Philly is notorious for tough parking. But with some tips and tricks, you’ll be able to find a free parking spot or two in the city.
To find those free street parking spots, here is what you need:
- An understanding of where those spots exist. (Check out this free map!)
- Familiarity with parking rules in Philly so you’ll know that free spot is actually free.
Map of Free Parking in Philadelphia
Find a free parking spot in Philly by changing the time filters and navigating to your desired area. The free map updates in real-time, so simply type in the address you’re parking near and the time of day to find free parking near you.
Navigating parking in Philadelphia can be challenging, but understanding the city’s regulations can help you find free parking spots. Here’s an updated guide to assist you:
1. Residential Parking Permits:
- For Residents: If your vehicle is registered at your address, you can obtain a residential parking permit for $35 per year. This permit allows you to park on your street without time restrictions. Be mindful of street cleaning schedules to avoid fines
2. Free Overnight Parking:
- Metered and Time-Limited Areas: You can park at metered spots or in residential neighborhoods with time limits after the restricted hours. Ensure you move your vehicle before enforcement resumes the next morning to avoid penalties.
3. Holiday Parking:
- Free Parking Days: On certain holidays, parking regulations are suspended, allowing free parking. The Philadelphia Parking Authority lists these holidays, which include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Philadelphia Parking Authority
4. Loading Zones:
- Short-Term Parking: You can park in loading zones for up to 20 minutes without charge. There’s no need to leave your flashers on or remain in your vehicle. However, avoid parking in ‘Passenger Loading Zones,’ as they have specific requirements.
5. Special Parking Rules for Residents:
- Extended Parking: With a residential parking permit, you can park beyond the standard 2-hour limit posted on neighborhood signs. This is particularly useful for residents who need longer parking durations.
6. Prepaying Meters:
- Meter Flexibility: If you park at a metered spot before the meter starts recording (e.g., at 7 AM when the meter begins at 8 AM), you can prepay for the duration you plan to park. This ensures you won’t need to move your car until the meter expires.
7. Contesting Parking Tickets:
- Online Contestation: If you receive a parking ticket, you can contest it online through the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s website, streamlining the process and potentially saving time.
8. Visitor Parking Passes:
- Temporary Permits: Residents can purchase visitor day passes for guests. A book of five passes costs $35, and temporary permits are available for $15 (15 days) and $30 (30 days).
9. Parking for Moving:
- Reserved Parking: If you’re moving, you can reserve a parking space in front of your new residence by paying a $25 fee with three days’ notice. This allows you to park a vehicle up to 40 feet in length, facilitating the moving process.
10. Metered Parking Adjustments:
- Meter Adjustments: If your parking period overlaps with free parking hours (e.g., parking from 5 PM to 7 PM when parking is free after 6 PM), the meter system adjusts the charge accordingly, ensuring you only pay for the time when parking is enforced.
By familiarizing yourself with these updated parking regulations and utilizing available resources, you can navigate Philadelphia’s parking landscape more effectively and avoid unnecessary fines. Check SpotAngels, it’ll help you out 😉
| Start Date | Parking Holiday | End Date |
| 2025-01-01 | New Year's Day | 2025-01-01 |
| 2025-01-20 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | 2025-01-20 |
| 2025-04-20 | Easter Sunday | 2025-04-20 |
| 2025-05-26 | Memorial Day | 2025-05-26 |
| 2025-07-04 | Independence Day | 2025-07-04 |
| 2025-09-01 | Labor Day | 2025-09-01 |
| 2025-11-27 | Thanksgiving Day | 2025-11-27 |
| 2025-12-25 | Christmas Day | 2025-12-25 |
Worried about tickets? Learn these parking rules to avoid them: