Baltimore Parking Signs, Definitions, and Fees

If I had a dime for every time I’ve received a parking ticket in Baltimore. Ah, the joys of urban car ownership.

Baltimore, like most cities, uses signage as an indicator of parking legality. Though you can occasionally get away with parking in a no-park zone, it’s best to learn (and follow) the city’s parking guidelines. The city separates parking into three categories: public parking, such as metered or free spots; private parking, such as LAZ or company-owned lots; and resident-specific permitted parking, such as “Area #30 parking” or “Permit Holder Only” spots.

Tickets range from $32 to $500 and, although relatively trivial offenses, can result in your vehicle being booted (immobilized with a lock/chain) if you delay paying three consecutive tickets. Dealing with an immobilized vehicle is a pain, so be sure you promptly pay (or contest, if you dare!) any tickets you receive.

One of the differentiating factors for fee rates is whether a sign says “Cars Towed Away” or “Tow Away Zone.” The fee will be higher if the sign states either of these (or similar). For example, the ticket fees for “No Stopping” or “No Parking” signs are generally $32 but increase to $52 if they contain a tow-away statement at the bottom.

Additionally, though this may seem obvious, it can be challenging to determine sometimes: signs are “side-specific.” In other words, they only apply to the side of the street where they appear. Unless otherwise noted, if the sign is on the right side of the road, it only applies to the right side of the street; if the sign is on the left side of the street, it only applies to the left side.

Note:
The rates listed are current as of 2020 but may change over time. Check the current rates by clicking the Parking Fines Listing link (under the “Other” section) on the Baltimore City Department of Finance website.

See Also:

Where and how to pay tickets in my article, How to Pay Parking Tickets in Baltimore City.

2-Hour Parking Limit

If you live in one of Baltimore’s residential parking zones, I doubt you’ve seen at least one variation of this sign. Those residing in one of Baltimore’s residential districts can purchase an area parking permit. Learn more about obtaining a residential parking permit or guest (visitor) pass here.

Sign:
No Stopping. 2 Hour Parking Limit: Permit Holders Excepted

Explanation:
Anyone can park here for two hours, but those with a residential parking permit for the relevant area (i.e., zone 28) can park here for as long as they would like unless otherwise noted.

Note:
This sign is not necessarily related to days/times; in more touristy areas, for example, food trucks are exclusively excepted.

Fine:
$52 (non-permitted over two hours)

Parking Reserved

Variation of a common sign, but much less common, Here, you can only park if you are a designated person/member of a group (i.e., a teacher at a school or university, a company board member, etc.)

Sign:
Parking Reserved: Permit Holders

Explanation:
No one can park here during the stated days/times unless they are a designated person or member of the indicated group.

Fine:
Varies (accessible vs standard)

No Stopping/No Parking

This sign is one of the most common types across the city. Although “No Stopping” and “No Parking” have different meanings officially, they are effectively the same for most people (“Don’t Park Here!”).

Sign:
No Stopping: Tow Away Zone

Explanation:
No one can park here at any time under any circumstance. Violators may be towed.

Fine:

• $32 (without tow-away)
• $52 (with tow-away)

No Stopping/No Parking, EXCEPT

This sign is another variation of the former. Here, parking is available only on certain days/times. Effectively the opposite of the No Stopping/No Parking, [DAY(S)] sign type.

Sign:
No Stopping, No Parking: Cars Towed Away

Explanation:
No one can park here under any circumstance except for specific days/times (i.e., no one can park here Monday thru Friday, but everyone can park here on Saturday and Sunday).

Fine:

• $32 (without tow-away)
• $52 (with tow-away)

Note:

In general, assuming there are no other conflicting signs, the opposite holds as well (i.e., you can park here during days/times that are not stated; in this instance, you may park here any day or time except for 8:00 AM thru 11:00 AM on Monday and Thursday).

No Stopping/No Parking, [DAY(S)]

Similar to the previous sign, but for a different reason. Here, the sign only applies on certain days or hours.

Sign:
No Parking, Street Cleaning: Tow Away Zone

Explanation:
No one can park here between the stated hours on the indicated day(s).

