Albuquerque, NM Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- City Code
- ROA 1994 Sec. 8-5-1-1 (Ch. 8, Art. 5)
- State law
- NMSA 1978 Sec. 66-7-351
- Crosswalk clearance
- 50 feet (no parking)
- Meter hours
- 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Sat (free Sun/holidays)
- 2025 overhaul
- Ordinance O-25-98 (Nov. 5, 2025)
Summary
On-street parking in Albuquerque is governed by the city's Traffic Code (ROA 1994 Chapter 8, Article 5), layered on top of New Mexico's Uniform Traffic Act (NMSA 1978 Section 66-7-351). Metered curbside parking in Old Town, Downtown and Nob Hill is managed by the Parking Division and must be paid 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Vehicles parked at a meter must pay between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. A Driver does not have to pay the meter on Sunday or federally recognized Holidays. There are metered parking locations located throughout the Old Town, Downtown, and Nob Hill locations.
Full Breakdown
Curbside parking in Albuquerque is regulated under Chapter 8, Article 5 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque (ROA) 1994 and enforced by the city's Parking Division. State law sets the baseline: NMSA 1978 Section 66-7-351 prohibits stopping, standing or parking on a sidewalk, within an intersection, on a crosswalk, alongside a street excavation or obstruction, on the roadway side of a parked vehicle (double parking), on a bridge or in a tunnel, and wherever official signs prohibit it. Locally, ROA 1994 Section 8-5-1-1 prohibits parking - without any sign being required - next to a curb painted yellow or red, on a crosswalk or within 50 feet of one, on a sidewalk, between the curb and the sidewalk, and within three feet of a driveway.
In November 2025 the City Council unanimously overhauled the Traffic Code (Ordinance O-25-98) - its first major update since 1974 - which prohibits parking within 50 feet of a crosswalk unless otherwise designated and reaffirms that parking in bicycle lanes is prohibited. m. Monday-Saturday (free Sundays and federal holidays).
Violations & Fines
Parking citations are issued by the Parking Division and may be paid online or in person. Violations of the state stopping/standing rules in NMSA 1978 Section 66-7-351 are penalty-assessment misdemeanors enforceable under NMSA 1978 Section 66-8-116. Vehicles parked in violation may be cited, immobilized or towed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I have to pay the parking meter in Albuquerque?
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Can I park in a bike lane to run a quick errand?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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