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 responsible for managing on-street parking, operating parking garages, and enforcing parking regulations in Philadelphia. Established in 1950, the PPA oversees approximately 12,000 parking meters, issues parking tickets, and manages residential parking permit programs throughout the city. The authority gained wider recognition as the subject of the A&E television series Parking Wars, which documented its enforcement officers from 2008-2012.

The PPA is known for aggressive enforcement—Philadelphia issues more parking tickets than most American cities. Understanding how to pay meters, dispute tickets, and navigate the parking system is essential knowledge for anyone driving in Philadelphia.

Paying for Parking

Meter Rates

Parking meter rates vary by location and are posted on each meter or kiosk. Typical rates range from $1.50 to $4.00 per hour in most areas, with higher rates in high-demand locations like Center City.

Rate Structure:

• Rates are posted at each meter/kiosk
• If you park past the posted time limit, the rate doubles
• If you exceed the time limit a second time, the rate triples
• Example: At $1.50/hour with a 4-hour limit, staying beyond 4 hours costs $3.00/hour

Time Limits

Time limits vary by location and are posted on each meter or kiosk:

• 30 minutes to 1 hour - Loading zones and high-turnover areas
• 2 hours - Common in commercial areas
• 4 hours - Some locations
• 10 hours - Available in certain areas

The meterUP app and kiosks allow you to extend parking time (at increased rates) if you exceed posted limits.

Payment Methods

Yes, you can pay for parking with a credit card through several methods:

meterUP App (Recommended)

• Download the app (iOS/Android)
• Pay by credit/debit card, mobile wallet
• Start, extend, and end sessions from your phone
• 45-cent convenience fee per transaction

Pay-by-Plate Kiosks

• Located throughout Center City and other areas
• Accept credit/debit cards and coins
• Enter your license plate number
• Ticket prints for your dashboard (optional)

Traditional Meters

• Some accept credit cards; many are coin-only
• Being phased out in favor of kiosks

meterUP App

meterUP is the PPA's official mobile parking app, allowing users to pay for street parking without using coins or visiting a kiosk. The app is the most convenient way to pay for parking in Philadelphia.

Features:

• Start parking sessions from your phone
• Extend time without returning to your car
• Receive notifications before time expires
• View parking history
• Available for iOS and Android

Fees:

• 45-cent convenience fee per transaction (starting or extending)
• Accepted payment methods: credit/debit cards, Parkmobile Wallet, Visa Checkout, MasterPass

How to Use: 1. Download the app and create an account 2. Add a payment method 3. When parked, open the app and enter your zone number (posted on meters/signs) 4. Start your session 5. Extend as needed before time expires

Pay-by-Plate Kiosks

Pay-by-plate kiosks are modern parking payment stations located throughout Philadelphia:

How to Pay: 1. Note the kiosk zone number 2. Enter your vehicle's license plate number 3. Select your parking duration 4. Pay by credit/debit card or coins 5. A receipt prints (optional—enforcement is by license plate)

Key Points:

• No need to display a receipt on your dashboard (enforcement is electronic)
• You can add time at any kiosk in the same zone
• Kiosks accept credit cards, debit cards, and coins

Parking Tickets

Paying Tickets

Multiple payment options are available:

Online

• Visit philapark.org or onlineserviceshub.com
• Pay by credit/debit card
• Available 24/7

By Phone

• Call (888) 591-3636
• Pay by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express
• Have your ticket number ready

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
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM

Disputing Tickets

If you believe a parking ticket was issued in error, you can dispute it through the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (BAA):

Dispute Deadlines:

• Within 15 days: Submit dispute before penalties are added
• After 15 days: A Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered owner
• After the Notice: You have 10 more days to pay or dispute

How to Dispute:

• Online: Submit a dispute form at philapark.org
• Mail: Include ticket number and explanation
• If you paid via meterUP: Submit the online form with your mobile parking receipt

Important:

• You cannot dispute tickets once enrolled in a payment plan
• Provide documentation supporting your dispute
• The BAA is the only agency that can determine liability

Vehicle Immobilization (Boot)

The PPA will immobilize ("boot") your vehicle when you accumulate three or more unpaid parking tickets that are more than 30 days overdue.

Boot Removal:

• Pay all outstanding tickets plus boot removal fee
• Boot removal typically costs $150-200 (plus ticket amounts)
• Call the PPA to arrange removal: (215) 683-9600

Tips to Avoid Boots:

• Pay tickets promptly (within 15 days to avoid penalties)
• Set up a payment plan if needed
• Check for outstanding tickets at philapark.org

Towed Vehicles

Towed vehicles are taken to the PPA impound lot:

Impound Lot Location: 2501 South Weccacoe Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148

To Retrieve Your Vehicle:

• Pay all outstanding tickets
• Pay towing fee (varies)
• Pay storage fees (daily rate)
• Bring valid ID and vehicle registration

Hours: Open 24 hours for vehicle pickup

To confirm your vehicle was towed, call: (215) 683-9775

Permits

Residential Parking Permits

Residential Parking Permits (RPP) allow residents to park on their street without time limits in designated permit zones.

Eligibility:

• Must live on a street with RPP signage
• Vehicle must be registered to your address
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license required

How to Apply: 1. Gather required documents (proof of residency, vehicle registration, license) 2. Apply online at philapark.org or in person 3. Pay the annual permit fee 4. Display the permit on your vehicle

Fees:

• Annual permit fees apply
• Fees vary by zone

Visitor Permits:

• Limited visitor permits available for residents
• Allow guests to park in permit zones temporarily

Cultural Impact

The PPA gained nationwide recognition through Parking Wars, an A&E reality television series that aired from 2008 to 2012. The show followed PPA enforcement officers as they ticketed, booted, and towed vehicles throughout Philadelphia. While the show portrayed the often-contentious interactions between enforcement officers and vehicle owners, it also highlighted the challenges of urban parking management.

The PPA's reputation for strict enforcement has made it both reviled and respected among Philadelphians. The phrase "You can't fight the PPA" has become local conventional wisdom.

See Also

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

External Links

• Philadelphia Parking Authority
• City of Philadelphia - Parking Services