In short
- 1P = one hour, 2P = two hours, 4P, and a plain P = unlimited. The clock starts when you arrive.
- Paid zones: $7 an hour in the CBD peak, in the PayStay app or at the meter.
- Up to 15 minutes of on-street parking was reported as free under the 2023 reform.
- Outside the hours on the sign, parking is free and unrestricted.
- The clock starts when you arrive. In the CBD, sensors record when you arrive and leave, so moving to a new paid session in the same bay does not reset the limit.
The P number
| Sign | Means |
|---|---|
| ¼P | 15 minutes |
| ½P | 30 minutes |
| 1P | 1 hour |
| 2P | 2 hours |
| 4P | 4 hours |
| P | No time limit |
The clock starts when you arrive. In the CBD, sensors record when you arrive and leave, so moving to a new paid session in the same bay does not reset the limit.
Paid zones
A sign that says Ticket, Meter or Ticket/Phone means you pay during the hours shown. City of Melbourne takes payment in the PayStay app.
Pay for on-street bays by app, card or phone using the bay number. Check the bay sign for which payment options apply.
| Area | Rate |
|---|---|
| CBD peak | $7 an hour |
| CBD off-peak (after 7pm weekdays, all weekend) | $4 an hour |
From the 2023 council reform; rates not re-checked against the live council page.
When it is free
Up to 15 minutes of on-street parking was reported as free under the 2023 reform.
Other free parking in Melbourne
- Paid bays are charged 7 days a week under the 2023 reform, so Sunday is no longer free in the CBD
- Permit holders cannot use paid bays unless the permit says so
Hours and public holidays
In the CBD, council plans from 2023 charge 7 days a week until 10pm, with 2-hour limits from 7am. Signs vary by street, so always read the nearest sign.
Other signs you'll see
| Sign | Means | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| No Parking | You may stop briefly (up to 2 minutes) to load or set down, but not park. | $105 |
| No Stopping | You cannot stop at all, even briefly. | $209 |
| Loading Zone | For goods vehicles loading, usually for a short signed time. | $209 |
| Disabled Parking | Only with a valid accessible parking permit displayed. | $209 |
| Clearway | No stopping at the signed times; vehicles on major roads may be towed. | — |
Victorian road rules bar parking within 10 metres of an intersection without traffic lights, across a driveway, on a footpath or nature strip, and in a bus, tram or truck lane unless signed. Check the rules for exact distances. Amounts and deadlines: Melbourne parking fines, decoded.
Broken meters
If a machine is broken, use the app or another machine and keep photos.
Good to know.
What does 2P mean on a parking sign?
Up to two hours during the times on the sign. 1P is one hour, 4P four, and a plain P is unlimited. The clock starts when you arrive. In the CBD, sensors record when you arrive and leave, so moving to a new paid session in the same bay does not reset the limit.
How much is street parking in Melbourne?
CBD peak: $7 an hour. CBD off-peak (after 7pm weekdays, all weekend): $4 an hour. From the 2023 council reform; rates not re-checked against the live council page. Outside the hours on the sign parking is free.
Is there free parking in Melbourne?
Up to 15 minutes of on-street parking was reported as free under the 2023 reform. Paid bays are charged 7 days a week under the 2023 reform, so Sunday is no longer free in the CBD Permit holders cannot use paid bays unless the permit says so
Inspector near your car? You’ll know.
Tap I parked here on Rangr Dangr, set a 2P timer, and get a buzz if a neighbour reports an inspector nearby.