It’s important to know for every driver, is parking free on Sundays? So today, I explained common Sunday parking rules and which safety regulations you need to follow.
We also covered Sunday parking in different areas such as downtown, residential zones, blue zone and commercial streets. In the end, you will clearly know how to park on Sundays without stress or fines.
Standard Parking Schedule or Sunday Parking Rules
On Sundays, parking rules can be different according to region. In many cities, you can park for free on Sundays. However, some paid zones and permit areas still apply. That means, not all streets & roads follow the same parking rules.
Parking Limitations/Sunday Parking Restrictions
Is street parking free on Sundays? On Sunday, there is no fee parking time limits change by place. For example: in some cities, you can park all day during Sunday. But, some areas only allow you no-cost parking from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
In other locations, you can park your car for 24 hours on weekends. In short, you have to check local signs to know the exact time limit for sunday’s unpaid parking.
Sunday Parking in Different Areas
Parking rules are set by local authorities in all regions or countries around the world. These include city councils, municipal governments, traffic departments or private parking owners. Below you can see Sunday parking rules of major cities.
Is Parking Free in NYC on Sundays
According to parking rules enforced by the New York City Department of Transportation, the parking meters are mostly free each Sunday. Further, ASP (Alternate Side Parking) does not apply on this day. You will also find signs which show you proper parking rules and time restrictions.
Is Parking Free in London on Sunday?
On Sundays, parking is unpaid and unrestricted in many areas of London which are marked with legal parking signs. If we talk about time limits, parking is free all day, including bank holidays.
Additionally, free of charge parking is also available on Saturdays after 11 am. But, you should remember that the congestion charge may apply in central London on weekends.
Is Parking Free in Dubai on sunday?
Yes, you can park your vehicle for free every Sunday in Dubai. Basically, this started after the RTA update in early 2025. Well, most RTA parking areas of Dubai are free.
However, this rule may not apply in some crowded zones/private lots or areas with heavy demand. In such cases, you should check parking signs to avoid legal issues.
Is Parking Free in Chicago on Sundays?
In Chicago, parking is generally free on the day of rest in most residential areas (as per residential area parking rules). You do not need to pay at meters outside the central business district.
However, meters are enforced in the Loop, Central Business District plus some busy streets such as Broadway (from 10 AM to 8 PM). Moreover, pay stations in free areas do not accept payment from you for Sundays.
Is Parking Free in San Francisco on Sundays?
In San Francisco, parking meters stop charging you at 6 PM Monday to Saturday and Sundays are free. In the start of July 2023, some meters were started charging for Sundays from Noon to 6 PM.
As of 2026, most parking meters in San Francisco are now free on Sundays. But, you still need to pay in some areas such as Fisherman’s Wharf, The Embarcadero or SFMTA off street parking lots.
Is Parking Free in Seattle on Sundays?
Yes, you are legally allowed to park your vehicle in Seattle without submitting a parking fee during sunday. Well, you have to keep in mind that any time limits you see on signs for Sunday must still be followed.
The Seattle Department of Transportation suggests drivers that always check signs for commercial loading zones & residential permit areas.
What Time Does Free Parking Start?
In many locations, zero cost parking time for sunday start early in the morning mostly at midnight or 8 AM. Some cities may allow you to park all day. But, you have to pay a parking fee later in the morning in some regions.
In short, streets still have time limits, commercial loading zones or special restrictions on Sundays too.
| City | Free Parking Time Start on Sunday | Paid Weekend Hours |
| Dubai | Midnight (all day free) | Mon-Sat 8 AM to10 PM |
| Paris | Free parking time start at Midnight and available all day | Mon to Sat 9 AM-8 PM |
| Seattle | Midnight (all day no cost parking) | Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 10 PM |
| Singapore (HDB) | 7 AM | Depends on location & free of charge parking until 10:30 PM |
Is Parking Free Downtown on Sundays?
No, street parking downtown is not always costless for you during Sundays. Because, it depends on the city and your local rules. For instance: many North American downtowns offer costless parking all day.
