Subtitle 7 – Metered Parking
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Part 1 – Administration
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-1 (2026)
§ 7-1 Authorizations.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Installation of meters.
The purchase, leasing, installation, and operation of certain parking devices, known generally as parking meters, are authorized on the streets, thoroughfares, and public places of the City.
(b)Establishment of Mobile-Payment Systems.
The purchase, leasing, establishment, and operation of Mobile-Payment Systems for metered parking are authorized on the streets, thoroughfares, and public places of the City.
(c)Parking spaces.
Paid metered parking spaces are authorized on these streets, thoroughfares, and public places, subject generally to the powers, authorizations, and conditions contained in this subtitle.
(d)Exceptions.
Parking meters may not be installed on either side of Madison Street between Charles Street and Howard Street.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 94-289
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-2 (2026)
§ 7-2 Contracts.LinkCopy Citation
The Board of Estimates, in accordance with the procedures outlined in <cite data-doc="City of Baltimore, Md., Charter">the City Charter</cite>, may enter into one or more contracts for:
(1)
the leasing or purchasing and the installation and maintenance of parking meters;
(2)
the purchase of parts and equipment for the maintenance and operation of the parking meters, as the Board from time to time determines to be in the best interests of the City; and
(3)
the establishment and operation of Mobile-Payment Systems for metered parking.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-3 (2026)
§ 7-3 Types of metered parking.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Director to install.
The Director of Transportation shall install or cause the installation of parking meters and establish or cause the establishment of Mobile-Payment Systems, as provided in this subtitle.
(b)Time variations.
In the Director’s discretion and as the Director determines to be best suited for the traffic needs of a particular area, metered parking may be for a 15-minute, 30-minute, 1-hour, 1½-hour, 2-hour, or other time period.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 57-1108
History: Ord. 68-249
History: Ord. 69-416
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-4 (2026)
§ 7-4 Methods of installation.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Single-space meters.
(1)
Single-space parking meters may be installed in a manner that divides the street into units or stalls that are approximately 21 feet.
(2)
The meters shall be installed at the forward end of the curb parking space.
(b)Multi-space parking.
(1)
Multi-space metered parking may be installed in a manner that permits parking without dividing the street into designated parking units or stalls.
(2)
At least one multi-space meter shall be installed and maintained on each street block where multi-space metered parking is permitted.
(c)Other.
Metered parking for other than parallel parking may be installed in a manner that the Director of Transportation determines to be best suited for designating the parking spaces in the particular area.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-5 (2026)
§ 7-5 Metered parking operations.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Single-space meters.
(1)
Each single-space parking meter shall be designed to display, on payment and activation, a signal that indicates legal parking for the duration paid for.
(2)
Each single-space parking meter shall also be designed:
(i)
to display continuously the time remaining until the legal parking duration expires; and
(ii)
at the expiration of that time, to display a signal that the legal parking duration has expired.
(b)Multi-space parking.
(1)In general.
Multi-space metered parking shall operate in accordance with one of the systems described in this subsection.
(2)“Pay-and-Display-Receipt” System.
(i)
A Pay-and-Display-Receipt System operates through a multi-space meter that, on payment and activation, issues a printed receipt that displays:
(A)
the amount of parking time purchased; and
(B)
the date and time at which the paid parking will expire.
(ii)
The meter shall contain clear instructions on how and where the receipt must be displayed on or in the parked vehicle.
(iii)
Failure to display the receipt in the manner specified subjects the parked vehicle to a parking violation the same as if the proper parking fee had not been paid.
(3)“Pay-and-Register-Tag” system.
(i)
A Pay-and-Register-Tag System operates through a multi-space meter that, on payment and activation, records and transmits to parking enforcement:
(A)
the multi-space parking zone in which the vehicle is parked;
(B)
the license plate number of the vehicle;
(C)
the amount of parking time purchased; and
(D)
the date and time at which the paid parking will expire.
(ii)
Failure to register the correct license plate number subjects the parked vehicle to a parking violation the same as if the proper parking fee had not been paid.
(4)“Mobile-Payment” System.
