Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Generally yes, unless you hold a special remuneration-exempt placard. Only holders of that placard are exempt from paying at meters, and it requires a disability that limits using a meter.
- The handbook says the exemption applies when the payment method is not reasonably accessible to the person with the disability.
- Qualifying limits include fine motor control in both hands, limited reach height, or being unable to reach a meter while using a wheelchair or other device.
- The handbook gives a 42-inch reach figure; the Department of Revenue may have updated this, so check with the DMV.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: unclearVerified Nov 12, 2026
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
The Department of Revenue issues plates and placards to people who meet listed criteria, such as being unable to walk 200 feet without resting or needing an assistive device. We could not confirm from an official page we opened whether other states' placards are honored.
- Other qualifying conditions include lung disease, portable oxygen use, certain cardiac conditions, and severe arthritic, neurological or orthopedic limits on walking.
- Applicants use form DR 2219 at a county motor vehicle office.
- Fraud or trafficking in placards is a Class A traffic infraction.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
We could not confirm a statewide rule; time limits are set by cities. Example city: Denver says metered time limits vary by location and are posted, and in time-restricted areas a car must move at least 100 feet.
- This describes Denver only, not a Colorado state rule.
- Denver's ordinance page says a vehicle can be in violation if it has not moved at least 100 feet from a time-limited space during the stated period.
- Check the posted sign or meter for the limit on your block.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Vehicles generally must move at least 100 feet in time restricted areas.” (Example city: Denver - Parking Ordinances)
“The rates and time limits for metered parking vary by location, and are posted on the meter or kiosk.” (Example city: Denver - Street Parking)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
We could not confirm a statewide rule; these are set by cities. Example city: Denver runs residential street sweeping April through November and asks residents to move their cars so sweepers can reach the curb.
- This describes Denver only, not a Colorado state rule.
- Denver's sweeping page asks residents to move cars on sweeping days; its snow page did not give a car-moving rule.
- Look up your block's schedule and posted signs before parking.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“DOTI asks residents to move their cars so the street sweepers can get all the way to the curbline where dirt and debris gathers.” (Example city: Denver - Street Sweeping)
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
We could not confirm a statewide rule; it is set by cities. Example city: Denver makes it unlawful to leave a vehicle in the same place on a public street for more than 72 hours unless signs say otherwise.
- This describes Denver only, not a Colorado state rule.
- Denver's ordinance page treats a car as in violation if it has not been moved during the 72-hour period.
- Posted signs can set different rules on a given street.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“parked in the same place on a public street continuously for a period in excess of seventy-two (72) hours” (Example city: Denver - Parking Ordinances (Sec. 54-465))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Colorado's Public Utilities Commission oversees towing and booting companies. Parking in a reserved disability space without a plate or placard is a Class A traffic infraction with fines of $350 to $1,000 for a first offense. We did not confirm how to recover a towed car.
- Repeat offenses carry higher fines, and a third or later offense becomes a misdemeanor.
- Blocking reasonable access to reserved disability parking carries the same range of penalties.
- Private lots must post permanent signs at entrances warning of towing or booting.
- Other parking fines and tow fees are set locally or by the PUC and were not confirmed.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
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.
