Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
State law lets vehicles displaying disabled plates or placards park up to four hours in metered or time-restricted zones and exempts them from meter fees. Any county, city or town may opt out by ordinance with signs.
- Does not apply where stopping, standing or parking is prohibited, in zones for special vehicles, or during rush hours or where parking would be a clear traffic hazard.
- Localities that opt out must post signs or other reasonable notice.
- Private lots (such as airport lots) are not covered by this state law.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“for up to four hours in metered or unmetered parking zones restricted as to length of parking time permitted” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1245 - Four hours' free parking in time-restricted or metered spaces; local option)
“may by ordinance provide that this section shall not apply within the boundaries or within any designated portion of such county, city, or town.” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1245 - Four hours' free parking in time-restricted or metered spaces; local option)
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
People with a disability that limits walking (for example, cannot walk 200 feet without resting) can apply with a health professional's certification. Other states' plates and placards get the same rights as Virginia's.
- Permanent placards are renewed every five years; temporary placards last up to 12 months.
- Hang the placard from the rearview mirror (dashboard if none); never while driving.
- A visitor's placard is subject to the same local rules as Virginia placards.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“certification signed by a licensed physician, licensed podiatrist, licensed chiropractor, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed physician assistant” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1241 - Issuance of disabled parking placards)
“shall be accorded all rights and privileges accorded vehicles displaying such devices issued in Virginia.” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1258 - Reciprocity)
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, Richmond posts on-street limits of 15 minutes to 3 hours on signs, and says you must move the vehicle at least 500 feet to avoid a citation.
- Example city: Richmond.
- Richmond says it is not permitted to exceed the posted time limit.
- Other Virginia cities and towns set their own limits.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Time limit restrictions throughout the City are located on street parking signage and range from 15 minutes to 3 hours.” (Example city: Richmond - Parking Enterprise)
“vehicles must be moved at least 500 feet from the original space to avoid a citation” (Example city: Richmond - Parking Enterprise)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
We found no statewide must-move rule. The Virginia Department of Transportation asks residents to park in driveways or, if on the road, on the odd-numbered side so crews have room. Localities set their own snow and street-cleaning rules.
- VDOT's request is advice, not a stated legal requirement.
- Snow emergency routes and any towing are set by each city or county.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“parking in your driveway, or if you must park on the road, please park on the odd-numbered side.” (VDOT - Winter weather)
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Mostly set by localities. State law bars leaving an unattended or immobilized vehicle more than 24 hours beside a roadway outside city or town limits, and on interstate and limited access highways inside them.
- An officer may remove the vehicle to storage; the owner pays removal and storage costs before getting it back.
- Many cities and counties have their own permit or time rules for residential streets; none were reviewed here.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“longer than 24 hours on or adjacent to any roadway outside the corporate limits of any city or town” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1209 - Unattended or immobile vehicles, generally)
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Parking in a reserved disabled space or aisle without authorization carries a fine of $100 to $500, and the space owner may tow. Unless a locality sets other limits, the hookup fee for a passenger car tow is capped at $210.
- To get a car towed from a disabled space back, pay reasonable removal and storage costs; you may also ask the general district court to decide if the tow was lawful.
- Storage may not be charged for 24 hours or less for cars towed without the owner's consent (caps above apply unless a local ordinance differs).
- Ordinary street-parking fines and tow rules are set by localities.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1242 - Parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities)
“may regain possession of his vehicle on payment to the person or persons who removed and stored the vehicle all reasonable costs” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1246 - Towing of unauthorized vehicles)
“No hookup and initial towing fee of any passenger car shall exceed $210.” (Code of Virginia 46.2-1233.1 - Limitation on charges for towing and storage)
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.
