In Atlanta, Georgia, parking a vehicle in the wrong place could mean a ticket, or worse, getting towed. Whether you’re a hometown resident or just traveling through, it’s good to know the basics about parking regulations in the city–where and where not to leave your vehicle. Some streets have signs or curb markings and some do not, but either way, if you’re parked illegally, you run the risk of being cited or having to make a trip to the impound lot.
Atlanta’s parking zones have signs and painted curbs. They indicate time limits (from 15 minutes to two hours), no parking or stopping areas (signs and/or yellow curb markings), passenger loading zones, commercial loading zones (signs and/or orange curb markings), and handicapped parking zones (signs and/or blue markings). There are also short-term limited parking zones.
Drivers will find parking meters on various streets in Atlanta, including the downtown area. You can pay most meters with coins, paper currency and credit cards. The hours, time limits and rates are posted on the meter, and the city says they are strictly enforced; a vehicle can’t be in the space longer than the time allows, and it’s against the law to keep putting coins in the meter in order to stay parked there.
• Business/Government Zones: Two hour parking, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• School/University Zones: Three hour parking, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Entertainment/Restaurant/Hospital Zones: Four hour parking, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Residential/Commercial Zones: Three hour parking, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sundays and holidays are not included.
Unless there are signs that say it’s okay, drivers should not park on the roadway next to a parked vehicle, on the opposite side of traffic, in a center median strip, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway, in a bus stop or on a bridge, in crosswalks, intersections or on sidewalks, or in any way that blocks the street or someone’s driveway. The city will tow your car if it’s illegally parked in a handicapped zone, near a fire hydrant, a no-parking or tow-away zone, or if police find outstanding tickets or an expired registration.
Atlanta’s public works department issues parking permits in some residential areas so the people who live there can park close to their homes. The areas are Ansley Park, Atkins Park, Glen Iris, Home Park, Inman Park, Inwood Circle, Midtown, Myrtle Street, Saunders Street, Summerhill and Vine City. You will need to fill out an application and submit it with copies of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, additional proof of residency (like a utility bill) and payment for a permit fee. Parking permits are good for one year and are renewable.
To contact the city of Atlanta’s Office of Transportation with general parking questions, call 404-330-6501. To contest a parking violation, call 404-658-6919. For towed vehicles, call 404-853-4330. To obtain a residential parking permit application, call 404-330-6240.
