Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
State law lets local governments exempt disability permit holders from parking time limits on public streets. The statute text we read does not mention meter fees, so check the local rule.
- The exemption is optional for each local government, not automatic.
- It does not apply where stopping, standing or parking is prohibited for all vehicles.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“may exempt vehicles lawfully displaying a disability parking permit issued under this part” (MCA 49-4-302 - Privileges of permitholder; exemptions from time limits)
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
People whose disability limits mobility, certified by a physician, chiropractor or advanced practice nurse, can get a permit from the Department of Justice. Out-of-state placards giving similar privileges can be used in accessible spaces.
- One qualifying condition is being unable to walk about 200 feet without resting.
- Temporary placards are for conditions expected to improve within 6 months.
- The out-of-state placard must confer parking privileges similar to a Montana permit.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“a licensed physician, a licensed chiropractor, or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse” (MCA 49-4-301 - Eligibility for disability parking permit)
“a placard for a person with a disability that was issued by a foreign jurisdiction” (MCA 49-4-302 - Privileges of permitholder)
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Set by cities. Example city: Billings downtown meters have a four-hour limit, and its page lists rates for each hour up to the maximum stay. Check posted signs in your own town.
- Billings example only; other Montana cities differ.
- Billings says all its meters accept PayByPhone.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“METERS HAVE A LIMIT OF FOUR (4) HOURS” (Example city: Billings - On-Street Parking)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Set by cities. Example city: Missoula's code lets the mayor put a parking prohibition on designated streets for street cleaning, snow plowing or snow removal. Check your own city.
- Missoula example only; other Montana cities differ.
- Missoula's code says the prohibition stays in effect until the mayor ends it or as stated in the notice.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“the mayor shall put into effect a parking prohibition on designated streets as necessary” (Example city: Missoula Municipal Code Title 10, 10.26.010)
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Set by cities. Example city: Missoula bans parking longer than 30 minutes between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on streets marked to prohibit all-night parking. Check posted signs in your own city.
- Missoula example only; other Montana cities differ.
- Missoula also has posted-street rules between 2:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on alternating sides by odd or even day.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“shall park a vehicle on any street marked to prohibit allnightparking” (Example city: Missoula Municipal Code Title 10, 10.22.100)
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law covers abandoned vehicles: custody after 48 hours on a public highway or 5 days elsewhere. An owner can reclaim a vehicle by showing proof and paying removal and storage costs. Parking fines are set locally.
- Reclaim from the county sheriff or the city police where the vehicle is stored, before it is sold.
- The person reclaiming cannot be required to pay storage for more than 90 days.
- This covers abandoned vehicles taken into custody; ordinary parking tickets and private tows are not covered here.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“for a period of 5 days or more on a city street, public property, or private property” (MCA 61-12-401 - Taking vehicle into custody)
“may reclaim it at any time after it is taken into custody and before it is sold” (MCA 61-12-403 - Reclaiming vehicle)
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.
