within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in an intersection or crosswalk, on a sidewalk, etc.), and the three-day abandonment clock in KRS 189.751. Under KRS 189.751, any vehicle left on a city street for three consecutive days is presumed abandoned; the public authority can have a presumed-abandoned vehicle towed by a person engaged in the business of storing or towing motor vehicles, and the responsible party is subject to a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100 or imprisonment of 10 to 30 days. The city's downtown parking system is built around free public access overnight: the Stadium Park Plaza parking structure at 360 E 8th Ave. has 700 free spaces 24/7, the two Circus Square Park lots at 601 College St. are free 24/7, the Justice Center lot at 1034 Center St. is free 24/7, and the BGMU lot (221 E Main Ave.) and 324 E 10th Ave. lot are free after 5 p.m. weekdays and all weekend. Privately owned downtown lots are a different story: under Chapter 15 (Business and General Regulations), as amended by Ordinance BG2014-5, BG2020-38 (immobilization), BG2022-37 (fee limits), and BG2026-3 (signage and fee limits), private-lot tows must comply with city signage requirements and capped fees, but a vehicle left overnight in a properly signed private lot can be towed. Overnight parking is also restricted in WKU controlled lots: WKU has an agreement with the Bowling Green Police Department to enforce city streets and alleys adjacent to WKU property, and housing student permits are enforced Sunday 4:30 p.m. through Friday 4:30 p.m.