General parking information | Permit parking | Parking tickets

General parking information

How long can I park on the street if there are no signs posted?
Within the City of Toronto, an unsigned maximum three-hour parking limit exists on public roads unless there is signage posted indicating otherwise (eg, maximum 1 hour parking, maximum 15 minute parking, etc.)

Signs advising visitors to the city of this general, unsigned regulation are posted at the access points to the city and when exiting from a Provincial highway.

To request enforcement of the three-hour limit, call the Toronto Police Service, Parking Enforcement Unit at 416-808-6600.

What if I need to park on the street as I do not have a driveway?
Some streets in the Scarborough District are candidates for the installation of long duration (maximum 12-hours) parking. The policy regarding installing long duration parking dictates the following:

1. Requests must be submitted in the form of a petition signed by the majority of property owners.
2. Off-street parking must be non-existent or deficient, based on the number of driveways versus the number of homes and in accordance with zoning requirements for parking. (ie. at least one off-street space per home)
3. Long term parking periods will apply to one side of the street only. Parking will be prohibited on the opposite side of the street.

What is the difference between parking, standing and stopping regulations?
The rules associated with each parking regulation are listed in order of least to most restrictive:

	No Parking - motorists are only permitted to load or unload passengers or merchandise.
	No Standing - motorists are only permitted to receive and discharge passengers. Typically used in the area of TTC bus stops.
	No Stopping - motorists are generally not permitted to stop for any reason except to avoid a conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a constable or other police officer or of a traffic control sign or signal.

I am having my driveway paved. Can I park on the street for a few days?
The Toronto Police Service, Parking Enforcement Unit does allow for short duration parking consideration. Residents should contact the Toronto Police Service, Parking Enforcement Unit at 416-808-6500 in advance of parking on the road and request that they not receive tickets for the duration that they will be parking on the street. There is no parking consideration for offences such as No Standing, No Stopping, stopping on sidewalks and parking on boulevards, in front of fire hydrants, in fire routes, rush hour routes and permit parking streets.

Permit parking

If you cannot find an answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Do I need a permit for parking motorcycles?
Yes, permits for motorcycles are issued under the same regulations applicable to motor vehicle permits.

What happens when my permit expires?
Renewal notices will be sent by mail near the end of the term. Simply send in a cheque or money order to receive next term's permit.

Where can I park with my permit?
Depending on where you live, your permit may allow you to park just on your street or in a certain area.

What should I do with my permit if I have to use a temporary car because of an accident or because my car was stolen?
If your car is being repaired, or was stolen, simply provide necessary documentation to get a free temporary permit for the loaner car.

What should I do if I change address/cars?
Show proof of your change of address to obtain a re-issue of the permit for the new address along with the re-issue fee of $6.40 plus HST. If the new address does not have permit parking, you may return the permit for a refund. For a change of cars, the permit may be transferred with valid vehicle registration, provided the owner's name and address are the same.

May I purchase permits for others?
Yes, provided the proper documentation is presented.

What can I do about parking tickets?
Parking ticket matters must be taken up with Parking Tag Operations. See Parking tickets for more details.

Do permit holders have to obey parking meter regulations, pay and display, and signs prohibiting or restricting parking, stopping, and standing?
Yes. They must obey all existing regulations such as "No Parking Anytime", "No parking between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.", "Snow Route", etc. However, in the case of signs restricting parking to one, two, or three hours, the permit holder in most cases may disregard these signs if they are posted on a street authorized for permit parking.

Can I get a permit with an out of province registration and/or driver's licence?
Yes. However, if the registration and/or driver's licence does not show the Toronto address at which you are currently residing, proof of residency must be provided.

May I use mixed payment methods to purchase a permit?
Unfortunately, no. Payment can be made with one method only.
See accepted methods of payment.

Can I get a permit for my commercially registered vehicle?
No.You must register the vehicle as personal use only before you may get a permit.
Note: Some exceptions may apply. Please call 416-392-7873 for details

How does parking by non-permit holders on authorized streets affect a permit holder authorized to park on that street or in the area?
It deprives a permit holder of a potential parking space, however, a non-permit holder may only park his/her vehicle subject to all existing regulations, specifically, he/she may not park on a street authorized for permit parking between the hours specified on the sign, nor may he/she exceed the 3 hour limit for parking on any street not otherwise restricted.

What is the penalty for parking without a permit on a street authorized for permit parking?
A vehicle owner without a parking permit who parks on such a street during the period specified on the posted signs, will be subject to a fine of $30.00. Parking for an excessive length of time (eg. more than one, two, or three hours as shown on the signs), during other periods will make the vehicle owner liable to a minimum fine of $15.00 where there are no other restrictions.

How many permits will be issued to each household?
If after all the requirements have been met and there is still space remaining on the street or area, then a permit may be issued to more than one vehicle owner in a household.

Parking tickets

How can I pay for or appeal a parking ticket?
Parking ticket payment and appeal option information is available on our parking tickets site. Payment, appeal options and locations are also listed on the back of the ticket. For information on outstanding traffic tickets call 416-397-TAGS (8247). Infractions are based on the laws of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, and so disputes are handled in provincial court.