(i)
A Mobile-Payment System allows for payment of multi-space metered parking through one’s own mobile phone or other mobile communication device.
(ii)
On connection with the system and payment, the system records and transmits to parking enforcement:
(A)
the multi-space parking zone in which the vehicle is parked;
(B)
the license plate number of the vehicle;
(C)
the amount of parking time purchased; and
(D)
the date and time at which the paid parking will expire.
(iii)
Failure to register the correct license plate number subjects the parked vehicle to a parking violation the same as if the proper parking fee had not been paid.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-6 (2026)
§ 7-6 Display of hours, payment methods, and rates.LinkCopy Citation
Each parking meter or multi-space parking zone shall contain a conspicuous notice that:
(1)
clearly states the hours during which that meter or multi-space parking zone is in operation and any exceptions to those hours; and
(2)
clearly indicates:
(i)
the methods of payment (e.g., coins, bills, credit cards, or other approved method) that must be used for the legal parking of a vehicle; and
(ii)
the duration during which it is permissible to park at that meter on payment of the prescribed amount.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-7 (2026)
§ 7-7LinkCopy Citation
Reserved
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-8 (2026)
§ 7-8 Setting rates and payment methods.LinkCopy Citation
Notwithstanding any other provision of <cite data-path="|31">this article</cite>:
(1)
the Director of Transportation may set the rates for metered parking on all metered-parking lots temporarily or permanently under the control of the City; and
(2)
with the approval of the Board of Estimates, the Director may:
(i)
set the rates for all other metered parking in the City; and
(ii)
designate the methods of payment to be used for the various parking systems.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 57-1108
History: Ord. 60-769
History: Ord. 64-113
History: Ord. 66-744
History: Ord. 67-1213
History: Ord. 68-249
History: Ord. 69-416
History: Ord. 71-1065
History: Ord. 71-1194
History: Ord. 71-1205
History: Ord. 72-99
History: Ord. 72-101
History: Ord. 72-103
History: Ord. 72-104
History: Ord. 72-105
History: Ord. 72-106
History: Ord. 72-163
History: Ord. 73-299
History: Ord. 73-312
History: Ord. 73-346
History: Ord. 73-363
History: Ord. 73-445
History: Ord. 73-461
History: Ord. 73-462
History: Ord. 74-603
History: Ord. 75-831
History: Ord. 75-1006
History: Ord. 75-1039
History: Ord. 75-1040
History: Ord. 76-148
History: Ord. 81-388
History: Ord. 99-526
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-9 (2026)
§ 7-9 Rearrangements.LinkCopy Citation
(a)No commitment.
The establishment of metered parking in any particular place or area of this City is not a commitment by or obligation on the City to continue the use of metered parking in that place or area.
(b)Authorization to change.
The Director of Transportation may discontinue, rearrange, or otherwise change metered parking systems on the streets, thoroughfares, and public places of the City so as best to provide for the City’s traffic needs.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
History: Ord. 16-537
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-10 (2026)
§ 7-10 Maintenance.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Director responsible.
The Director of Transportation shall keep all parking meters installed under this subtitle in a good operating condition, clean and properly painted.
(b)Meter identification.
(1)
Each meter shall have a location number clearly marked on it in a conspicuous place.
(2)
This number:
(i)
shall be used to identify the location of the meter and, thus, of any vehicle charged with a parking violation at that location; and
(ii)
will serve as a means of identification for reporting defective meters, violations, or other occurrences.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-11 (2026)
§ 7-11 Notice to Councilmember.LinkCopy Citation
No new parking meter may be installed and no rate schedule may be established or modified until at least 30 days after written notice of the proposed action is given to the Councilmember who represents the affected area.
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-12 to 7-15 (2026)
§§ 7-12 to 7-15LinkCopy Citation
Reserved
Part 2 – Compliance
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-16 (2026)
§ 7-16 Lawful parking.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
Parking is permissible, on payment of the applicable fee, at the locations designated on the streets, thoroughfares, and public places of the City, for the duration indicated, as provided in this subtitle.
(b)Exception for designated times.
