Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
In West Virginia, a public entity may not make a qualifying placard holder pay a meter if four conditions are met, including a mobility impairment and a visible parking certification. Otherwise pay as posted.
- The vehicle must display the special plate or placard for accessible parking.
- The driver must have a mobility impairment and be unable to walk.
- The meter must be out of reach from a wheelchair or more than 30 feet from the vehicle, and an unexpired parking certification must be visible.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“A public entity may not require a person to pay for parking a vehicle in an accessible parking space with a parking meter” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-6 Stopping, standing, or parking privileges for persons with a mobility impairment (WV Legislature))
“The parked vehicle displays an unexpired parking certification that is plainly visible with pertinent information through its windshield” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-6 (WV Legislature))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
A West Virginia citizen with a mobility impairment certified by a licensed medical professional can get a placard or special plate. A vehicle from another state displaying an officially issued placard, plate or decal with the international symbol of access is recognized.
- One qualifying condition is being unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Temporary placards are red and last about six months; permanent placards are blue.
- State law reserves accessible spaces solely for persons with a mobility impairment and disabled veterans.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The commissioner may issue up to two special registration plates or removable windshield placards to a person with a mobility impairment” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-6)
“A vehicle from any other state, United States territory, or foreign country displaying an officially issued special registration plate, placard, or decal” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-6)
“Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-6)
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 cities and towns. State law on placards says holders may park for unlimited periods in zones with no length-of-time restriction, but only while loading or unloading a person with a mobility impairment.
- The statute says placard privileges do not apply in zones where stopping, standing or parking is prohibited.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“may park the vehicle for unlimited periods of time in parking zones unrestricted as to length of parking time permitted” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-6)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
We could not find a statewide snow-emergency or street-cleaning rule. Any such rules are set by cities and towns.
Not confirmed: check local rulesVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
West Virginia has no statewide overnight rule we could confirm. Example city: Charleston sells annual residential parking permits, valid for one color-coded residential area, to residents and visitors.
- Charleston's form says each residential unit may get up to two permits plus one visitor permit.
- Permits are valid January 1 through December 31 and only in the assigned residential area.
- The form does not state overnight rules; check posted signs. Other cities set their own rules.
Partly confirmedVaries 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?
State law bars stopping or parking in listed places such as sidewalks, driveways, intersections and within 15 feet of a hydrant; a violation is a misdemeanor with fines up to $100 for a first offense. Police may remove vehicles that obstruct bridges or tunnels. Owners of abandoned vehicles taken into custody can reclaim them within 10 days of notice by paying towing and storage.
- Fines for repeat offenses within a year go up to $200, then $500.
- The 10-day reclaim right applies to abandoned or junked vehicles taken by an enforcement agency, not to every tow.
- Local tow fees and parking ticket amounts are set by cities and towns and were not confirmed.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“shall be fined not more than $100; upon a second conviction within one year thereafter, shall be fined not more than $200” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-3 Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified places)
“such officer is hereby authorized to provide for the removal of such vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety” (W. Va. Code 17C-13-2 Officers authorized to remove illegally stopped vehicles)
“their right to reclaim the motor vehicle within 10 days after the date notice was received by the owner or lienholders” (W. Va. Code 17-24A-4 Abandoned or junked motor vehicles; notification)
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.
