Phoenix, AZ Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Parking position
- Parallel, within 18 in. of curb (Sec. 36-142)
- Citywide time limit
- None unless posted
- Resident permit
- $10/yr; visitor $5/yr (City Code 36-157)
- Meter hours
- Enforced 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; free overnight
Summary
Phoenix City Code Sec. 36-142 requires vehicles to park parallel to the curb, headed with traffic, within 18 inches of the curb. There is no citywide street-parking time limit, but the city may post signed restrictions and Resident Permit Parking areas (City Code 36-157) where intruder parking is documented.
Sec. 36-142. Parallel parking. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall stand or park a vehicle in a roadway other than parallel with the edge of the roadway headed in the direction of lawful traffic movement and with the curbside wheels of the vehicle within eighteen inches of the curb or edge of the roadway. (Code 1962, Sec. 37-50.11) State law reference- Parallel and angle parking, A.R.S. Sec. 28-874.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
On-street parking in Phoenix is governed by Chapter 36, Article XI of the City Code. Section 36-142 sets the basic rule that, except where otherwise posted, vehicles must be parked parallel to the edge of the roadway, headed in the direction of lawful traffic, with curbside wheels within 18 inches of the curb (state-law parallel: A.R.S. Sec. 28-874). Phoenix does not impose a blanket time limit on residential street parking; restrictions apply only where signs are posted. Where chronic non-resident 'intruder' parking exists, the City Council may amend City Code Sec. 36-157 to create a Resident Permit Parking Program (RPPP) area, after which a block may petition (70 percent of homeowners on one side of the street) for 'resident only' signs. Resident permits cost $10/year and visitor permits $5/year (limit three). Phoenix on-street meters are enforced 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and are free overnight.
Violations & Fines
Parking contrary to Sec. 36-142 or a posted/permit restriction is a civil traffic violation enforced by Phoenix Police; vehicles without a permit parked during restricted hours in an RPPP area are subject to citation (report to (602) 534-7733).
Frequently Asked Questions
How must I park on a Phoenix street?
Is there a time limit for parking on my residential street?
How does resident permit parking work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
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