Finding a spot in LA is basically a blood sport. You finally see that opening on a side street in Hollywood or near a cafe in Westwood, but then you're staring at a meter and wondering if you have enough quarters. You don’t. Nobody carries quarters in 2026.
So you reach for your phone. But wait—which los angeles parking meter app are you actually supposed to use? If you look at the sticker on the meter, it might say ParkMobile. Or maybe it says ParkSmarter. Honestly, it depends on which block you’re on, and that’s where most people mess up and end up with a $63 ticket.
The City of Los Angeles doesn't just have one app; it’s a weird patchwork. LADOT (the Los Angeles Department of Transportation) officially partners with two main players: ParkSmarter and ParkMobile. Depending on where you are—Downtown, Venice, or the Valley—one might work while the other doesn't.
The Multi-App Headache: Which One Works Where?
If you're in the LA Express Park zones (think Downtown, Westwood Village, Hollywood, and Venice), you have options. Most of these smart meters are equipped to handle ParkSmarter. It’s the "homegrown" choice for a lot of the city’s newer hardware.
But ParkMobile is the heavy hitter. It's available in Westwood and big chunks of Downtown. It’s also the one you likely already have if you’ve parked in other major US cities.
Here is the kicker: ParkSmarter doesn't charge a convenience fee for on-street meters in LA. ParkMobile usually does. It's usually just a "nominal" fee, maybe 35 to 45 cents, but if you’re parking every day, that's basically a fancy espresso wasted every two weeks.
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Why You Should Probably Have Both
Don't just download one and hope for the best.
- ParkSmarter is managed by IPS Group. It’s generally the default for those sleek, modern meters with the blue or grey screens.
- ParkMobile is great for the "Text to Pay" zones. If you see a zone number on a sign but no QR code, ParkMobile is usually your best bet.
- Text to Pay is actually a life-saver. You can text "PARK" to 77447 or 77223 (depending on the zone), and it’ll send you a link. No app download needed if you're in a rush.
The Big 2026 Rate Hike You Might Have Missed
Look, parking just got a lot more expensive. In late 2025, the LA City Council voted 10-0 to raise the base meter rates for the first time in over a decade.
The old $1.00 an hour is dead. It’s now **$1.50 per hour** minimum across the city.
And it’s not just the price; it’s the hours. LADOT has been aggressively extending meter enforcement. In high-activity areas like Koreatown or the Arts District, you might find yourself feeding the los angeles parking meter app until midnight. Most other metered blocks now run until 8 p.m.
Worst of all? Sunday is no longer a "free for all." Sunday enforcement is being rolled out citywide. If you’re used to that relaxed Sunday morning vibe where you don't check the signs, you're going to get hit with a citation.
Demand-Based Pricing is Real
LA uses something called "Demand-Based Pricing." It’s basically Uber’s surge pricing but for your car.
The goal is to keep one or two spots open on every block. If a street is completely full, the price goes up (sometimes as high as $8.50/hour). If a street is empty, the price drops.
Checking the app before you arrive can actually save you money. If the block you’re heading to is $6.00 an hour, the next street over might be $2.00.
Avoid the "Meter Timeout" Trap
We’ve all been there. You’re at lunch, things are going great, and then you get that notification: Your parking session is about to expire. Both ParkMobile and ParkSmarter allow you to extend your time from your phone. It’s the main reason to use them. But there is a massive catch. You cannot stay past the posted time limit.
If you’re in a 2-hour zone and you’ve already paid for 2 hours via the app, it will physically block you from adding more time. The sensors in the ground know your car is still there. If you try to "reset" the session by starting a new one, you’re still technically in violation of the time limit. Parking enforcement officers in LA are incredibly efficient. They use handheld devices that sync with the apps in real-time.
Pro Tip: If the app won't let you add more time, you must move your car. Simply paying for another session doesn't protect you from a "Time Limit" ticket.
How to Handle a Broken Meter
Don’t assume a broken meter means free parking. That’s a myth that keeps the city's budget healthy.
If the meter is dead, you are still supposed to follow the posted time limits. Most people don't know this, but you can actually report a broken meter through the MyLA311 app or by calling the number on the side of the meter.
If the app isn't working but the physical meter is, you have to pay at the meter. "The app was down" is not a valid defense in a parking ticket appeal. LADOT's stance is basically: if one method fails, use another (coins, card, or text-to-pay).
Privacy and Scams: Be Careful
Lately, there’s been a surge in fraudulent QR code stickers. Scammers will print a "Pay Here" QR code and stick it right over the official one on the meter.
If you scan it, it takes you to a fake website that looks like a los angeles parking meter app but just steals your credit card info.
Always look at the sticker. It should be professionally integrated into the meter's design or display a clear LADOT logo. If the sticker looks like it was printed at a Kinko's and slapped on crooked, don't scan it. Open your app manually and type in the zone number instead.
Actionable Steps for LA Parking Success
To keep your bank account safe from the dreaded white-and-red envelopes, follow this routine:
- Download both ParkMobile and ParkSmarter. Set up your accounts, add your license plate, and save your credit card before you leave the house. Trying to do this while double-parked on Sunset Blvd is a recipe for a meltdown.
- Verify your license plate twice. One typo—like an "O" instead of a "0"—and you'll get a ticket even if you paid. The enforcement system matches the plate exactly.
- Check for the Zone Number. It’s usually a 4 to 6-digit number on a sticker on the side of the meter or on a sign at the end of the block.
- Use ParkSmarter first. If you’re in an area that supports both, ParkSmarter usually saves you that small convenience fee.
- Set a secondary alarm. Don't rely solely on the app's notification. If your phone goes into "Sleep Mode" or you lose signal in a basement cafe, you might miss the warning. Set a manual timer on your watch or phone for 10 minutes before the meter dies.
- Read the physical signs. Apps don't always know if there’s a temporary "No Parking" restriction for a film shoot or street cleaning. The metal sign on the pole always beats the app in a legal dispute.
The era of free Sunday parking and $1/hour spots is gone. But if you use the apps correctly, you'll at least avoid the "convenience" of paying $60+ for a mistake. Keep your apps updated, watch the time limits, and always double-check your zone.