SDOT Cuts Back On Parking Tickets For Coronavirus Outbreak

SEATTLE, WA — The Seattle Department of Transportation will be issuing fewer parking tickets and citations as the city responds to the coronavirus outbreak. The department has announced that, starting Monday, they'll be easing several restrictions and regulations for the foreseeable future, including a complete halt of the three-day parking rule.

The biggest change for most residents will be an end to the 72-hour parking enforcement, meaning drivers can leave their cars parked in one spot for more than three days without fear of getting a ticket. The department says drivers will still have to obey all other time restrictions and will still need to have the correct parking permits if they're parking their car or truck in a Residential Parking Zone.

The changes also include a halt to most car booting or towing. Transportation officials say booting cars can restrict traffic or parking during an emergency, so they will not be booting any cars for unpaid tickets until further notice. They'll also be sharply reducing the number of cars they tow so that as many residents as possible can still use their vehicles in case of emergency.

Finally, SDOT is also adding new restaurant loading zones for drivers picking up food. Outside select restaurants, customers or delivery drivers will have 3 minutes to park and grab their food without paying for parking. The city has posted an online map of the new zones, and restaurants who want to request a loading zone can do so by emailing the department at 684-ROAD@seattle.gov.

SDOT does want to remind drivers that outside those three changes, business will continue as usual. Officers will still enforce the majority of parking regulations: drivers will still have to keep clear of fire hydrants and hospital entrances, obey zone parking times and pay the meter at metered parking spots.

For a more detailed breakdown of all the exact changes, you can visit SDOT's website on COVID-19 Parking Changes.