Philadelphia regulates on-street parking through the Philadelphia Parking Authority under Phila. Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) districts require a valid PPA permit displayed on the vehicle. Meters operate Monday through Saturday, with rates and hours posted on each block.
On-street parking in Philadelphia is administered by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) under the authority of Phila. Code Title 12 (Traffic Code). The city is divided into Residential Permit Parking (RPP) districts where vehicles parked longer than two hours during enforcement hours must display a valid zone permit issued by the PPA. Annual permits cost $35 for the first vehicle at an address, with escalating fees for additional vehicles. Visitor passes are available for short-term guests.
Metered parking covers most commercial corridors and Center City. Meters generally operate Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though hours and rates vary by district (Center City is more expensive and may run later). Sunday metered parking is generally free except in specific high-traffic zones. Street cleaning signs indicate one or two mornings per week when vehicles must be moved; remaining vehicles receive a $51 ticket.
State-law no-parking rules apply citywide: 15 feet from a fire hydrant, 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection, 30 feet from a stop sign or traffic signal, and never blocking a driveway, bus stop, or ADA ramp. The PPA also enforces "ghost car" booting for vehicles with three or more unpaid tickets.
Common fines: expired meter $36, street cleaning $51, hydrant $76, double parking $76, no permit in RPP zone $51, bus stop $76, blocking driveway $76. Three unpaid tickets trigger a boot ($150 release fee). Towing fees start at $175 plus daily storage.
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