Fine:

• $32 (without tow-away)
• $52 (with tow-away)
• $52 (street cleaning, read more here)

Note:
Street cleaning occurs at various times throughout the week, including streets with this sign. Everyone—including those with parking permits—must vacate the road on the stated day and time.

Parking Limit, ZONE

Not extremely common; sometimes found downtown, near manufacturing/produce buildings and restaurants.

Sign:
Parking Limit: Passenger Loading Zone

Explanation:
You may stop here for the stated amount of time or period only if you are loading/offloading, a valet, or similar.

Fine:
$32

Multiple Signs

Downtown Baltimore is notorious for having precise parking instructions.

Sign:
Parking Limit: Passenger Loading Zone

Explanation:
Stop your car before figuring these types of signs out—they can be particular! In this instance, you cannot stop here during the stated times. Additionally, you cannot park to the right of this sign during the stated times if you do not fit the applicable descriptions.

Fine:
Varies

Pay to Park/Metered Parking

Very common in condensed downtown areas with limited parking options. Fells Point, the Inner Harbor, Mt Vernon, Federal Hill, and other regions utilize hourly-rate parking.

Sign:
Pay to Park

Explanation:
Metered parking times are area-specific, so you should check before parking. Outside of the specified hours, it is free to park at these locations (i.e., Sunday is a typical “off” day that most metered areas offer—be sure to double-check, though); this applies to accessible metered parking as well.

Hourly Rate:
$0.50 – $3.50

Fine:
$32 (meter non-payment)

Bus Stop

This sign is standard in all urban areas of Maryland. Visit the Maryland Department of Transportation website to learn more about local bus routes.

Sign:
Bus Stop, No Stopping: Tow Away Zone

Explanation:
Look out for these, as you cannot park here; the ticket is expensive.

Fine:
$252

Snow Route

You will find this sign in urban city areas.

Sign:
Snow Route: No Parking During Snow Emergency

Explanation:
These signs only apply when the applicable region declares a snow emergency in times of substantial snowfall, which is quite rare.

Fine:
$77

Accessible Parking

This sign is common in all areas/regions of Maryland.

Sign:
Reserved Parking: Metered Payment Required

Explanation:
Unless you are eligible for accessible parking, don’t park here; the fine is the single highest parking fee one can receive.

Fine:
$500

Fire Hydrant

Although technically not a sign, they appear on virtually every block in urban and rural areas.

Explanation:
Never park in front of a fire hydrant. Considering these are only used during emergencies, a company may tow your car.

Fine:
$77

Note:
Always park at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants.

MDOT Park and Ride Parking

Operated by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), and State Highway Administration (SHA).

Sign:
Park & Ride

Explanation:
Free parking for anyone! Drivers commonly see this sign during long-distance commutes.

Parking Garages/Lots

As expected, many paid, private parking garage options exist for more heavily-congested areas, such as downtown Baltimore.

Sign:
PMI, SP+, LAZ, etc.

Explanation:
These signs indicate private parking companies, including Parking Management Inc (PMI), Standard Parking (SP+), and LAZ (from the founder, Alan Lazowski).

Hourly Rate:
Varies (typically $5-15)

Private Parking

This type of sign is common on private lots throughout the city.

Sign:
Private Parking Only: Vehicles parked illegally and non permitted vehicles will be towed at the owner’s risk and expense […]

Explanation:
You cannot park here unless you are the owner/renter or affiliates with a private parking area.

If You Get Towed:
I’m genuinely sorry if this happens to you. I once planned for Valentine’s dinner with my partner, and right before leaving, I realized a company had towed my car. Bummer! Once you know that your vehicle has been towed (and have calmed down!), look for a sign similar to the above; it will contain the location, number, and maximum fee/storage rates for the company that towed your vehicle. These locations, as required by law, are open 24/7.

Towing Fee:
Not to exceed $500

Storage Fee:
Not to exceed $8 per day

Other

There are various other signs throughout the city—use common sense and good judgment, and you should be fine.

Sign:
No Parking: Water Taxi Maintenance Vehicles Only

Explanation:
In this instance, only maintenance vehicles can park here from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Although my car has never been towed because of parking here, I wouldn’t recommend risking it!

Fine:
Varies