In Montreal, there are relatively easy and inexpensive parking spaces available. Most of these parking spaces use the pay-and-go metered street system. You will also find many parking spaces around the buildings and built car parking areas.
To enable motorists to park their cars in a spot when clearing snow during winter, the city of Montreal made free parking spots in certain areas. Generally, cars can be parked free starting from 9 pm to 7 am on weekdays. You will be fined if found parking after the given time.
While parking on the street of Montreal, you must obey the signage. Generally, motorists are required to pay for parking on major thoroughfares and shopping streets. However, in some parts of Montreal, residents are required to have a permit for parking. Notwithstanding, motorists can park on the street in most neighborhoods.
Montreal Parking Tickets
To park your car close to or within your apartment, you must obtain a resident’s parking permit and a parking sticker. The sticker costs according to the parking duration you choose. It will be higher for oversized vehicles. To get the license, you have to be located in the reserved parking zone, and you must be the primary driver of the car.
Montreal has available garages where car owners can park their vehicles for an extended period, although they are pretty pricey. Also, there is a disabled parking zone marked off the roads.
These parking areas are to be used only by anyone with a disabled parking permit. You must apply beforehand to get a parking space for the disabled. Overnight parking is also allowed within a time limit.
The most common parking tickets in Montreal are as follows:
- General offenses – CA$79
- Parking in prohibited zones – CA$89
- Parking in reserved areas – CA$308
To avoid getting fines, you should learn parking symbols. Some of the parking symbols include:
- No stopping
- Parking prohibited
- Street sweeping or maintenance operations
- Parking reserved
- Short-term parking authorized
The metered parking areas are classified into zones, and each zone has different charges. Note that parking areas closer to downtown are generally more expensive than other areas.
Below are the timings for metered(paid) parking in Montreal:
- Monday to Friday 09:00 -21:00
- Saturday 09:00 -18:00
- Sunday 13:00 – 18:00
Rules Governing Parking in the street of Montreal
The following are rules motorist must abide by when parking in the street of Montreal:
- Motorists must park in the direction of traffic
- Avoid parking within 5 meters of a fire hydrant or road junction.
- Motorists must use the parallel parking method only unless otherwise indicated by road markings.
- Avoid blocking lanes and driveways.
Some of the laid down guidelines include:
- The red line is for lanes
- Green lanes are reserved for cyclists.
- There are lanes for parking electric vehicles along the side of a street.
- The blue side of the road is reserved for the disabled.
Paying Parking Ticket in Montreal
Most parking is automated by collecting tickets on entry, but small parking lots have attendants to collect payment on entry.
- Payment stations
While using metered parking, make sure to take note of the parking space number. Using this method, you can make payment from the nearest payment station and will get instructions to be followed. You can make payment using your credit card or cash.
- Online Payment
You can pay for your parking ticket online using your smartphones. Online payments are applicable only for the person whose name appears on the ticket, or the owner of a long-term lease of the vehicle can pay the ticket online.
Otherwise, you can pay the tickets or fines issued by the city of Montreal at the Westmount City Hall. Illegally parked or cars without permits will be fined or even towed.
Conclusion
Montreal’s parking spaces are quite expensive, and the rules are strict, so to avoid any issues follow the rules and instructions provided carefully. Ensure that you leave the parking space within the stipulated period, or else you will be towed.
The payment methods are not as complicated as you can pay using your mobile phones. Learn the parking signs to avoid any confusion. Also, you can use parking apps to help you find parking spaces easily and alert you of available spaces.
