Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
We found no statewide rule in the state statutes we read, so this is set by cities. Example city: Phoenix gives vehicles with a valid ADA plate or placard one hour of free parking after the meter expires.
- Example city: Phoenix. The city says this applies to all its parking meters, not just accessible spaces.
- Other Arizona cities may differ; check local rules and signs.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Vehicles displaying a valid ADA License Plate and/or Placard receive one hour of free parking once their parking meter has expired.” (Example city: Phoenix - Street Transportation, Parking)
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
People with a qualifying physical disability, backed by a medical certificate, can get a placard; temporary placards exist for temporary disabilities. Arizona grants nonresidents the same parking privileges when they display their own state's valid placard or plates.
- One qualifying condition is being unable to walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
- Permanent placards are blue; temporary placards are red and valid for a period set by the department.
- Placards are issued at no additional charge.
- Access aisles beside disability spaces may not be parked in, even with a placard.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.” (ARS 28-2409 International symbol of access special plates; placard)
“This state shall grant the same parking privileges that are granted to a resident of this state to a nonresident” (ARS 28-883 Agreements with other jurisdictions; reciprocity)
“a person shall not stop, stand or park a motor vehicle within any specially designated and marked parking space provided pursuant to this article” (ARS 28-884 Parking space for persons with physical disabilities; prohibition)
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits are set by cities and towns. Example city: Phoenix says metered time limits range from 15 minutes to 8 hours, usually 2 hours, posted on each meter, and overstaying may bring a fine.
- Example city: Phoenix. Its page says parking longer than the allowable limit may result in a fine under the Phoenix City Code.
- We could not confirm a statewide time limit.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Time limits at metered locations can range from 15 minutes to as long as 8 hours.” (Example city: Phoenix - Street Transportation, Parking)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
No statewide rule confirmed; cities set their own. Example city: Flagstaff bans parking on city streets and alleys from midnight to 7:00 a.m. from November 1 to April 1, whether or not it is snowing.
- Example city: Flagstaff. Its page says the rule helps crews plow and sweep cinders.
- Flagstaff says a car parked in violation may be ticketed, and towed as well if it is snowing.
- Phoenix and most other Arizona cities have no such rule that we confirmed.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“there is NO PARKING on city streets or alleyways from midnight to 7:00 a.m. from November 1 to April 1.” (Example city: Flagstaff - Winter Parking Ordinance)
“This restriction is enforced whether it is snowing or not.” (Example city: Flagstaff - Winter Parking Ordinance)
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Set by cities and towns; we confirmed no statewide rule. Example city: Flagstaff bans street and alley parking from midnight to 7:00 a.m. each winter, November 1 to April 1.
- Example city: Flagstaff. The city says the ban applies whether it is snowing or not.
- Outside that season and in other cities, check local rules and signs.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“there is NO PARKING on city streets or alleyways from midnight to 7:00 a.m. from November 1 to April 1.” (Example city: Flagstaff - Winter Parking Ordinance)
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
A police officer may remove an unattended vehicle illegally left on a highway. Parking in a reserved disability space can bring a civil penalty of at least $50 plus assessments. We did not confirm how to recover a towed car.
- Police may also tow a vehicle left unattended more than four hours on a freeway right-of-way (two hours inside city limits).
- Other parking fines and tow fees are set locally and were not confirmed.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“A police officer may remove or cause to be removed to a place of safety an unattended vehicle that is illegally left standing” (ARS 28-872 Removal of vehicles; notice; liability for costs; hearing)
“a minimum civil penalty of fifty dollars plus the penalty assessments prescribed by statute” (ARS 28-885 Civil traffic violation; civil penalty; recall of placards and plates; defense)
Ask about parking rules
COMING SOONSoon you will be able to ask a question and get an answer from these verified rules, with the source.
General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
