As a New Orleans homeowner you probably have had issues with those who park on your street, be it your neighbors or visitors. Learn your rights and what you can do when others don’t follow the law.
If you’re having issues with parking on your street, here’s what you need to know about common violations, parking enforcement during special events, and your rights as a homeowner.
Street parking in New Orleans can be a challenge: The city parking rules are confusing and keep getting stricter, and we get millions of visitors every year who come by car. Plus, both visitors and locals ignore parking regulations, especially during big events (just walk around the French Quarter on Ash Wednesday or Bayou St. John during JazzFest and count the tickets on windshields and the tow trucks in action).
New Orleans Homeowners Gripe About Street Parking
As a homeowner you probably have had issues with those who park on your street, be it your neighbors or visitors. Next time you feel uncomfortable confronting your neighbors about removing those orange cones or trashcans blocking off multiple spots, or curse your fate while endlessly circling the block to find a spot near your house, please know that you have undeniable rights when it comes to street parking.
One of the complaints often heard by locals is finding that a car is partially blocking their driveways, making it nearly impossible for them to leave their homes. The city specifies that no car can be parked within three feet of either side of a driveway.
There have also been reports of homeowners complaining of cars left in the same spot on the street for weeks, referred to as an “abandoned car” by Department of Public Works. Many times these vehicles are perceived as eyesores for residents. Abandoned cars are such a large problem in the greater New Orleans area that the city has been known to hold abandoned-car auctions.
To report parking violations, you can call the Sheriff’s Department or dial 311 to request that a vehicle be towed (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Keeping Up to Date on Recent Changes in Parking Regulations
The City of New Orleans started installing new, improved solar-powered parking meters in 2014. They feature video touchscreens and instructions in four languages and are operated by Parkmobile, a pay-by-phone parking service. There are approximately 3,200 metered spaces in the French Quarter, Marigny, and CBD, and about 1,300 elsewhere in the city.
While the new meters are a welcome improvement for heavily visited areas like CBD, there was some criticism from the local residents and businesses regarding the regulations that came with the meter overhaul and expansion. Starting in January 2017, the city increased the metered parking rate to $3 an hour in the French Quarter, Marigny, and CBD. It also extended parking enforcement for an hour, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The plan was to extend it to 10 p.m., but there was pushback from service industry workers, who said, “the loss of free on-street parking caused by the extension of enforcement hours would impose a de-facto pay cut.”
The City Council also approved an ordinance increasing the fine for on-street parking ticket violations from $20 to $30. The fine increases to $60 after 30 days and to $90 after 60 days. The number of parking enforcement officers was also slated to increase by 20 people (about double), especially in neighborhoods that require residential parking passes.
Parking 101: Read the Signs
This Parking 101 rule applies in any city, but especially in New Orleans, where parking signs change from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Common violations include parking:
- Within three feet of a driveway on either side ($40 fine)
- At an expired meter ($30)
- Against the flow of traffic or at an angle ($40)
- On a sidewalk, even if it is adjacent to your own property ($40)
- Trailers, campers, or 18-wheelers on residential streets ($500)
- In residential parking permit zones without a permit for more than two hours ($75)
- In a handicapped zone without proper permit ($500)
- Vehicles larger than 22 feet in length overnight in the CBD
- Within 18 inches of a marked or unmarked curb line
Towable violations include parking:
- Within 20 feet of intersections, crosswalks, or stop signs
- In a residential area for longer than 72 hours (abandoned car)
- On the neutral ground, playground, or pedestrian mall ($75); and adjacent to the neutral ground ($40)
- On a parade route two hours before and after the parade ($75)
- In driveways, fire lanes, and within 20 feet of fire hydrants ($40)
- In loading, service, and passenger zones (includes bus and cab zones, $40)
- On street cleaning days (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. – noon)
- At bagged meters
- While you have three or more unpaid parking violations
Per the Department of Public Works, towing fees in New Orleans start at $160. Having even one unpaid parking violation and/or traffic camera violation can cause your car to be booted.
Residential Parking Zones and Permit
There are currently 17 residential parking zones in New Orleans, dating back to the 1984 World’s Fair when the city expected a lot of visitors. Within these designated areas, drivers without a permit cannot park longer than two hours. The permit exempts holders from meter and time limit restrictions and is required, especially during busy times and big events.
You can apply for a residential parking permit by submitting this application to the Parking Division, or online. The application fee is $40 for all types of permits. The fees range from new resident ($15) to annual property owner and visitor ($30) to a temporary 30-day permit ($40). There are also senior and student discounts.
Are you part of a neighborhood association that lacks a residential parking zone? You can ask your association to request a residential parking zone to help curb frequent violators and hold fellow parkers accountable.
Parking During Mardi Gras
The City of New Orleans has rule enforcement during Carnival and other major annual events down to a science. Parking enforcement during Mardi Gras on parade routes and in the French Quarter, in particular, is strict and efficient. There are limitations on parking on cross streets of Bourbon Street and other areas in the French Quarter, for instance. Every year the city installs approximately 3,000 temporary signs along parade routes in addition to permanent “No Parking” signs. Another important rule to remember is that hours after a Mardi Gras parade ends, any unauthorized vehicle on any part of the published parade route will be ticketed and towed to clear the way for the city’s Department of Sanitation.
Useful Phone Numbers
- To request parking enforcement: (504) 658-8100 (24/7)
- Information on residential parking permits: (504) 658-8200 (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
- Ticket and tow payment information: (504) 525-0088 (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
- Auto Impound Service: (504) 658-8284; or (504) 658-8285 24/7, to confirm whether a vehicle has been impounded
- Boot information: 504-599-5652 (24/7)
- Ticket and tow appeals and hearings: (504) 658-8250 (Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)