Parking Meter FAQ

Why does the National Park Service charge for parking? Charging for parking is a well-established public management tool, especially in areas where demand exceeds supply. Free street parking can lead to increased vehicle usage and more traffic congestion. By implementing parking fees, the National Park Service promotes more efficient use of available parking spaces, allowing for quicker vehicle turnover and accommodating more visitors overall.Paid parking at the National Mall began in 2017 after a thorough planning process that included public engagement. The primary objectives for the meters on the National Mall are:

• To create more frequent turnover of limited parking spaces.
• To encourage the use of public transportation options, including Metro rail, buses, and Capital Bikeshare.
• To generate revenue for park improvements, enhancing the visitor experience.

Which streets are metered? Approximately 1,400 public parking spaces are being metered in the following locations:

• Constitution Avenue NW between 15th Street NW and 23rd Street NWIndependence Avenue SW, between 15^th Street and Maine Avenue

• Madison Drive NW• Jefferson Drive SW

• Parkway Drive SW• Ohio Drive SW in West Potomac Park (between Independence Ave and Inlet Bridge)

• West Basin Drive SW (between Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue)West Potomac Park Drive SW (between Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue)

• Tidal Basin parking lot (paddle boats)

• Lots A, B and C on Ohio Drive SW (East Potomac Park)

• Lot D on Buckeye Drive (adjacent to tennis courts)Additionally, there are nine designated bus parking spaces along Independence Avenue between 15th Street and Survey Lodge metered as well.

Is there any free parking? Yes, over 500 parking spaces on Ohio Drive in East Potomac Park (east and south of Buckeye Drive) around Hains Point are still free.

How do the meters work? The National Mall utilizes the same multi-space parking meters that are used throughout the city, resulting in convenience and familiarity for users. The meters accept credit and debit cards only (no cash or coins). Users can also utilize the ParkMobile app and website to pay. The on-street meters operate on a “pay and display” basis, printing a ticket showing the expiration time that must be displayed on the vehicle's dashboard. The meters in the parking lots and on Ohio Drive SW in East Potomac Park use a “pay by plate” system, where users enter their license plate information into the meter.

How much parking costs and when do I have to pay? The parking rate is $2.30 per hour, enforced from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year except December 25. Some areas closer to downtown allow 3-hour sessions, while those further away permit 6-hour sessions. Once the maximum time has been reached and the session has expired, it will not be possible to add additional time to the meter.

Will parking be enforced on holidays and weekends? The meters will be enforced every day of the year except December 25, the only day the National Mall sites are officially closed.

How about disabled motorists?There are designated parking spaces for vehicles displaying disability parking permits, placards, and vehicle tags. These spaces are required to pay the meter, in alignment with D.C.’s regulations for meters in the city’s Central Business District.

What about motorcoaches and tour buses? In areas where tour bus parking is allowed, buses will be charged $6.90 per hour, with either a 3-hour or 6-hour limit depending on what is permitted in each zone. Tour bus loading and unloading spaces will not incur charges, but there will be a 30-minute limit for loading and unloading.

What about motorcycles? Motorcycles can park in the parking lots (A, B,C, and D) areas off of Ohio Drive where the meters are “pay by plate” or by using the ParkMobile app.

Who enforces the parking meters? Under a Memorandum of Agreement with the District of Columbia, enforcement of the meters will be the responsibility of city’s Department of Public Works. Revenue from parking tickets will go to the District of Columbia. U.S. Park Police will continue to provide support for parking enforcement.

Where does the revenue from the meters go? The net revenue will be used for projects to enhance the visitor experience on the National Mall.

How to report that a meter needs to be repaired? Flowbird, the provider of NPS parking meters, is responsible for repairs to the meters. Visitors or staff can report meter outages using the 24-hour call-in number that posted on each meter.Website: Directions - National Mall and Memorial Parks (U.S. National Park Service)Suggested changes:

Location and Location-Specific Requirements

• Parking is not included with the permit. The closest parking for event participants are metered spaces along Ohio Drive and the A ,B, and C parking lots on Ohio Drive, which cost $2.30 per hour.

 

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