Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Generally no. State law lets a vehicle with a disability certificate or plate park at a meter without paying and without time limits, unless limits are separately posted. It applies only when parking by or for the disabled person.
- The certificate must be prominently displayed, normally hung from the rearview mirror.
- The privilege does not allow parking in no-parking areas or spaces reserved for specified purposes or vehicles.
- Cities may ban parking for fire lanes or rush hour, and those bans also apply to placard holders.
- A person parking for a disabled person may use the metered privilege only when actually transporting that person.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“in a metered parking space without obligation to pay the meter fee and without time restrictions” (Minn. Stat. 169.345 (parking privilege for physically disabled))
“A local governmental unit may, by ordinance, prohibit parking on any street or highway to create a fire lane” (Minn. Stat. 169.345 (limits on the privilege))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
People defined as physically disabled by state law, such as those who cannot walk 200 feet without resting, apply with a health professional's signed statement. Equivalent certificates, insignia or plates from other states or countries are accepted.
- Qualifying conditions include needing a wheelchair, cane or other aid, certain lung or heart conditions, portable oxygen, loss of a limb, or being legally blind; certain pregnancy conditions can also qualify.
- A health professional (physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, physical therapist or chiropractor) signs the medical statement.
- A 30-day permit is issued while the application is processed.
- Certificates may be temporary (up to 6 months) or longer-term, up to six years.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“because of disability cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest” (Minn. Stat. 169.345 (definitions))
“or an equivalent certificate, insignia, or plate issued by another state, a foreign country, or one of its political subdivisions” (Minn. Stat. 169.346 (other states))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits and overstay penalties are set by each city; check posted signs. State law lets cities regulate parking. Disability certificate or plate holders may park without time limits in many time-limited nonmetered spaces.
- The disabled exemption applies to nonmetered spaces restricted to a maximum time, unless the space specifically prohibits disabled parking privileges there.
- Minneapolis example: meter rates, time limits and rules vary, so read the information posted on the meter.
- We did not find an official state page on general time limits or overstay fines.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“regulating the standing or parking of vehicles” (Minn. Stat. 169.04 (local authority))
“Rates, time limits and rules vary. Make sure to read the information posted on the parking meter.” (City of Minneapolis: More Parking Rules (city example))
“without time restrictions in a nonmetered space where parking is otherwise allowed for passenger vehicles but restricted to a maximum period of time” (Minn. Stat. 169.345 (parking privilege for physically disabled))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow emergency rules are set by each city. Minneapolis example: on Day 1, parking rules begin at 9 p.m. and you may not park on either side of snow emergency routes; later days restrict one side of other streets.
- Minneapolis example, Day 2 (from 8 a.m.): do not park on the even side of streets that are not snow emergency routes, or on either side of parkways until plowed.
- Minneapolis example, Day 3 (from 8 a.m.): parking is allowed on the even side of non-route streets.
- Minneapolis says to learn the rules to avoid a ticket and a tow.
- Other Minnesota cities, including St. Paul, have their own rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Day 1 Parking rules begin at 9 p.m.” (City of Minneapolis: Snow Emergency Parking Rules (city example))
“Do not park: On either side of snow emergency routes.” (City of Minneapolis: Snow Emergency Parking Rules (city example))
“Learn how to park during a snow emergency to avoid a ticket and tow.” (City of Minneapolis: Snow Emergency Parking Rules (ticket and tow))
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Minnesota has no single statewide rule on overnight street parking; cities decide, including any overnight bans or permit programs. Check local signs and your city's parking office.
- State law allows cities to regulate standing and parking on streets under their control.
- We did not find an official page on specific overnight rules that we could open.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“regulating the standing or parking of vehicles” (Minn. Stat. 169.04 (local authority))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Fines and towing are mostly set by cities. State law sets a $100 to $200 misdemeanor fine for using a disability space or blocking its aisle without authorization. Minneapolis example: towed vehicles go to the city Impound Lot.
- Disability parking violations are enforced like local parking ordinances and officers may tag vehicles on private or public property.
- Minneapolis example: you can look up a vehicle online to see if it is at the Impound Lot.
- Minneapolis example: the registered owner or a relative with the same last name can pick it up after paying fees and showing required documents.
- We did not find an official state page on tow fees.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not less than $100 and not more than $200” (Minn. Stat. 169.346 (disability parking enforcement))
“Vehicles towed from city streets are taken to the Impound Lot.” (City of Minneapolis: Minneapolis Impound Lot (city example))
Ask about parking rules
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General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
