When you come into Washington DC, you have a multitude of options on how to do it. Whether you live in the suburbs or you are coming from farther away, it can be difficult to understand the parking regulations in the District. Here is a guide meant to untangle all of that confusion.
Parking on the Street
Parking on the street can be more difficult than you imagine. For example, it is much more expensive than you would believe necessary. It will also put you in a bad mood, even if you don’t drive yourself and have a driver chauffeur you into the city and around to all the places you need to go. Even when parking on the street, you will need to be sure to keep the meter fed unless you want to incur parking tickets that can be just as much of a pain to fight if you believe you received one in error.
Parking Around Meters
The meter rates could go up without warning. One example price is $2.30, but that could fluctuate. The only time you can park without needing to mind the meter is on Sundays when there is free parking for the day. Otherwise, there are normal demand zones that apply on Mondays to Saturdays that last from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm and premium demand zones on the same days of the week that run from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Some of the premium demand zones include Adams Morgan, Penn Quarter, Chinatown, the Georgetown Historic District, and The National Mall. However, because these zones are prone to moving, it is advisable to do some research online and determine which are the normal zones and which ones are the premium zones, as classifications could change to increase your confusion. The District’s Department of Transportation website can furnish you with more information, should you need it.
Parking in Garages
Another option to consider is to park inside a garage. However, it is important to note that the garages are not overseen by the DOT, but are administered by private companies. Where you can park and how much you will have to pay will ultimately depend on the time of day and how busy the area or neighborhood is. The different sections of the city all have their unique character and depending on which part of the city you are in, and what you are planning to do, it could be more convenient to park in a privately-owned garage for several hours.
How to Contact Us
When you need help navigating the DMV in DC and Virginia, or the MVA in Maryland, then get in touch. Our online contact form can make it easier for you to reach us. Just be sure to leave your name, phone number, email address, and a short description of how we can help you with. Our phone number is 202-342-2558, and our email address is greg@usvrs.com.
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