More F.A.Q.'s
F.A.Q.'s - Providence's New Parking Program
More F.A.Q.'s - Paying a Ticket
I have received an "ErRp" error message ?
The message occurs when the card is inserted too quickly in cold weather. Insert the card slowly and the meter will read the ProvPass card. We are working to have this fixed and we expect the inconvenience to be temporary.
How much does it cost to park?
The cost is $1/hr.
What are the hours when parking must be paid for?
Parking hours are in accordance with posted hours; generally from 7:30 am to 6 pm.
What is ProvPass?
ProvPass is a pre-paid parking card, available in $10 and $20 denominations. Some merchants may offer smaller amounts in connection with promotions in their stores and restaurants.
Why should I use the ProvPass?
In addition to the convenience of always having money to park, ProvPass can save you money. On the single and dual head meters, if you insert the ProvPass just before leaving your parking space, you will be charged only for the time you actually parked.
Where can I buy ProvPass?
ProvPass can be purchased in City Hall in either the Tax Collectors Office or in the Licensing Office, in the Public Safety Building at the Municipal Court (where you pay parking tickets) and at the 9 AAA offices in Rhode Island. AAA will only sell ProvPass to AAA members
Can I use money in the parking meters?
Yes. All meters accept 25 cent coin for parking.
What is the multi-space meter?
The city is installing a total of 10 multi space meters. The first four will be installed along Dorrance Street between City Hall and District Court. Multi space meters look like a small vending machine, and one meter serves up to eight parking spaces.
How will I know if my space is controlled by a multi-space meter?
Special parking signs will be posted to alert you to this.
How do they work?
After parking, go to the multi-space meter and purchase the amount of time you wish to park with either the ProvPass or coins. The machine will print you a receipt with two pieces. Both pieces tell you when your time expires. Put the larger part on your dashboard, keep the smaller one to remind you when your parking expires. Meter enforcement personnel will look on your dashboard to check to see if you paid for parking. Unlike the single head meters, you cannot be refunded if you leave the space before your time expires.
What if my card will not work?
If your card becomes defective, insert coins to prevent getting a ticket. The ProvPass must be protected from accidental de-magnetization just like a credit card. If you card develops a problem, call (401) 781-4044 for instructions on what to do.
Can I add extra dollars (time) to my ProvPass?
No. When all the value is used up, discard the ProvPass.
How do I know how much time I have left on my card?
When you insert the card in a meter, the meter will “read” the card and the display will tell you how much value remains on the card.
Are there any changes in the way I can pay for a parking ticket?
Yes. In addition to mailing in the ticket, or paying the fine in person at Municipal Court, you can pay for parking tickets over the Internet with a credit card. You can also pay over the phone using credit card or personal check. Call (866)-263-0475.
Is the city going to expand the number of meters in town?
Yes. The city currently has 600 meters, all in downtown. This number will be increased to 1,200 by adding more meters in the downtown area. The city is also looking at other commercial areas such as Thayer Street as potential sites for the additional meters.
What if a meter is not working when I park in the space?
If the space is controlled by a multi-space meter, you should go to the nearest one if it is within a block and purchase your parking there.
You can report malfunctioning parking meters to the Department of Traffic Engineering at (401) 781-4044. Remember that even if a meter is malfunctioning, you cannot park in a space longer than the posted time period!
Directions to Providence Municipal Court:
From 95 North take Exit 21 (Broadway). At light take left. At next light (Service Road #7), take left. At next light (
From 95 South take Exit 21 (
Municipal Court located across street on first floor in the Public Safety Complex.
Click to Pay your Parking Ticket
*The site has a VeriSign Secure Site Certificate
Contact Information:
Providence Municipal Court
325 Washington Street,
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 243-6414
