frequently asked questions
Who do I call to report an abandoned vehicle?Who do I call if I have a boot on my car?
I live on the Island, where can I leave my car in the city?
I put change in a meter and nothing registered. Who do I report a broken meter to?
I have a ticket, do I have to pay it?
I want to report a parking problem, who do I call?
Who do I call if I have a parking ticket complaint?
I received a ticket, but don’t understand why, who can I call for clarification?
I am new to Portland, what is the Residential Sticker program and who do I call to get one?
My car was towed, how do I find out where it is?
How do I find out about City-Operated Parking Garages?
How do I reserve a specific parking space on a city street?
Who do I contact for information on the Park&Shop/Park&Work Program?
I have questions about parking signs on my street, who do I call?
What is a Snow Ban?
What are the overnight parking regulations?
Where can I park my motorcycle or mopeds?
Who do I call to report an abandoned vehicle?
To report a vehicle that hasn’t moved for 5 days or more, or to inquire about an abandoned vehicle notice call 874-8443 or 874-8498.
Who do I call if I have a boot on my car?
For questions or to find out how much money is owed call 874-8498 or 874-8443. Payments are made in the Treasury Division which is located in room 102 of City Hall and open from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to pay by phone with a credit card call 874- 8860. Vehicles that are booted and left unpaid will be towed by 5:00 p.m.
I live on the Island, where can I leave my car in the city?
Please click here for a list and map of the facilities that provide parking within the vicinity of Casco Bay Lines. This information also includes places that offer monthly parking rates as well. For more information, please call our Parking Control Office, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. at 874-8443.
I put change in a meter and nothing registered. Who do I report a broken meter to?
To report any broken or jammed meters, or any other related meter issues call 874-8443 or 874-8498.
I want to report a parking problem, who do I call?
Parking Problems such as blocked driveways, time zone violations, vehicles in no parking zones, etc. can be reported to the Parking Division at 874-8498 or 874-8443 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. After hours call the Police Department at 874-8575.
Who do I call if I have a parking ticket complaint?
To discuss or dispute a parking ticket, contact the Senior Parking Control Officer at 874-8910.
I received a ticket, but don’t understand why, who can I call for clarification?
For an explanation of parking regulations and ordinances call 874-8910.
I am new to Portland, what is the residential sticker program and who do I call to get one?
The residential sticker allows residents to park in 1 and 2 hour zones (within their zone) during the entire time the zone is in effect with out receiving a ticket. Stickers can be obtained in the Parking Office (rm. 20) located on City Hall. Click here for more information. For further questions call 874-8443 or 874-8498.
My car was towed, how do I find out where it is?
For vehicles towed for scoff, blocking a driveway, snow bans, or street maintenance call 874-8443 or 874-8498 between 7:30 a.m.and 6:30 p.m. For vehicles towed from privately owned parking lots, vehicles towed due to an arrest or an accident, or after hours call the Police Department at 874-8575
How do I find out about City-Operated Parking Garages?
The City of Portland oversees operations of the Elm St. Garage located on Elm St. between the Library and Portland High School and the Spring St. Garage located on Spring Street next to the Cumberland County Civic Center. For monthly parking spaces, hours of operation, or other questions call the Elm Street Garage at 871-1106 or the Spring Street Garage at 874-2842.
How do I reserve a specific parking space on a city street?
Parking spaces can be reserved for moving vans, building maintenance, or special events by purchasing an On-Street Occupancy Permit from the Department of Public Services. The costs of the permits is $10.00 per day per space. For more information or to purchase a space call 874-8822
Who do I contact for information on the Park&Shop/Park&Work Program?
These programs are sponsored by the Portland Downtown District. Call 772-6828 for more information. Books are available for purchase at the Maine Bank and Trust located at 467 Congress St.
I have
questions about parking signs on my street, who do I call?
For sign problems, requests, or changes contact the Traffic Division at 874-8891.
What is a
Snow Ban?
During periods of inclement weather in the winter months, the City of Portland may call a city wide parking ban or a yellow ban in the downtown area. The ban is usually in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., but may be extended in extreme weather. During a parking ban no vehicles are permitted to be parked on a city street during those hours.
To find out if a snow ban is in effect you can
If your vehicle was towed for snow ban, call the Snow Impoundment Lot at 774-3025.
What are
the overnight parking regulations?
The overnight parking restrictions are broken down into
two systems, off peninsula which has odd/even parking and on the peninsula,
where overnight parking is specified by streets signs.
The City of Portland has dedicated certain on street parking areas to be used exclusively by motorcycles/mopeds only, allowing them to park for up to 10 hours for free without moving. The City Council approved this to enhance the viability of alternative transportation choices as well as free up existing vehicle parking spaces now used by mopeds and motorcycles.
48 moped/motorcycle parking spaces on the following streets:
- Bramhall St. @ Hill St.
- Commercial St. @ Chandler’s Wharf
- Commercial St. @ Cross St.
- Commercial St. @ Union Wharf
- Congress St. @ Myrtle St.
- Federal St. @ Market St.
- High St. between Spring St. and Congress St.
- High St. @ Deering St.
- Market St. @ Middle St.
- Myrtle St. @ Congress St.
- Silver St. @ Fore St.
- Spring St. – Southside near Union St.
- State St. @ Deering St.
- Temple St.@ Free St.
M/M can also park at metered spaces, and multiple two wheelers can use the same space as long as the meter is fed. If it expires all the vehicles in that space can be ticketed.