Parking in Edmonton is regulated by a strict system of fines and penalties designed by the city to ensure order on the streets and the safety of all road users. Unlike some other cities where parking is more liberal, Edmonton has a clear policy on parking, and violations of these rules can be expensive and have serious consequences.
In 2025, the city of Edmonton introduced a new system of fines, which has changed compared to previous years. Up-to-date information on fines is important for anyone parking in Edmonton, as ignorance of the fines does not exempt drivers from liability. This article will give you a detailed understanding of all types of parking fines in Edmonton, the circumstances under which they are imposed, and how to deal with a fine if you receive one.
Fines for parking in unauthorized areas
Parking in a “No Parking” or “No Stopping” zone
One of the most serious parking violations in Edmonton is parking in an area where parking is strictly prohibited. These areas, marked with “No Parking” or “No Stopping” signs, are often located near intersections, on turns, in front of fire hydrants, or in places where a parked car could obstruct traffic.
If you park in such an area, not only will you receive a ticket, but your car will also be towed to a storage facility. The fine for this violation is $100 for simply parking in such areas. However, in addition to the fine itself, you will have to pay $120 for towing your car and additional storage fees, which accrue daily while your car is in the impound lot.
This means that parking in a “No Parking” or “No Stopping” zone can cost you hundreds of dollars for just a few hours of parking.
Parking too close to a fire hydrant
Parking too close to a fire hydrant is another serious violation. Fire hydrants must be easily accessible to firefighters in emergencies, so parking near them forces the fire department to spend precious time looking for an alternative fire hydrant location, which can affect their response time to fires.
The fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant is $75. This is less than the fine for parking in a “No Parking” zone, but it is still a significant amount.
Parking in a bus zone
Bus zones are clearly marked and reserved for public transportation. Parking your car in a bus zone obstructs public transportation and can delay all passengers waiting for the bus.
If you park in a bus zone, your car will be towed, and you will have to pay a fine plus towing and storage fees.
Fines for parking in EPark zones
Parking longer than paid for
In EPark zones in the city center and some commercial areas, parking is regulated by a time meter system. If you park and pay for a certain amount of time but remain parked longer than the time you paid for, you will be issued a fine.
The fine for parking longer than the time you paid for is approximately $50-$75, depending on the circumstances.
Parking in a 2-hour limit zone
There is a 2-hour parking limit in the city center during the day (from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays). If you park in this zone and remain parked for more than 2 hours without interruption, you will be issued a ticket.
The fine for violating the 2-hour limit is approximately $50-$75.
Fines for parking in spaces not accessible to people with disabilities
Parking in a space reserved for people with disabilities
One of the most serious parking violations in Edmonton is parking in a zone reserved for people with disabilities who have a valid permit. These zones are marked with a blue sign with a wheelchair symbol and are intended for people who cannot walk more than 50 meters.
The City of Edmonton has a zero tolerance policy for parking in disabled parking spaces. This means that there are no exceptions or leniency — if you park in such a space without a valid permit, you are guaranteed to receive a ticket.
The fine for parking in a disabled parking space is $250, which is one of the highest fines for parking violations in Edmonton. In addition, your car will be towed, which means you will have to pay additional towing and storage fees.
This severe punishment shows how important it is for the city to uphold the rights of people with disabilities.
Seasonal Parking Fines
Parking During Street Cleaning No Parking Zones
During the winter months and spring cleaning period (usually November to March for winter and April to May for spring), the city of Edmonton announces seasonal parking restrictions. During these restrictions, people cannot park their cars on the streets to allow snow removal and street cleaning crews to work without obstruction.
The fine for parking during a seasonal parking ban has recently been changed. In 2022, the city raised the fine from $100 to $250 as part of an initiative to strengthen compliance. However, in 2025, after significant public resistance, the City of Edmonton decided to reduce the fine to $150.
In addition, the city has introduced a bonus program: if you pay your fine within one week, you will receive an additional discount of up to $100. This means that if you pay on time, your fine can be reduced to $100 or even less.
Towing of vehicles during seasonal parking restrictions
In addition to fines, the city of Edmonton has also introduced repeat towing during the seasonal parking ban. If you park during the seasonal ban, your vehicle will be towed to a storage facility, where you will have to pay a towing fee and daily storage fees.
In addition, the city applies a three-strike rule: if you receive two tickets for the same violation in the same location, your vehicle will automatically be towed on the third violation.
Tickets for parking on private property
Parking on private property without permission
If you park on private property, such as a shopping center parking lot, private residence, or parking deck, without the owner's permission, you may be fined. In addition, the private property owner may issue you with an order to remove your car.
The fine for parking on private property without permission was doubled from $50 to $100 in 2018. In addition, the private property owner has the right to call a towing company to remove your vehicle.
Fines for parking on the wrong side of the street
Parking on the wrong side of the street
On some streets in Edmonton, parking is only allowed on one side of the street depending on the time of day or day of the week. These restrictions are usually marked with signs on the street.
