Parking in Pittsburgh on Sundays is generally free at most on-street metered locations, but this rule is subject to significant exceptions. The Pittsburgh Parking Authority (PPA) maintains a standard policy of not enforcing payment at the majority of its street meters on the final day of the week. This general freedom from meter payment is a convenience for visitors and residents exploring the city. However, the city has designated specific areas and parking types where payment is required seven days a week, making it important to check signage carefully.
The General Rule for On-Street Meters
The standard operating hours for the Pittsburgh Parking Authority’s on-street meters run from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This is why Sunday is typically a non-enforcement day for payment in the vast majority of metered street parking spaces throughout Downtown and other neighborhoods.
It is important to understand that “free parking” only refers to the suspension of the meter payment requirement. All other traffic and parking regulations remain fully enforced by the city’s police and parking enforcement officers. Vehicles parked illegally in a designated “No Parking” zone, a bus stop, or too close to a fire hydrant will still be ticketed or towed.
The time limits posted on non-metered street spots, such as two-hour residential zones, are also still enforced on Sundays. Drivers must continue to observe all posted signage and painted curb restrictions to avoid a fine.
Critical Exceptions: Areas and Parking Types That Require Payment
The most significant exceptions to the Sunday free parking rule occur in specific, high-demand districts that have extended enforcement hours.
South Side Parking Enhancement District (PED)
The South Side PED is one such area where on-street meters and metered surface lots require payment on Sundays. Enforcement runs from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. the following morning, Thursday through Sunday, meaning payment is mandatory for most of the day.
Lawrenceville Mobility Enhancement District (MED)
Another area with extended enforcement is the Lawrenceville Mobility Enhancement District (MED), which includes Butler Street between 34th and 46th Streets. While standard daytime hours are enforced Monday through Saturday, the MED extends enforcement into the evening on weekends. Payment is required until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, though the standard Sunday daytime hours are not typically enforced.
Off-Street Parking Facilities
The Sunday free parking rule also does not apply to off-street parking facilities. This includes all PPA-operated parking garages, private garages, and surface lots, which charge fees 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Downtown garages often offer reduced flat rates on weekends and evenings, which can be a convenient alternative to street parking. Drivers should always check the specific signage at the entrance of any garage or lot, as the general Sunday rule for street meters does not apply to these facilities.