Frequently Asked Questions

We operate multiple parking lots throughout the downtown area, all conveniently located near major hotels, offices, and attractions. You can find addresses and a map of all our locations on our website.

Yes. You can get monthly garage or surface lot permits, including standard, reserved, group, and reduced rates for Reading residents or small businesses. Applications must be made in person at the RPA office at 430 S 4th St., with proof of residency (license, registration, insurance).

Here’s how to pay for parking through the Reading Parking Authority (RPA), including support for ParkMobile and PayByPhone apps:

🅿️ On-Street and Surface Lot Parking

📱 Mobile App Options

The Reading Parking Authority supports or is integrating the following parking apps:

• ParkMobile (Available Now)
  Allows you to pay by entering the zone number and your license plate. You can use the app, website, or call-in number. Features include parking session reminders, extensions (if allowed), and digital receipts.

• PayByPhone 
  Similar to ParkMobile, it allows users to pay by phone, text, or app. 

🖥️ Walk‑up Kiosks / Meters

• On‑Street Meters: Accept coins and credit/debit cards (no change provided).

• Surface Lot Kiosks: Enter your license plate, pay with card or coins, and follow instructions on displaying the receipt (if required).

🏢 Garage Parking (Gateless System)

All RPA garages now operate using a gateless entry/exit system, meaning there are no ticket dispensers or gates.

Payment Process:

• When to Pay: You have 15 minutes after entering the garage to pay.

• How to Pay:

  • ParkMobile: Via mobile app or website.

  • Walk‑up Pay Stations: Located near garage elevators, accept cash or card (exact change only).

  • PayByPhone It’s now fully integrated.

🛂 Monthly Parking Permits

• Apply in person at the RPA office: 430 S 4th St., Reading, PA.

• Required documents: Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance.

• Once issued, payment is made online through the RPA’s garage/lot permit portal, specific to your selected location.

🧾 Parking Violations (Ticket Payments)

• Online: Through the Reading Parking Authority’s official payment portal.

• Phone: Call 610‑655‑6166.

• In Person: Visit the RPA office at 430 S 4th St.

• Garages and lots: Open 24/7, every day of the year.

• On-street meters: Enforced Monday–Friday 8 AM–6 PM, Saturday 8 AM–2 PM

You cannot reserve specific spaces but you can reserve a full lot.

Call for more info.

Handicap parking is available. You can request a handicap parking sign if someone is misusing accessible spots.

Once your appeal is found valid, it takes 24–48 business hours for processing. After your bond payment is made, you will be scheduled for the next date the independent hearing officer is available.

Yes. If your ticket is granted, your bond payment will be refunded in the same form of payment you used.

The one-year courtesy applies only to Street Sweeping tickets, and it can be used once every 12 months from the date your previous ticket was dismissed.

No. Parking tickets do not affect driver’s license points because they are not traffic violations.

Yes. You may receive a guest pass as long as the person you are caring for has a valid residential permit. If they do not have a permit, a guest pass cannot be issued.

You have 30 days from the date the ticket was issued to file an appeal before late fees are added.

Requests for No Parking signs must be submitted 48 hours in advance to allow adequate notice to residents.

You can check by:

Calling us at 610-655-6166

Visiting our office in person Accessing our website: Reading Parking Authority |Patron Portal | Tickets.

You will be notified by phone call, and if an email address is provided on your appeal, you will also receive an email confirmation.

Yes, the Reading Parking Authority is permitted to issue violations for expired registration and inspection, as these are considered vehicle offenses even when the vehicle is parked.

Yes, however, in order to get an hour of free parking you MUST pay for the first hour and your handicap placard MUST be displayed.

* NOTE: The free hour does NOT apply in off street parking lots or garages.

Yes, a handicap space does not belong to one specific resident, anyone who has a handicap placard can utilize a handicap space.

Yes, if you renew your registration within 10 days of the ticket being issued and provide a copy of your renewed registration the ticket can be dismissed.

If your vehicle is parked on the side of the street that is to be cleaned on a street cleaning day, within street cleaning hours, your vehicle is at risk of being ticketed. Unlike in past years, the enforcer’s vehicle now drives in front of the street cleaner. So, if your vehicle is parked when the enforcer drives past you will get a ticket.

There are several different parking violations that are issued as “Non- Print” Violations:

– Daytime restrictions

– Official Signs Posted No Parking (Public Works)

– Non-payment of Parking Fee Notice

– Vehicle parked without current valid registration

– No Stopping, Standing, Parking in Traffic Lane

All of our parking lots and or garages must be paid for 24/7 unless marked otherwise.

Yes, if you are parking at a parking lot or garage during an event you will be required to pay the event rate whether you are attending the event or not.

If you have three or more outstanding tickets or a balance of $200.00 or more a boot can be put on your car.

After 61 days of non-payment a parking ticket gets sent to collections.