Tips to Avoid Expensive Baltimore City Parking Tickets

Being one of the major cities of Maryland, Baltimore is a busy city where parking can always be a challenge. As Baltimore parking is in relatively high demand and expensive, you can struggle to access affordable Baltimore parking spaces. This can also lead you to be careless, and park illegally, thereby inviting expensive parking tickets. However, did you know that avoiding expensive Baltimore City parking tickets is easy if you put some effort into knowing how you can dodge it? If you didn't, that is precisely what we will cover so that you will never have to worry about getting ticketed for illegal Baltimore Parking. Following most of these tips, especially for your Downtown Baltimore parking, ensures that you stay clear from unnecessary parking citations and eventually end up saving more money. Here are the essential tips to help you avoid expensive Baltimore city parking tickets  

Don't Mess Around with Baltimore Street Parking Regulations.  

Baltimore street parking is enforced and maintained by the Parking Authority of Baltimore city, who are pretty active and efficient about their job. There are several rules and regulations in accordance with the Baltimore City Code. These regulations need to be followed if you don't want to end up with an expensive Baltimore city parking ticket. Some of the significant rules and regulations that you need to remember and fines for violating the same are as follows:  

No Parking Zone: It does not get more obvious than this, but it is a global phenomenon among people to take the risk and park here anyway. If you decide to park next to a "no parking" signboard, be prepared to see your vehicle towed away. Parking tickets for violating this rule can range from $32 to $102 and up to $502.  

No Stopping Zone: The city of Baltimore also has several no-stopping zones spread out across the city. All these no-stopping zones prohibit drivers from going for Baltimore parking. If you see a no-stopping zone, never park there as most of these spots have parking enforcement monitoring nearby. Fines for Baltimore Street parking in No Stopping Zones range from $32 to $502.   

Passenger Loading Zone: Passenger loading zones are earmarked to take on board or drop off passengers. Passenger loading zones are not meant for Baltimore parking, and if you end up parking for more than the designated time limit, you will receive a Baltimore city parking ticket that can cost you $32.   

Truck Loading Zone: Like passenger loading zones, these are zones earmarked for trucks and other similar commercial vehicles. Time limits are also applicable for truck loading zones, and any instance of parking more than the designated time will result in a Baltimore city parking ticket of $52.  

Expired Meters: Always move your vehicle out of a Baltimore Street parking space before the timer expires if you don't want to end up with expensive parking citations. It is pretty easy to stack up meter parking violations if you are not careful enough, and these can result in tickets that can cost you up to $32 for a single violation.   

Always Be Vigilant About Time Restrictions for Baltimore Street Parking  

As of 2021, around 840 metered street parking spaces in Baltimore are spread evenly across the city. You can find the most significant number of meters for downtown Baltimore parking. Apart from downtown, you can also see these metered parking spaces across Central Business District, Fells Point, Hampden, Mt. Vernon., Harbor East, Mt. Washington., Charles Village, and Federal Hill. All metered parking is legal parking zones that accept coins and credit cards for payment. On average, single-space and multi-space Baltimore parking ranges from $2 per hour and are in effect from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. The only downside to Baltimore Street Parking is that it is pretty easy to get ticketed for parking violations. If you don't pay enough attention or park at an expired meter, you can be booked. The same goes for parking out of position and having your wheels stretched outside the white line.   

Parking Garages are Not as Expensive as You Would Expect  

There is a common misconception that parking garages are very expensive and cost a fortune for Baltimore parking. However, not all Baltimore parking garages charge a fortune for parking. There are plenty of parking garages in Baltimore that offer cheap deals for parking in Baltimore and that too with all premium features like contactless parking, around-the-clock camera surveillance, and 24-hour lot security. Most of the parking garages in the area can be pre-booked online for affordable rates, starting at $5 per hour. Getting a spot for parking in garages also helps you easily avoid all parking citations. Yes, Baltimore Street parking is the cheapest option for parking in the city, but it is also the easiest way to get expensive parking tickets that can put a severe dent in your savings.   

Never Stack Parking Tickets and Stay Away from Busy Neighborhoods  

Staying away from busy neighborhoods like Downtown, Fells Point, and Central Business District are some of the easiest ways to make sure that you get to park at a legal parking spot without any unnecessary hassles. It is also relatively more straightforward to find Baltimore Street parking spaces vacant across locations that locals and visitors do not frequent. You also stand a chance to grab the best deals for parking garages in fewer demand zones since there will always be more street parking spaces vacant, leaving Baltimore parking garages with more space to accommodate. If your car is getting a parking ticket for a possible parking infringement, it's always best to settle the parking ticket at the soonest rather than take it around. You could also end up having to pay extra for not paying the fine on time if you carry it around for way too long.   

Following these simple parking tips and tricks will ensure to a great extent that you stay away from expensive parking citations in most case scenarios. If you still struggle regularly to find affordable Baltimore parking, it's always best to consider advanced reservations of Baltimore parking through parking apps that offer seamless interfaces.