Further, cities such as Seattle, Calgary, San Mateo and Spokane mostly have chargeless on-street parking during Sundays. However, some busy areas including waterfronts or Pioneer Square may still have time limits of 2 to 4 hours.
Are Parking Garages Free on Sunday?
Parking garages are not always free every sunday. They follow the same rules as street parking and may be costless. The parking garages in busy downtown or commercial areas still charge.
But, various garages in US and Canada offer you parking at no charge all day. These include city owned garages in Burlington (VT), Des Moines (IA) and Evanston (IL).
How Can You Know Where Parking is Free on Sundays?
To know park availability, you have to carefully check road or street signs where you plan to park your car. The installed signs will show you hours of enforcement, meter active or not plus special rules to follow for Sunday.
Plus, you can visit your city or municipal websites, which generally provide updated parking maps. Hence, you can get information about free zones & paid areas.
You can also explore this reddit discussion where people share tips on how to know where you can park on Sundays.
Are Parking Meters Free on Sunday?
Do parking meters work on Sundays? Well, parking meters are free on Sundays in most areas. But, it is only possible if the sign near meters does not list sunday as an enforced day.
When you see a sign that says “Mon to Sat”, it means you no need to pay for Sunday parking. In contrast, if a sign says “7 Days” or “Daily” or lists Sunday hours, you have to pay a parking fee. In short, the sign on the pole is still the final rule if other meters nearby are unpaid.
Do You Have To Pay Parking Meters on Sunday?
Below is a list of some places where parking meters are functional for a sunday and you have to pay for parking.
- Parking meters work 24/7 in downtown business districts such as the Loop in Chicago.
- Sunday hours (12 PM-8 PM) apply in tourist & waterfront areas. For example: Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco) or Lake Merritt (Oakland).
- You pay parking fees at event zones near stadiums or concert venues in cities like Washington.
- Parking meter rules apply in commercial streets with signs which show you “7 Days” or specific hours.
What Time Do You Not Have To Pay Parking Meters?
Mostly, you do not require parking meters in the evening after 6 PM or 10 PM and overnight. We advise you to always check the sign for exact hours, which usually show 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays.
Tips For Sunday Parking Safety
You can park your vehicles free of cost each Sunday, but still you have to follow all parking safety devices and enforced rules.
Parking Signs: Parking safety boards are installed to warn you about all legal rules you must obey.
Traffic Cones: Safety cones guide you and block unsafe areas. Hence, you should not park where cones are placed.
Barriers & Bollards: Strong barriers and parking bollards stop your vehicles from entering restricted zones. You must keep your car away from them.
Floor Marking/Signs: Floor markings show you parking lines, arrows or no parking zones. It’s important to follow them to park your car safely.
Wheel Stops: Wheel stops stop your car at the right spot. They protect sidewalks and other vehicle collisions.
Final Note
Finally, you clearly know how Sunday parking works and the rules you have to obey. You can also see which areas may still require payment or have time limits. Therefore, you should check signs and plan where to park before Sunday outings.
Otherwise, you may face unnecessary fines or tickets. If you have questions about parking rules or need safety products to park safely, you can contact our team now.
Generally Asked Questions
Do I Have To Pay a Fine if Parking is Free on Sundays?
It’s definitely possible that you face fines or legal penalties if parking is free for Sunday. The reason is, rules are different for each city or signs placed may be outdated. It is safe for you to check parking boards carefully and must obey safety rules,
Is Blue Zone Parking Free on Sunday?
In many European countries like France or Switzerland, blue area parking is free of cost on every Sunday. You will find no limit related to parking time. However, you can verify it before parking because rules may vary for different places.
Do Parking Ticket People Work on Sundays?
Yes, parking rules enforcement officers commonly work Sundays. But, whether you get a ticket or not, this depends on local traffic laws. Other violations like fire hydrants and red zones are still enforced.
Also Read:
Pavement Parking: Detailed Guide About Rules and Marking
Traffic Lane Separators For Parking Lots and Private Roadways
