Violating parking rules is about to get more expensive in Austin. New fines are taking effect Saturday, with some fines more than doubling.
The standard fine will increase to $75 for not paying for a metered space, parking in an intersection and parking within 30 feet of a stop sign.
Previously, the standard fine for an expired or unpaid meter was $30. The fine for parking in front of a stop sign or parking in an intersection had been $40.
Austin City Council also approved new parking violations earlier this month. Blocking an electric vehicle charging station and parking in a bike lane will be illegal starting Saturday.
This is the first time in about 15 years the city has updated its parking rules and fines, city officials said.
Lewis Leff, who works with the city’s Transportation and Public Works department, said the changes are an opportunity to rightsize the fine amounts and incentivize behavior the city is trying to encourage. He said safety was also a priority, citing changes to fines for parking too close to a stop sign, in front of a fire hydrant or on a sidewalk.
The fines aren't intended to increase revenue, Leff said. Money from fines goes to the city’s general fund, which pays for things like parks and libraries.
"The reason we have parking [meters] is for public access," he said, "whether that is to restaurants, businesses, public parks and other places."
He said the reason there are time limits on meters is so everyone has the same access to these destinations.
Drivers can use the ParkATX app to manage their parking and add time to a meter. If a parking session ends early, drivers can also get some of their money back, although some restrictions may apply.
Drivers can also use two free 15-minute parking sessions every 24 hours with the coupon codes FREE15ATX1 and FREE15ATX2.
