Parking Regulations

Parking rules help keep streets safe and accessible for everyone. Learn about parking signs, by-law rules, and parking at metered spaces to avoid getting a ticket.

About parking signs

• Not all parking regulations are posted on signs. When parking rules apply to the whole city, signs are not posted. This helps prevent unnecessary clutter from too many signs and saves money on maintenance and installation
• Generally, signs are only posted when the rule relates to a specific area, block, or street
• Follow all citywide rules and check for posted signs to avoid fines. A sign is not required to receive a fine if you break the rules

Metered parking tips

• Get the HONK app to pay for parking right from your phone!
• Read the parking meter for rates, time limits, and functionality
• If a meter is not working, report it to the city with the meter number. Please move your vehicle from the space and park at a working meter
• If you get a ticket at a broken meter, visit our office at the MacBain Community Centre to appeal it. Our staff will check service records to confirm if the meter was out of order when you received the ticket

Parking by-laws

Parking regulations for the City of Niagara Falls are defined in the following by-laws:

Accessible parking by-law 2019-44

• Misusing an accessible parking space is a violation.
• Property owners must follow rules for the number, size, and signage of accessible parking spaces
• Apply for an Accessible Parking Permit
• Learn about Parking Lot Owner Requirements for Accessible Spaces
• Get the listing of fines and penalties
• Read the by-law

Fire routes by-law 2019-97

• Parking in a fire route is a violation.
• Information for private property owners on how to establish fire and emergency access routes
• Get the listing of fines and penalties
• Read the by-law

Parking and traffic by-law 89-2000

• Rules for on-street parking and overnight parking restrictions
• Guidelines for parking and traffic sign locations.
• Get the listing of fines and penalties
• Read the by-law

Parking on private and city-owned property by-law 80-77

• Rules for parking on private property and enforcement.
• Get the listing of fines and penalties
• Read the by-law

Paying a parking ticket

• Check our Paying a Parking Ticket page, where you can easily pay online or dispute the ticket if you believe there’s a mistake.

School zone restrictions

School zone parking rules protect children and parents by ensuring clear visibility and smooth traffic flow. No Stopping and No Parking areas must stay clear, and violations will result in immediate fines. School zones are high-risk areas that are strictly enforced.

• Visit the School Zones and Crossing Guards pages for more information
• Visit the Fines and Penalties page for a list of fine amounts

When vehicles get towed

The City, Region, or private property owners might arrange to have vehicles towed for different reasons. Here’s what you need to know:

Towing from public property

• Your vehicle might get towed if you are parked in a restricted area, blocking traffic, emergency routes, or snowplows, or if you leave your car abandoned on public property
• If your vehicle has been towed from public property, call Regional Towing at 905-353-1717

Towing from private property

• Private property owners, like businesses, condos, and apartment buildings, might tow vehicles if they are parked without permission or blocking driveways, loading zones, or their fire routes
• If your vehicle was towed from private property, check the sign for the towing company’s contact information or ask the property manager