Parking In New Orleans

Before you head into New Orleans, please take note of an important piece of advice: ALWAYS READ THE SIGNS BEFORE YOU PARK! 

You think the city just makes money off of your tourist dollars? ;) (It's parking fines!) READ the signs before you park. Metered Parking is enforced. You only have to pay the meters from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  The new meters accept coins, currency, debit and credit card payments. 

You cannot park at bagged meters, during X hours, or on X days...it's different on each block and each day...so read the posted signs very carefully -- or park somewhere else! Call Parking Enforcement (504) 658-8100 to see if you have a question about parking in New Orleans. 

Towable parking violations include parking:

• in driveways, fire lanes
• on sidewalks or neutral grounds
• near fire hydrants (within 15 feet)
• on corners and crosswalks (within 20 feet)
• in loading and service zones (buses and cab zones too)
• on a parade route within 2 hours of a parade
• during rush hours (7-9 a.m., 4-6 p.m.) on major streets
• on street cleaning days (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. - Noon)
• at bagged meters
• 3 or more unpaid parking violations

To make sure your car was towed and not stolen, you can contact the City of New Orleans Claiborne Auto Pound at 504-658-8284 or 658-8285. Hope you don't have to use this number! The auto pound is located at 400 N. Claiborne Avenue under the Expressway.

HANDICAPPED?
Drivers needing a handicapped pass can obtain a card - call (504) 658-8200.

COMMERCIAL LOTS
Many parking lots have reduced rates ("Early Bird Specials") if you arrive before 9:00 a.m. 

PARK-N-SHOP LOTS
Many downtown businesses and department stores offer free or discounted parking with minimum purchases.