Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Under Texas law, a vehicle carrying a person with a disability and showing special plates or a placard hung on the rearview mirror is exempt from meter fees charged by a local government. There are exceptions.
- The placard must be on the rearview mirror of the front windshield, and the vehicle must be operated by or for a person with a disability.
- The exemption does not cover fees imposed by the U.S. federal government.
- The state page lists further exceptions for some garages, lots and municipal airports; check the signs or the operator.
- Plates or placards with the International Symbol of Access issued by other states or foreign provinces get the same treatment.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“owner of a vehicle is exempt from the payment of a fee or penalty imposed by a governmental unit for parking at a meter” (Texas Governor's Office - Accessible Parking (summary of Transportation Code Ch. 681))
“imposed by a branch of the United States government” (Texas Governor's Office - Accessible Parking (summary of Transportation Code Ch. 681))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
The owner of a vehicle regularly used by or for a person with a disability can apply, with a physician's statement that the person is legally blind or has a serious mobility problem. Out-of-state access-symbol placards get the same privileges.
- Apply through the county assessor-collector; a temporary placard has a $5 fee.
- Permanent placards are valid four years for Texas residents and six months for non-residents.
- A license plate or placard bearing the International Symbol of Access issued by a state or a foreign province is treated like a Texas one for parking privileges.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“regularly operated by or for the transportation of a person with a disability may apply for a disabled parking placard.” (Texas Governor's Office - Accessible Parking (summary of Transportation Code Ch. 681))
“legally blind or has a mobility problem that substantially impairs their ability to ambulate.” (Texas Governor's Office - Accessible Parking (summary of Transportation Code Ch. 681))
“is issued by a state or by a state or province of a foreign country to the owner or operator of the vehicle” (Texas Governor's Office - Accessible Parking (summary of Transportation Code Ch. 681))
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. As an example, Houston posts meter time limits from 2 to 10 hours at each pay station, and paying more does not extend the posted limit. Other Texas cities set their own limits.
- Example city: Houston. Each pay station shows its own time limit, from 2 hours to 10 hours.
- Houston says time parked on the block cannot extend the posted limit.
- Houston says limits exist to encourage turnover; long-term parkers are encouraged to use a lot or garage.
- Check signs and pay stations; other cities have different rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Each pay station has the time limit (2 hr. – 10 hr.) posted.” (Example city: Houston - ParkHouston Parking Meter Information)
“Time limits are enforced to encourage turnover of the parking spaces.” (Example city: Houston - ParkHouston Parking Meter Information)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow and street-cleaning parking rules are set by cities. We could not confirm a statewide rule from an official source.
Not confirmed: check local rulesVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Set by cities. Example: Houston's ordinance says a vehicle cannot legally park on a public street for more than 24 hours. Other Texas cities differ.
- Houston example: a 311 report leads to a chalk mark, a warning, then citations.
- In Houston, a vehicle that has not moved within 48 hours is eligible to be towed as abandoned.
- No statewide overnight street-parking rule was confirmed.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“City Ordinance 26-93 states that a vehicle cannot legally park on the public street for more than 24 hours.” (City of Houston ParkHouston - Abandoned and Towed Vehicles (city example))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
For private-property tows, the state caps tow charges and lets you recover your car by showing photo ID and proof of ownership and paying fees. Misusing disabled parking carries fines. Street-parking fines and tows are set locally.
- Private-property tow cap: $272 for a vehicle up to 10,000 lbs (lower caps may be set locally).
- You can ask for a tow hearing at a Justice of the Peace court within 14 days of the tow.
- A person with four prior convictions for disabled-parking offenses faces a $1,250 fine and 50 hours of community service, per the state summary.
- These details cover private-property tows; city street tows follow city rules.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“$272 for a vehicle weighing up to 10,000 lbs” (Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation - Consumer Information about Towing)
“You must request a tow hearing from the court within 14 days of the tow.” (Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation - Consumer Information about Towing)
“Prove you are the owner or authorized user of the car, and Pay all fees for towing and storage.” (Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation - Consumer Information about Towing)
“a fine of $1,250 and 50 hours of community service.” (Texas Governor's Office - Accessible Parking (summary of Transportation Code Ch. 681))
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.
