How to Use Parking Pay Stations & Who to Call for Assistance

Updated January 6, 2006

Pay Stations: Quick Instructions

Parking Pay Stations Video from Seattle Channel

Follow These Steps to Use a Parking Pay Station
With the "pay and display" system, the customer pays for the desired amount of time at the pay station using a credit/debit card or coins and receives a receipt showing the amount paid and the expiration time. The customer then returns to their car to display the receipt inside the vehicle's curbside window before heading for their destination. The receipt has a sticky back that is used to adhere the receipt to the inside of the window, or on the driver's side window in angled parking spaces. Motorcycles should tape the receipt to their headlamp cover. If a customer doesn't use all of their paid time, they can take their time with them to another pay station or parking meter space, unless otherwise restricted.

When using coins to purchase parking, the steps are:

• Insert coins. The amount of time purchased will be displayed on the screen.
• Press the green button, once the proper amount of time is displayed on the screen
• Wait for the kiosk to print your ticket
• Return to your vehicle and display the receipt properly

When using a credit card, the steps are:

• Insert credit or debit card to begin transaction
• Use the blue buttons to select the desired amount of time (the "MAX" button will automatically give you two hours, unless you are at the Ballard Locks lot which has a three-hour time limit)
• Press the green button, once the proper amount of time is displayed on the screen
• Remove credit card quickly, and the pay station will contact your bank for authorization
• When approved, the kiosk will print your ticket
• Return to your vehicle and display the receipt properly
• If the transaction is not approved, or there are other technical issues, messages will be displayed on the screen

Parking Pay Station Phone Numbers & Contact Information

• Questions or concerns about a credit card transaction? Please call 206.684.PARK
• Want to report a problem with a parking meter or pay station? Please call 206.684.5260
• Want to pay or contest a parking citation? Call the Seattle Municipal Court at 206.684.5600
• Have a general question about parking pay stations? Email us at paystations@seattle.gov or call 206.684.ROAD

Click here to see the Quick Instructions in Chinese and Vietnamese