Meter Parking Zones
Know Before You Go
The meters provided for parking payment are multi-space “pay by plate” meters. Note your license plate number before walking away from your vehicle.
Observe all signage when parking to ensure that you are following all posted rules.
How much do I have to pay?
The parking rate at all locations listed above is $1.25/hour.
How do I pay?
For your convenience, you have the option of paying by credit card at a multi-space parking meter; or with quarters (no bills or other coin denominations). You may also pay with the Passport mobile apps.
When are the meters in operation?
Cambridge Parkway: 8AM-6PM, Monday through Saturday, excluding Commonwealth holidays unless posted otherwise.
Memorial Drive: 8AM-8PM, Monday through Saturday, excluding Commonwealth Holidays, unless posted otherwise.
MA holidays listed here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cishol/holidx.htm
Is there a maximum time limit that I can park at a spot?
No time limit unless posted otherwise.
Area-Specific Details
Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge
Parking follows operational hours and rates stated above.
Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Parking follows operational hours and rates as stated above with the exception of one small section located immediately west of the main walkway into Killian Court at MIT, which is “ONE HOUR LIMIT”.
Paying at the Meter
Meters are located at intervals along applicable roadways. Note or take a photo of your license plate number before walking away from your vehicle, as you will be required to enter your plate number at the meter to complete your transaction.
There is a 1-hour minimum transaction when paying by credit card. Note: The multi-space meters also accept quarters. Each quarter pays for 12 minutes of parking.
How it Works
1. Check the Display
Look at the Pay Station Smart Meter screen and find parking rates, hours, time limits and other important info. If the screen is dark, press any button and it will light up.
2. Plate or Debit/Credit Card
Either enter plate number or insert debit/credit card. IntelliTouch will prompt you through the remainder of the transaction.
3. Select Payment Amount
With the [+] and [-] buttons, select your payment amount.
4. Paying with coins (quarters only)
If paying with quarters, exact change is required as coins WILL NOT be returned.
5. Paying with card
If paying with debit or credit card, wait for authorization of the card. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted. American Express is not accepted.
6. Confirm payment
Press the [OK] button to confirm your payment, or [CANCEL] button to stop your transaction. The meter will attempt to authorize the payment shown on the screen if neither button is pressed after 5 seconds.
7. Amount of time
The display will then show the amount of paid time approved and when your time is up or the meter will request another card.
8. Receipt
Receipt will only print if requested. Receipt does not need to be displayed on dashboard.
Parking Receipts
Repeat customers may find it helpful to securely store their credit card and vehicle information by going to MyParkingReceipts.com. This will save time during parking transactions and will ensure the accuracy of license plate number information for every transaction. MyParkingReceipts.com also saves license plate info for multiple vehicles. For your records, you can access and review all past parking transactions
If you do not wish to use the MyParkingReceipts.com website, you will have the option of printing a receipt at the end of your payment transaction. (The meter will ask if you want a receipt, and you must press “OK” to receive a receipt. Otherwise, no receipt will print.)
Paying by Mobile Pay App
DCR is pleased to partner with Passport Labs, Inc. to provide patrons with a touchless alternative to pay for parking. Passport offers DCR patrons increased convenience with the ability to extend time and pay remotely.
Apps are available at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Patrons who currently have an existing Passport account are not required to create a new account to park at DCR’s paid on-street locations.
Mobile payment signs are located along metered streets for the benefit of our patrons. When entering details within the mobile app, please enter the correct zone number as seen on the mobile payment sign, and your license plate number.
One benefit of using the Passport payment app is that you can receive a notification on your mobile device when there is 15 minutes remaining before your paid parking expires. You will then have the option of adding time if you will not be back to your vehicle in time.
Note: There is a $0.15 per transaction convenience fee associated with using the Passport app.
Parking Tickets
Enforcement Parking violations will primarily be enforced by DCR Park Rangers, though DCR’s law enforcement partners also have the authority to issue citations for all violations, including meter violations. Please adhere to all posted signage. Where regulatory signs indicate “Tow Zone”, vehicles may be towed for violations.
Tips for Avoiding Parking Tickets
1. Adhere to all regulatory signage
2. Enter the correct license plate number at the meter or in the mobile app
3. Use mobile apps to set reminder alerts
4. Pay the parking fee
If You Have Received a Parking Ticket
You can pay a ticket by following this link:
Instructions for Paying a Ticket Here
You can appeal a ticket by following this link:
Instructions for Appealing a Ticket Here
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the parking rates?
All metered spaces are $1.25 per hour, Monday – Saturday (excluding Commonwealth Holidays) or as posted otherwise.
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What forms of payment can I use at the meter?
Meters accept quarters, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover Card as forms of payment. Please note, American Express is not accepted. No bills or other coin denominations are accepted.
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How can I sign up to use the mobile payment app?
You can download the Passport app at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. First time users are required to create an account in order use the apps.
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Is there a fee to use Passport app?
DCR does not charge a fee to use mobile payment services. However, Passport will apply a convenience fee of $0.15 per transaction.