Parking Regulations in Canada

Understand where to park and how to pay in Canada...

Parking regulations vary across the provinces and territories and are normally the responsibility of municipalities. It is usual for street parking to be permitted only in the direction of traffic and, in smaller roads, only on one side of the road. In some areas, street parking in residential areas is not allowed in the winter to allow for snow ploughs. Check local municipal parking rules and regulations for details. Most streets display signs indicating where parking is and is not allowed. In cities there are plenty of car parks. Prices vary greatly from one city to another and can be very high in cities such as Vancouver and other areas where there is a shortage of parking. Short-term Pay and Display street parking or coin operated meters are also available. A fine may be issued if a person has not paid in one of these zones. There are many facilities for parking for holders of a Disabled Parking Permit (Blue Badge). Applications for these permits are made with the local province or territory government authority. Visitors to Canada can use a valid parking permit from their home jurisdiction. It must be displayed in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle. Canadian jurisdictions will recognize disabled parking permits from other Canadian provinces and territories, from the United States, and from Europe. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to comply with local parking bylaws. Transport Canada has more information on the mutual recognition of parking badges

Parking fines

Parking fines are normally paid to the local municipality. This can be done online, by mail, by person at the City Hall or by telephone.