The fine for parking on the wrong side of the street is approximately $50-$75, depending on the specific violation.
Fines for parking prohibited vehicles
Parking large trucks or specialized vehicles
On some streets, parking large trucks, RVs (motor homes), or other specialized vehicles is prohibited. These restrictions are usually indicated by signs on the street.
If you park such a vehicle in a prohibited area, you will be issued a fine and your vehicle will be towed.
Fines for illegal parking in residential permit areas
Parking without a permit in residential permit zones
Four areas of Edmonton still have residential permit programs (Garneau, NAIT, Windsor Park, and Commonwealth Stadium). In these zones, residents with permits can park for free, but visitors must have a permit or park outside the zone.
If you park in such an area without a permit, you will be issued a ticket.
Tickets for parking near a school
Parking in a “No Parking” zone near a school
All schools in Edmonton have “No Parking” and “No Stopping” zones located at a certain distance from the school entrance. These zones are designed to ensure the safety of children and facilitate traffic flow near the school.
Parking in a “No Parking” zone near a school carries the same fines and consequences as parking in any other “No Parking” zone, including the towing of your vehicle.
Consequences of not paying a fine
What happens if you don't pay your fine on time?
If you receive a parking ticket but do not pay it by the deadline indicated on the ticket, there will be serious consequences.
First, the city will issue you a violation ticket, which will inform you that you need to appear in court. If you do not appear in court at the appointed time, you may be convicted in absentia (in your absence), which means that the judge has made a decision without you being present.
Second, if the fine remains unpaid, additional fines and penalties may be imposed, and sanctions, including loss of vehicle services (e.g., inability to renew your vehicle registration), may also be applied.
Tow-in heating
If you receive two fines for the same violation in the same place, on the third violation your car will automatically be towed away. This means that you will have to pay the fine plus a towing fee and a storage fee for each day your car is in the impound lot.
In addition, if the vehicle is not moved within 72 hours, it is considered an abandoned vehicle, and you will be issued a $50 fine plus towing and storage fees.
How to contest a parking ticket
Reviewing your ticket
If you believe that the ticket was issued in error or that you were parked legally, you have the right to appeal the ticket. The first step is to contact Bylaw and Ticket Administration, whose contact information is listed on your ticket.
You can call 780-496-5161 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. At this point, you can request a review of your ticket and discuss the circumstances under which it was issued.
Court Hearings
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the review, you can request a court hearing. However, it is important to understand that court hearings are no longer held in physical courtrooms—instead, they are held via Zoom or telephone. In addition, the wait times for court hearings are very long, and you may wait several months for your hearing.
Non-payment option
Some people choose a strategy of not paying the fine for 6 weeks. If you do not pay within 6 weeks, you will receive a provincial summons to court. At this stage, you can contest the fine via Zoom or telephone.
However, it is important to understand that the City of Edmonton no longer reduces the cost of fines — they only offer payment plans. This means that even if you win in court, the fine will not be reduced — you will simply be allowed to pay it over a longer period of time.
How to pay a parking fine
Payment methods
If you decide to pay your parking ticket, there are several ways to do so:
By phone: You can call the number listed on your ticket and pay the fine with a credit card.
Online: Most fines can be paid online through the City of Edmonton website.
By mail: You can mail a check to the address listed on your ticket.
In person: You can visit the Edmonton Service Centre at 10111 104 Avenue, 2nd Floor, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Tips for avoiding parking tickets
Always read street signs
The easiest way to avoid parking tickets is to always read street signs carefully. Signs should clearly indicate where parking is allowed, when you can park, and what restrictions apply.
Park in permitted areas
Only park in areas where parking is clearly permitted. If you are unsure, park elsewhere.
Keep track of your parking time
If you park in a time-restricted zone, set a reminder on your smartphone to remind you when to return to your car. This will prevent you from forgetting about your parking and getting a ticket.
Do not park during seasonal restrictions
During seasonal parking restrictions, park in a private parking garage or in your garage if you have the option. If you do not have access to private parking, park in an area that is clearly not restricted.
Park in green zones
In most residential areas of Edmonton, street parking is completely free at all times. If you park in such an area, you will avoid any fines.
Conclusion: expensive fines as motivation to follow the rules
Parking fines in Edmonton can be very expensive, especially when additional towing and storage fees are taken into account. The fine for parking in a disabled parking zone is $250 plus towing and storage, which can be hundreds of dollars. The fine for parking during a seasonal ban is $150, but can be reduced to $100 if payment is made within one week.
The best way to avoid these fines is to follow city parking rules, read street signs carefully, and park in permitted areas. If you receive a fine that you believe was issued in error, you can always contest it by contacting Bylaw and Ticket Administration or requesting a court hearing.
For regular users of downtown parking, it may be more economical to purchase a monthly EPark permit, which will allow you to park at a fixed monthly rate, rather than risking a ticket for parking without paying. By understanding Edmonton's parking fines and regulations, you can avoid costly financial losses and contribute to the safety and order of the city's streets.