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Bylaws to Note

Here are a few parking facts you may not be aware of:

  • Tourism is Victoria's #1 industry and The City recognizes the value of our visitors, so courtesy tickets are given to identifiable tourists (those with out-of-province license plates).
  • The City has designated 28 metered on-street parking spaces in the downtown core for use by people with a valid disabled placard on their vehicle. Disabled drivers can purchase up to two hours of parking time at these spaces. All 28 spaces meet the physical requirements of specially equipped vehicles. In addition, they are permitted a free hour at a regular meter, should a handicapped one not be available.


Common Parking Mistakes:

  • "I was just getting change!" is likely the top excuse given for time infractions. Avoid this by purchasing a Parking Smart Card. You won't have to worry about carrying change nor will you have to guess how long to plug the meter for.
  • If you are in a limited time zone and need more time, it is not enough to pull forward a couple of feet. It is a violation to remain on the same block and your vehicle must be moved off the block for the same amount of time as the particular zone is. (i.e. If you're in a 1-hour zone, you must leave the block for 1 hour before returning to park.)
  • Parking closer than 1 metre to another car is a violation
  • Parking further than 30 cm from the curb is a violation of the Provincial Motor Vehicle Act. The City has adopted this into its bylaws.
  • When parking in an angled space on the street, you must pull in forward; do not reverse into these spaces.
  • You can receive multiple tickets. A ticket can be issued for every cycle of time at a meter or time zone. This means at a 90 minute meter you could receive a ticket for each 90 minute period.
  • Do not park in front of any driveway entrance. Even if it's your driveway or you don't think the driveway is in use.

Parking Ticket Disputes
A recently implemented system clarifies infractions. Now, all non-time-related infractions are supported by photos, so both you and the parking Commissionaire can see exactly why a ticket was given. If you think you received an unfair parking ticket or simply want an explanation for it, there is a formal review process in place. Contact the City of Victoria Parking Review Office at 361-0252 and check the back of your parking ticket for details.