Parking in downtown Little Rock is designed to support the city’s vibrant atmosphere, balancing the needs of employees, shoppers, and visitors. Understanding the parking enforcement and regulations, especially concerning Little Rock Time Zone related parking rules, is crucial for anyone driving in the city. This guide from rockscapes.net provides a comprehensive overview to help you navigate parking in Little Rock effectively, avoid violations, and understand your options if you receive a parking citation.
The Mission of Little Rock Parking Enforcement
The Little Rock Parking Enforcement section plays a vital role in maintaining the downtown area’s accessibility and safety. Their mission is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, guarantee emergency vehicle access, and fairly manage the demand for limited parking spaces. Operating within the Little Rock time zone, enforcement officers patrol approximately one square mile of the downtown area. This zone includes about 1,400 metered parking spaces and 520 regulated spaces, alongside loading and no-parking zones.
Parking enforcement isn’t just about issuing citations. Technicians also assist tourists and visitors with directions and even help locate stolen vehicles, contributing to the overall safety and visitor experience within the Little Rock time zone.
Common Parking Violations in Little Rock
To avoid parking tickets in Little Rock, it’s essential to be aware of common violations. These rules are enforced throughout the Little Rock time zone and are based on the City of Little Rock’s ordinances. Here’s a breakdown of violation codes:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| O11 ORD 32-302 | No H/C Tag Displayed in Handicap Zone |
| O12 ORD 32-304 | Parking on the Wrong Side of the Street |
| O13 ORD 32-304 | Parking More Than 18 Inches From the Curb |
| O14 ORD 32-309-1 | Parking on a Sidewalk |
| O16 ORD 32-309-3 | Parking in an Intersection |
| O17 ORD 32-309-4 | Parking Within 15 Feet of a Fire Hydrant |
| O25 ORD 32-309-14 | Parking Where Sign Prohibits to Corner |
| 026 ORD 32-309-14 | Parking Where Sign Prohibits to Corner |
| 027 ORD 32-309-14 | Parking in Signed Reserved Parking |
| 028 ORD 32-309-14 | Parking Between No Parking Signs |
| O29 ORD 32-310 | Obstructing Traffic Flow |
| O31 ORD 32-311 | Alley Parking – Non-Commercial Vehicle |
| O32 32-311 | Alley Parking – Not Actively Loading/Unloading |
| O33 ORD 32-311 | Obstructing an Alleyway |
| O34 ORD 32-312-1 | Displaying Vehicle For Sale/Advertising on Street |
| O35 ORD 32-312-2 | Repairing or Washing Vehicle on City Street |
| O36 ORD 32-316 | Parking in City Owned Reserved Parking |
| O37 ORD 32-317 | Parking in a Designated Fire Lane |
| O38 ORD 32-319 | Leaving Vehicle Unattended with Motor Running |
| O39 ORD 32-341 | Exceeding Loading Zone Time Limit |
| O41 ORD 32-343 | Parking in No Parking Passenger Loading Zone |
| O42 ORD 32-344 | Loading Zone Parking – Non-Commercial Vehicle |
| O43 ORD 32-345 | Parking in No Parking Taxi Zone |
| O44 ORD 32-345 | Parking in No Parking Bus Stop |
| O45 ORD 32-347 | Parking in No Parking Hotel Loading Zone |
| O46 ORD 32-372 | Parking in No Parking Anytime Zone |
| O47 ORD 32-373 | Parking Where Sign Prohibits 7:00 AM TO 6:00 PM |
| O48 ORD 32-373 | Parking Where Sign Prohibits 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| O49 ORD 32-373 | Parking Where Sign Prohibits 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| O51 ORD 32-375 | Exceeding 30 Minute Time Zone Limit |
| O52 ORD 32-375 | Exceeding 1 Hour Time Zone Limit |
| O53 ORD 32-376 | Parking in Public Park – Not Designated Space |
| O54 ORD 32-378-2 | Exceeding 2 Hour Time Zone Limit |
| O55 ORD 32-378-2 | Consecutive Time Zone Parking Violation |
| O56 ORD 32-402 | Using Two Parking Meters |
| O57 ORD 32-403-B | Expired Parking Meter |
| O59 ORD 32-403-C | Handicap Parking Exceeding Meter Time Limit |
| O62 ORD 32 | Other Parking Violations |
| O63 ORD 32-309-2R | Blocking a Public or Private Driveway |
| O64 ORD 32-309-5R | Parking on a Crosswalk |
| O65 ORD 32-309-6R | Parking Within 20 Feet of a Crosswalk at an Intersection |
| O66 ORD 32-309-7R | Parking Within 30 Feet of a Traffic Control Device |
| O67 ORD 32-309-10R | Parking Within 20 Feet of a Fire Station Entrance |
| O68 ORD 32-309-14R | Parking Where Sign Prohibits Parking |
| O69 ORD 32-376 | Parking in Public Park – Not Within Designated Lines |
| O70 ORD 32-411 | Expired Pay and Display Receipt |
| O71 ORD 32-411 | Failure to Display Pay and Display Receipt |
Understanding Little Rock Parking Meters and Time Limits
Parking meters are a common sight in downtown Little Rock. Operating on Little Rock time zone, these meters regulate parking and encourage turnover, especially during peak hours.
