Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
State law gives a qualifying placard or plate two extra hours past a local parking limit, but the statute does not mention meters. Example city: Louisville says you must still pay the meter and gets up to 2 extra hours after it expires.
- State law (KRS 189.459): where a parking limit is imposed, a qualifying vehicle may stay 2 hours beyond the local legal period, with exceptions such as fire lanes and traffic hazards.
- Example city: Louisville's parking authority says meters must be paid for the time you plan to use, then allows up to 2 additional hours after the meter expires.
- Other Kentucky cities may differ; check local signs and ordinances.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
The state DRIVE site says placards go to people whose mobility, flexibility, coordination, respiration or perceptiveness is significantly reduced. We could not confirm whether other states' placards are honored.
- A licensed physician, chiropractor or advanced practice registered nurse must sign the application.
- Permanent placards are valid for 6 years; temporary (red) placards for 3 months.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Permanent disabled placards are valid for 6 years” (DRIVE (Kentucky): Disabled Parking Permits)
“Temporary disabled placards (red) are valid for 3 months” (DRIVE (Kentucky): Disabled Parking Permits)
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, not the state. Example city: Louisville's parking authority says its regulations cover time limits and meter enforcement, and violations can bring fines and possible towing.
- Example city: Louisville (Parking Authority of River City) points drivers to Louisville Metro Code Chapter 72 for the current regulations.
- Its page says violating parking regulations can result in fines or penalties, and in some cases towing.
- Specific time limits vary by street; follow the posted signs and meters.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Set by cities. Example city: Louisville Metro has designated emergency snow routes and tells drivers on any snow route to move their cars when snow is expected. We found no statewide rule.
- Example city: Louisville Metro's snow page says emergency routes get the highest priority in winter weather and parked vehicles along them need to be moved.
- Louisville publishes a snow route map; check it for your street.
- Rules differ in other Kentucky cities.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Overnight street parking is set by cities and towns. We could not confirm a statewide rule or a city example from an official page.
Not confirmed: check local rulesVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
For vehicles presumed abandoned on public property, a state regulation says the owner is notified, must pay towing and storage charges to retrieve it, and the vehicle may be sold if not claimed within 60 days. Ordinary parking fines are set locally.
- This regulation (502 KAR 15:020) covers vehicles presumed abandoned on public property, not every parking tow.
- Notice is not required if the owner cannot be determined.
- City fines and tow rules for ordinary parking violations vary; check your notice or the city.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Retrieval will require payment of towing and storage charges” (Kentucky Administrative Regulations - 502 KAR 15:020)
“The vehicle may be sold if not claimed within sixty (60) days.” (Kentucky Administrative Regulations - 502 KAR 15:020)
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.
