Parking Tips

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SIGNAGE IS IMPORTANT!

Please always note posted parking restrictions.

Below is a quick guide on examples of common parking signs you might encounter in the City of Hartford. Please note that these are examples only. The images pictured do not pertain to a particular area or street.

Failure to comply with parking restrictions and regulations may result in a parking citation.

Signage is subject to change or variation.

No Parking

A “No Parking” sign means that a vehicle cannot park at the designated area.

Bus Stop

A “Bus Stop” sign means that the location is a designated bus stop for CT Transit. Vehicles cannot stop, stand, or park in the area.

Metered Signs

A “Metered Parking” sign means that vehicles must pay for parking in the designated area during the specified times of day listed on the sign.

For example, the sign above indicates that a vehicle may pay to park in the designated area between 8am to 6pm for a maximum time period of two hours.

No Standing

A “No Standing” sign means that a vehicle cannot stand (idle or park with the vehicle occupied or not) at the designated area during the specified times of day listed on the sign. A vehicle may expeditiously drop off or pick up passengers, but may not wait for passengers or load/unload merchandise.

Waste Collection / Sweeping

A “Waste Collection / Sweeping” sign means that this area has waste collection and street sweeping on the designated day and times. No standing and no parking regulations apply. This means that a vehicle cannot stand (idle or park with the vehicle occupied or not) at the designated area during the specified days and times of day listed on the sign.

Loading Zone

A “Loading Zone” sign means that commercial vehicles and combination vehicles only may utilize this area for expeditious unloading and delivery or pickup and loading of materials for a time not to exceed 30 minutes.

Handicapped Parking

A “Handicapped Parking” sign means that the parking space where the sign is located is designated for use by individuals who have a qualifying disability. A vehicle utilizing a handicapped parking spot must have a valid handicapped parking placard on display (hanging from the rear-view mirror). If the parking spot is metered, the vehicle must pay for parking during the specified times of day for the area.

Even Signs

An “Even Parking Sign” indicates that vehicles may park on the even side of the street during the specified days and times. There is no parking on the even side of the street during days and times not specified on the sign.

Odd Signs

An “Odd Parking Sign” indicates that vehicles may park on the odd side of the street during the specified days and times. There is no parking on the odd side of the street during days and times not specified on the sign.

Arrows

If a sign includes an arrow, it indicates that the sign’s meaning applies to vehicles in locations to the left or right of the sign, depending on the direction the arrow is pointed.

If the sign includes a double sided or double ended arrow, it indicates that the sign’s meaning applies to vehicles in either direction of the sign.

Yellow No Parking Sign

These are temporary “No Parking” signs used for construction, events, and for traffic/police matters indicating no parking while posted.

Park Easy!

Park at downtown meters (generally 8am-6pm unless otherwise posted – please read all signage carefully).
Use credit card or coins.
Secured garages are available to park as an option. Please see the parking garage info located on the HPA Garages page.
Read all parking signs carefully.
Always park inside the lines.
Pay the meter according to your stay and renew time when needed.
Do not park in a loading zone, in or within five feet of a driveway, on pedestrian ramps/crosswalks, or in a bus lane.
Do not park on curbs or sidewalks.
Please note: For large vehicles, over-sized vehicles, and/or big body trucks – off street convenient parking is available at the MAT Garage, Sheldon Street lot, and the Library lot, all located in the downtown area.

When is Parking Free?

Free parking is available on most streets Monday through Friday after 6pm and on weekends.

See street signage and parking meters for information on effective metered hours and free parking.