Austin – The Austin City Council recently approved several changes to the City Code, with the goal of improving the city’s parking and traffic management systems. These changes, effective March 1, include new parking violations, increased fines, and more accessible processes for residents and visitors.

Starting March 1, parking fines across Austin will see significant increases. Some of the updated fines include:

• Non-payment for use of a metered space: $75
• Parking within an intersection: $75
• Parking within 30 feet of a stop sign: $75

The full table of parking violations and associated fines can be found on the city’s website, AustinTexas.gov.

The updated parking code introduces three new violations:

• Blocking a signed or marked bike lane
• Blocking an electric vehicle charging station
• Blocking a right-of-way closure area during special events

There will be a three-month public education period during which only educational materials or warnings will be issued for these new violations.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to use the Park ATX mobile app to manage their parking sessions. The app allows users to pay, extend, and manage their parking sessions remotely. It also offers the ability to stop a parking session early and receive some fees back, with certain restrictions.

Moreover, the app provides two free 15-minute parking sessions every 24 hours. To redeem these sessions, users can enter the validation codes FREE15ATX1 and FREE15ATX2 before completing a parking session. These codes can be used together for a total of 30 minutes of free parking or separately on different sessions. Any additional time beyond the validation amount will be charged at the standard rates.

For more detailed information, visit AustinTexas.gov.