Los Angeles, California – Residents and visitors in Los Angeles may soon have to dig a little deeper into their pockets when paying for street parking. The L.A. City Council has officially approved a 50% increase in parking meter rates, marking the first major adjustment in over a decade.
Parking Rate Hike Approved
In a 10-0 vote on Friday, the Los Angeles City Council approved the proposal to raise the parking meter rate from $1 to $1.50 per hour. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) currently charges between $1 and $8.50, depending on the area and parking demand. With this increase, drivers could see even higher hourly rates in certain busy districts.
The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about managing parking congestion, improving city infrastructure, and generating additional revenue. According to city officials, the new rate structure is expected to generate an additional $14.4 million for the city each year, as reported by KTLA.
Extended Parking Hours
The measure doesn’t just stop at increasing the rates — it also introduces longer meter operating hours:
- Until midnight in high-traffic areas.
- Until 8 p.m. on other metered streets.
Currently, meters in Los Angeles only operate Monday through Saturday, but that will soon change. Under the new rule, Sunday parking will also become metered, with exceptions made case-by-case in specific areas.
City leaders argue that this change reflects the city’s growing nightlife and increased evening activity in commercial and entertainment districts. The goal, they say, is to encourage better parking turnover and ensure that spaces are available throughout the day and night.
Reporting and Adjustments
The L.A. Department of Transportation will now be required to report to the City Council every five years to review and possibly adjust parking meter rates based on city needs and inflation trends. This ensures future rate changes happen gradually rather than after long periods without adjustment.
Impact on Los Angeles Drivers
While the rate hike will likely frustrate many drivers, officials claim it’s necessary to balance traffic management with city revenue goals. There are 83 LADOT Parking Meter Zones across the city, covering over 35,000 public metered spaces, managed through both single-space meters and multi-space pay stations.
Many Los Angeles residents have voiced concerns about the added cost, especially in neighborhoods where affordable parking is already scarce. However, city officials emphasize that the revenue will support transportation improvements, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety initiatives.
Tips for Drivers
To help motorists adapt to the new parking regulations:
- Always check meter signage for updated hours and rates.
- Use mobile payment apps that send alerts before time expires.
- Consider public transit or rideshare options when visiting busy areas like Downtown L.A., Hollywood, or Santa Monica.
- Plan parking in advance for major events or nightlife areas where spaces are in high demand.
What’s Next
It remains unclear when the new rates and operating hours will officially go into effect, but implementation is expected in the coming months. The city council will coordinate with LADOT to update parking meters and notify the public before the changes roll out.
For now, Angelenos can prepare for costlier but more efficiently managed parking across the city.
What do you think about the new parking rate hike in Los Angeles? Share your thoughts in the comments below — do you believe it’s a fair move for city improvements, or just another burden on drivers?
