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Albuquerque, NM Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 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.

Source: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/albuquerque/latest/albuquerque_nm/0-0-0-119704View official code

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?
Metered spaces in Old Town, Downtown and Nob Hill must be paid between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Meters are free on Sundays and federally recognized holidays, but always check the signs for posted time limits.
How close to a crosswalk can I park?
Under the city's 2025 Traffic Code update, parking is prohibited within 50 feet of a crosswalk unless designated otherwise, and ROA 1994 Sec. 8-5-1-1 already barred parking on a crosswalk or within 50 feet of one without any sign being required.
Can I park in a bike lane to run a quick errand?
No. It is against City of Albuquerque ordinance to park in bicycle lanes, a prohibition reaffirmed in the November 2025 Traffic Code overhaul.

Sources & Official References

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