What Happens If You Exceed the 10-Hour Parking Limit in Austin?
You get a $75 ticket if you exceed the 10-hour parking limit on Austin streets. Pay early within 21 days to drop it to $50. This rule applies citywide, including zip code 78705 near UT Austin.
Key Facts on the 10-Hour Limit
Austin sets a max of 10 hours per parking session at meters. Rates start at $2 for the first two hours and climb to $5 per hour after hour 3. A full 10 hours costs $39 total.
| Hours | Rate per Hour | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2 | $2 |
| 2 | $2 | $4 |
| 3 | $3 | $7 |
| 4 | $3.50 | $10.50 |
| 5 | $4 | $14.50 |
| 6 | $4.50 | $19 |
| 7-10 | $5 | $39 (at 10 hrs) |
Exceeding 10 hours triggers enforcement. Officers check your license plate via the stickerless system. Tickets hit fast, often within hours.
"The 10-hour cap ensures fair access to spots for everyone," says Lewis Leff, Austin Transportation and Public Works. Time limits keep turnover high near shops, parks, and offices (Source: KUT Austin, 2025).
Fines jumped in late February 2025. The old base fine was $40, now it's $75 standard. Early payment saves $25. According to Sidekick data from 1,200 Austin drivers, overstay tickets average $62 after discounts (Sidekick Research Team, February 2026 analysis, N=1,200).
Practical Steps to Avoid Tickets
- Use ParkATX app: Pay by plate, add time remotely, or end early for refunds. Get two free 15-minute sessions daily with codes FREE15ATX1 and FREE15ATX2.
- Check time left: Set phone reminders 30 minutes before your session ends.
- Move your car: After 10 hours, drive around the block and start a new session.
- Park smarter: Garages often cost less for long stays, like $24 for 8 hours.
Motorcycles and mopeds get 12 hours free but face tickets after. Disability placards waive fees but keep the 10-hour rule.
What If You Get a Ticket?
Pay online at Austin Municipal Court site or by mail. Dispute if the sign was unclear or enforcement erred. Sidekick tracks your tickets and estimates yearly parking costs based on your habits. It flags high-risk zones like 78705 to cut surprises.
Stay under 10 hours, and you save cash. Full day parking via app costs less than one ticket. Track sessions with Sidekick to optimize ownership costs across fuel, maintenance, and fines.