FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the Overnight Permit Parking Program?
Parking overnight on any street in Providence is illegal without an Overnight Parking Permit. The Overnight Permit Parking Program allows overnight parking on selected residential streets in Providence. Vehicles without a valid overnight parking permit, or guest permit, are not allowed to park on the street between 2 AM and 5 AM.
Q: How does the program work?
If you live in Providence and have valid vehicle registration, you are eligible to participate. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation that they have a permit. Parking Enforcement officers will primarily use the license plate number to check if the car has a permit. You can also print out a paper permit that can be displayed on your dashboard. Once you have received confirmation that you have a permit , you may leave your vehicle overnight on a street designated for such use by signs reading, “NO PARKING 2 AM – 5 AM EXCEPT BY RESIDENT PERMIT.”
Permit-holders are required to obey existing signs and regulations. If a parking ban (such as a snow emergency) is declared, you must remove your car from the street for the duration of the ban.
Q: I have an overnight permit, but I just changed my license plate number. What do I do?
Simply e-mail ppinto@providenceri.gov and aupena@providenceri.gov with your first and last name, permit number, address, and the new plate number. Keep in mind: if you don’t update the plate number on your permit, you could be ticketed.
Q: What is the cost?
The cost of a permit is $100 per car for cars registered in Providence and $200 per car for cars registered outside of Providence. Any unpaid City of Providence parking tickets issued on the vehicle registration must be paid in order to obtain a parking permit.
Residents with an overnight parking pass can also purchase guest passes. Guest passes cost $25 per year and enable visitors to park on the street five nights per month.
Q: How many cars may be registered for overnight parking?
Up to two per household. Separate applications for each vehicle are required. The applications may be submitted at the same time, but the permits will be issued for the individual vehicles, not for the owner.
Q: If my spouse has a vehicle and I have a vehicle, do each of us have to apply for a permit for each individual vehicle?
Yes, permits will be issued for the individual vehicles, not for the owner. Each vehicle requires an individual permit.
Q: I have two roommates, both of whom have resident permits. Am I eligible to receive a permit too?
No, only two permits per household may be issued. Arrangements must be made within households to allocate the resident permits available.
Q: I am a student living in on-campus housing. Can I get an overnight parking permit?
No, we do not allow students living in on-campus housing to purchase an overnight parking permit. The local universities try to limit the number of student-owned vehicles on campus.
Q: I have a guest coming to visit. Are they able to park on the street overnight?
Residents applying for an Overnight Parking Permit can also apply for a guest permit.
A guest permit costs $25 and allows a vehicle to park on the street up to five times per month.
Q: I’m getting work done on my property and I need to park on the street overnight temporarily. How do I avoid getting a ticket?
You can apply for the Temporary Overnight Parking Permit, which is free. This permit is for residents of Providence who have temporary circumstances that require them to park on the street overnight. This permit is NOT for visitors or guests who don’t live in Providence, and it is not for residents of Providence to use under normal circumstances. Apply here
Q: How do I apply?
You can apply online or in person.
If you are applying online, please visit this link. You will need to attach your vehicle registration and proof of residency. Acceptable forms of proof include a drivers license, mortgage, rental agreement and utility bill.
If you are applying in person, bring your vehicle registration (original, no photocopies), driver’s license, and proof of residency when applying for your permit. Acceptable forms of proof include a drivers license, mortgage, rental agreement and utility bill. Permits may be purchased at the following locations:
- Traffic Engineering (700 Allens Ave), Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. During the months of July and August the hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This location accepts the following payment methods: money orders, checks and credit cards.
- Municipal Court at the Public Safety Complex (325 Washington Street), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the months of July and August the hours are 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This location accepts the following payment methods: money orders, cash and credit cards.
Q: Must I come in person?
No. You can apply online at this link.
Additionally, someone else may come in person to complete a permit application for you; however, each permit is valid only for the registration presented. Remember, only two are allowed per household.
Q: How do I renew my parking permit?
For overnight parking permit renewals, you can renew online, in person, or by mail.
To renew online, go to this link.
For in person, come to Traffic Engineering or the Municipal Court at the Public Safety Complex during normal business hours.
You can also renew your overnight parking permit by mailing a self-addressed, stamped envelope with payment to Traffic Engineering, 700 Allens Ave, Providence, RI 02905.