Meters in DC are common around restaurants, offices, universities, nightlife corridors, and commercial streets. This guide explains what to check before you pay and where metered parking can change quickly.
DDOT says it manages approximately 18,000 metered parking spaces and established a citywide commercial/passenger-vehicle meter rate of $2.30 per hour, while also advising motorists to check the posted days, hours, and time limits at the specific curb.
Expect heavier meter use around Downtown, Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Logan Circle, Shaw, Navy Yard, and commercial strips like 14th Street, U Street, H Street NE, M Street, and Wisconsin Avenue.
Before paying, confirm the meter zone or sign on the same block face. If the space is near a loading zone, bike lane, rush-hour sign, or short-limit meter, treat it as a higher-risk curb even if it appears open.
Meter rates, roughly 18,000 metered spaces, enforcement hours, and holiday notes
Official source →Curbside meter program details and parking-payment guidance
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