Philadelphia Parking Authority

Philadelphia Parking Authority

Type	Government authority
Address	701 Market Street
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Center City
Phone	(215) 683-9600
Website	Official site
Established	1950
Founder	Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Owner	Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Employees	1,000+
Hours	Mon-Fri 8 AM - 6 PM
Products	Parking enforcement, meters, permits
Status	Active

Philadelphia Parking Authority(215) 683-9600https://philapark.org701 Market StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is a Pennsylvania state authority that manages on-street parking, runs parking garages, and enforces parking regulations throughout Philadelphia. Founded in 1950, the PPA oversees roughly 12,000 parking meters, issues parking tickets, and runs residential parking permit programs across the city. Most people know the PPA from the A&E television series Parking Wars, which followed its enforcement officers from 2008 to 2012.

The organization has a reputation. Philadelphia hands out more parking citations than nearly any other American city. If you drive here, you'll need to know how to pay meters, challenge tickets, and work your way through the whole system.

Paying for Parking

Meter Rates

Parking meter rates differ based on location and are clearly marked on each meter or kiosk. You'll typically pay between $1.50 to $4.00 per hour, though high-demand zones like Center City cost more.

Here's how the rate structure works:

• Rates are posted at each meter or kiosk
• Park past the posted time limit, and the rate doubles
• Stay over the limit a second time, and it triples
• Example: At $1.50 per hour with a 4-hour limit, going beyond 4 hours costs $3.00 per hour

Time Limits

Different streets have different time limits. Check the signage:

• 30 minutes to 1 hour - Loading zones and high-turnover spots
• 2 hours - Commercial areas
• 4 hours - Select locations
• 10 hours - Certain areas

Can't leave yet? The meterUP app and kiosks let you extend your time, though you'll pay more to do it.

Payment Methods

Credit cards work everywhere. You've got choices:

meterUP App (Best option)

• Download on iOS or Android
• Pay with credit or debit card, mobile wallet
• Start, extend, and end sessions from your phone
• Costs 45 cents per transaction

Pay-by-Plate Kiosks

• Scattered throughout Center City and beyond
• Take credit cards, debit cards, and coins
• Enter your license plate
• Prints a ticket for your dash if you want one

Traditional Meters

• Some accept cards, but most take coins only
• Getting phased out for kiosks

meterUP App

meterUP is the PPA's official app for mobile parking payments. No coins needed. No kiosk lines. It's the easiest way to park in Philadelphia.

What you get:

• Start parking sessions right from your phone
• Extend time without leaving your car
• Alerts before you run out of time
• A record of where you parked and when
• Works on iOS and Android

The cost:

• 45 cents per transaction, whether starting or extending
• Accepts credit cards, debit cards, Parkmobile Wallet, Visa Checkout, and MasterPass

Getting started takes minutes:

1. Download and create an account 2. Add your payment method 3. When you park, enter the zone number you see on meters and signs 4. Start your session 5. Extend before your time's up if needed

Pay-by-Plate Kiosks

These modern stations sit on corners throughout the city:

How it works:

1. Find the kiosk zone number 2. Type in your license plate 3. Choose how long you want to stay 4. Pay with card or coins 5. Get a receipt if you want one

Smart features:

• You don't have to put the receipt on your dashboard. Enforcement works electronically
• Add more time at any kiosk in the same zone
• Cards and coins both work

Parking Tickets

Paying Tickets

Several ways to settle up:

Online

• Go to philapark.org or onlineserviceshub.com
• Use credit or debit card
• Works any time, day or night

By Phone

• Call (888) 591-3636
• Visa, MasterCard, American Express accepted
• Have your ticket number handy

By Mail

• City of Philadelphia Parking Violation Branch
• P.O. Box 41818
• Philadelphia, PA 19101-1818

In Person

• Parking Violations Branch
• 48 N. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Monday-Friday 8 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM

Disputing Tickets

Believe the ticket was wrong? The Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (BAA) handles disputes:

Timing matters:

• Within 15 days: File before extra penalties kick in
• After 15 days: The registered owner gets a Notice of Violation by mail
• After the Notice: You get 10 more days to pay or dispute

The process:

• Online: Fill out the dispute form at philapark.org
• Mail: Send your ticket number and explanation
• If you paid through meterUP: Use the online form with your mobile receipt

Keep in mind:

• Once you're on a payment plan, you can't dispute
• Back up your dispute with documents
• Only the BAA decides whether you're liable

Vehicle Immobilization (Boot)

Three unpaid tickets? More than 30 days overdue? Your car gets booted.

Getting it off:

• Pay every outstanding ticket plus the boot fee
• Expect $150 to $200 in boot removal costs, plus what you owe on tickets
• Ring the PPA: (215) 683-9600

Avoid the boot:

• Pay within 15 days
• Set up a payment plan if money's tight
• Look up any old tickets at philapark.org

Towed Vehicles

Your car gets towed to the PPA's impound lot:

Where it goes: 2501 South Weccacoe Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148

Getting it back costs:

• All outstanding ticket payments
• Towing charges (varies by situation)
• Daily storage fees
• A valid ID and your vehicle registration

Hours are 24/7 for pickups. To find out if your car was towed, call (215) 683-9775.

Permits

Residential Parking Permits

With an RPP, you can park on your street with no time limits in permit zones.

Who qualifies:

• You live on a street with RPP signs
• Your car is registered at your address
• You have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license

How to get one:

1. Collect your papers (proof of address, registration, license) 2. Apply at philapark.org or in person 3. Pay the annual fee 4. Put the permit on your car

Cost:

• Fees vary by zone
• Charged annually

Visitors:

• You can get limited permits for guests
• They're good for temporary parking in permit zones

Cultural Impact

Parking Wars made the PPA famous. This A&E reality show ran from 2008 to 2012 and followed enforcement officers as they ticketed, booted, and towed cars across the city. The show captured the tension between the officers doing their job and angry vehicle owners, but it also showed just how complicated urban parking really is.

Among Philadelphians, the PPA's strict reputation cuts both ways. Some hate it. Others respect it. Either way, there's a saying: "You can't fight the PPA."

See Also

• SEPTA
• Driving in Philadelphia
• Center City, Philadelphia
• Transportation in Philadelphia

External Links

• Philadelphia Parking Authority
• City of Philadelphia - Parking Services