How to Use Parking Meters
Using Little Rock’s parking meters is straightforward. Simply insert coins, one at a time, to register your parking time. The meter clearly displays the time allowed per coin. It’s important to note that most meters have a two-hour time limit, with a four-hour limit around the Little Rock Convention Center. Adding more coins beyond the time limit will not extend your parking duration. Be mindful of these time restrictions to avoid Little Rock time zone related parking violations.
Parking Meter Hours of Operation
Parking meters in Little Rock are active from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Little Rock time zone. Parking is free at meters on Saturdays, Sundays, and on City-observed holidays. These holidays include Memorial Day, Labor Day, President’s Day, Veterans Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, December 25th, New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, and Robert E. Lee’s Birthday.
Reporting Broken Meters
If you encounter a malfunctioning parking meter, you can report it to the city. Note the meter number and call 501-371-4528. The unique serial number on each meter helps identify the specific unit needing repair.
River Market Pay and Display System
The River Market District utilizes a Pay and Display system instead of individual meters. To park in this area, locate one of the eight Pay and Display stations, follow the instructions to purchase a receipt, and display it on your dashboard, curb-side up.
Parking for Individuals with Disabilities
Little Rock’s parking system is designed to be accessible. Parking meters are ADA compliant, meaning individuals with handicap placards are still required to pay at meters. Designated handicap parking spaces are available throughout downtown, marked with clear signage for convenience. To use these spaces, vehicles must display a valid handicap license plate or placard. Applications for placards can be obtained from the State Department of Revenue (Form 10336), requiring physician certification. Some on-street handicap parking locations include:
- 400 block of State Street
- 100 block of Spring Street
- 600 block of Main Street
- 100 block of West Markham
- 100 block of Ottenheimer Plaza
- 600 block of President Clinton Avenue
Parking Fines and Immobilization Fees
Parking violations in Little Rock come with fines, which vary depending on the type of violation and payment timeframe.
Parking Fine Schedule:
- Overtime Parking at a Meter: $15.00 (within 30 days), $50.00 (after 30 days)
- Time Zone Violation: $15.00 (within 30 days), $50.00 (after 30 days)
- Non-Meter Violations: $30.00 (within 30 days), $45.00 (after 30 days)
- Parking in a Handicap Zone Without Placard: $100.00
Immobilization (Boot) Fee:
In addition to fines, a $100.00 fee is applied once a boot device is placed on a vehicle due to outstanding parking violations.
Credit/Bank Card Transaction Fees:
A small processing fee applies to all credit or bank card transactions, whether paying in person, online, or by phone.
How to Pay a Parking Citation in Little Rock
Little Rock offers several convenient ways to pay parking citations:
In Person:
Pay at the Little Rock District Municipal Court Building (600 W. Markham Street) between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards are accepted. Valid photo ID (Arkansas driver’s license, Arkansas ID card, military ID, or passport) is required for check, money order, or credit card payments.
By Mail:
Send a check or money order payable to the City of Little Rock to:
Little Rock District Court
600 W. Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Include the citation number and vehicle license plate on your payment.
By Phone:
Call 866-353-0465 to pay by phone. You’ll need your citation number or license plate information.
Online:
Pay online at http://www.littlerock.gov/OnlinePayments/ using a credit card and your citation number.
Contesting a Parking Citation
If you believe you received a parking citation in error, you have the right to contest it. You must appear in person at Environmental Court, held on Wednesdays at 1:30 PM at the Little Rock District Court (600 W. Markham). The Environmental Court Judge does not handle appeals by mail or outside of court proceedings.
Consequences of Failing to Pay or Contest
Ignoring parking citations can lead to serious consequences. Unpaid tickets can result in vehicle immobilization (booting). After 90 days, unpaid fines are turned over to a collection agency.
Contacting Little Rock Parking Enforcement
For any questions regarding parking citations or parking regulations in Little Rock, contact Parking Enforcement directly at (501) 371-4528. Understanding parking rules, especially those related to Little Rock time zone enforcement hours and time limits, helps ensure a positive experience in the city.