No vehicle is permitted to stand in the space reserved for any parking meter during the time when parking or stopping is prohibited at that location.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 70-905
History: Ord. 03-550
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-17 (2026)
§ 7-17 Maximum time for parking.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Permitted periods.
(1)
At any location where a parking meter is in active operation, it is lawful, on payment of the fee, to park a vehicle for the full duration designated as the maximum duration for legal parking.
(2)
The vehicle may be parked for the unexpired time, if any, showing on a single-space parking meter or on a multi-space receipt from a previous vehicle.
(b)Prohibited period.
Any vehicle parked in a space adjacent to a single-space parking meter or in an area controlled by a multi-space parking meter for a duration longer than that designated is in violation of the parking provisions of this subtitle and subject to the penalties provided in this subtitle.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-18 (2026)
§ 7-18 Method of parking.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Single-space meters.
In an area specified for single-space meter parking, a driver may not park a vehicle in a space adjacent to a single-space parking meter, other than with the front wheel of the vehicle approximately centered on the standard or post supporting the parking meter.
(b)Multi-space meters.
(1)
In an area controlled by a multi-space meter, the driver may park anywhere designated for parking, but should park in a manner that maximizes the number of vehicles able to park in the same area.
(2)
To the extent that only a portion of the street, thoroughfare, or public place is designated for multi-space meter parking, a driver may not park outside of the designated area using a multi-space meter receipt.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-19 (2026)
§ 7-19 Temporary stops by commercial vehicles.LinkCopy Citation
Commercial vehicles engaged in the expeditious pick-up or delivery of merchandise may stop in a vacant space adjacent to a single-space parking meter that is in active operation or in a vacant space controlled by a multi-space parking meter that is in active operation, at any time before10 a.m., without payment.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-20 (2026)
§ 7-20 Slugs or meter tampering prohibited.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Using slugs.
It is unlawful for any person to deposit or cause to be deposited in a parking meter any slug, device, or substitute for a coin of the United States.
(b)Tampering with meter.
(1)
It is unlawful for any person to deface, injure, tamper with, steal from, open, or wilfully break into, to destroy, to remove, or to impair the usefulness of any parking meter installed under this subtitle.
(2)
This subsection does not apply to:
(i)
any person authorized by the Director of Finance to collect money or other payment placed in parking meters; or
(ii)
any person authorized by the Director of Transportation to regulate, repair, or maintain parking meters.
(c)Penalties.
Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $1,00 or to imprisonment for not more than 12 months, or to both fine and imprisonment.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 60-347
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-21 (2026)
§ 7-21 Unlawful parking.LinkCopy Citation
No person may permit a vehicle to park or remain in any space adjacent to a single-space parking meter that is in active operation or in any space in an area controlled by a multi-space parking meter that is in active operation:
(1)
beyond the period during which vehicles are permitted to park or remain in that space;
(2)
in any manner except as specified in this subtitle;
(3)
except as otherwise specifically provided in this subtitle, without paying the applicable fee; or
(4)
except as otherwise specifically provided in this subtitle, without displaying a multi-space parking receipt when and in the manner required by this subtitle.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 99-526
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-22 (2026)
§ 7-22 Exception for holidays.LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle does not apply and may not be enforced on:
(1)
New Year’s Day, January 1;
(2)
Independence Day, July 4;
(3)
Labor Day, the 1<sup>st</sup> Monday in September;
(4)
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November; and
(5)
Christmas Day, December 25.
History: Ord. 70-905
History: Ord. 02-437
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-23 to 7-25 (2026)
§§ 7-23 to 7-25LinkCopy Citation
Reserved
Part 3 – Enforcement
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-26 (2026)
§ 7-26 In general.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Police and others to enforce.
The parking provisions of this subtitle shall be enforced by:
(1)
Baltimore City police officers; and
(2)
other persons authorized by law to issue citations for violations of parking laws.
(b)Citation.
Each violation shall be recorded, and a notice of the violation shall be left on the vehicle or delivered to the driver of the vehicle.
History: Ord. 55-1346
History: Ord. 06-198
Balt., Md., Code art. 31, § 7-27 (2026)
§ 7-27LinkCopy Citation
Reserved