🅿️ Montreal Parking Sign Decoder

Enter what the sign says. We tell you whether you can park, and until when.

How to read Montreal parking signs without getting a ticket

Quick answer: Montreal stacks multiple signs on one pole. Read them top to bottom — the top sign overrides the ones below it during its hours. An arrow points to the side of the pole the rule applies to. If two arrows point both ways, the rule covers both sides of the pole.

The 5 sign types you'll see in Montreal

  1. Time-limited parking (e.g. "Stationnement 2h, 9h–18h, Lun–Ven") — you can park for that maximum duration during those hours.
  2. No parking (red P with diagonal slash) — never park, any time covered by the hours below.
  3. Street cleaning (green broom symbol, "1er avril au 1er décembre") — enforced April 1 to December 1, usually one day per week per side of the street.
  4. Residential permit zones (SRRR) — yellow signs with a zone number (e.g. "Zone 1"). Only cars with the matching sticker can park during the marked hours.
  5. Snow removal (orange flashing lights) — triggered after a snowfall ≥ 2.5 cm. You have until the time on the sign to move.

Arrows: what they actually mean

The single most common ticket reason is misreading the arrow. The rules:

  • Arrow pointing left only → the rule applies to the area to the left of the pole.
  • Arrow pointing right only → the rule applies to the area to the right of the pole.
  • Arrows in both directions → the rule covers both sides of the pole.
  • No arrow → the rule applies from this pole until the next sign in either direction.

The real cost of getting it wrong

Tickets in Montreal range from $42 (expired meter) to $148 (parking in a bus zone or fire hydrant zone). Add a $130 tow fee + $26/day storage and a misread sign easily costs $250+. Most expensive areas: Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie, Le Sud-Ouest.

How to fight a Montreal parking ticket

You have 30 days from the ticket date to contest it via the Cour municipale de Montréal. Successful defenses usually involve:

  • Photographing the sign from multiple angles showing it was obstructed (tree branches, graffiti).
  • Showing the sign was missing entirely (use Google Street View as evidence).
  • Proving you were within the time limit (Uber/Lyft receipts, store timestamps).

Parking Sign FAQ

What does the "P" with a green arrow mean?

A green "P" with an arrow means parking is permitted in the direction of the arrow during the listed hours. Outside those hours, default rules apply (which on most Montreal streets means free parking with no time limit).

Can I park overnight on Montreal streets?

Yes, in most areas. Overnight parking is generally allowed unless a sign specifically prohibits it or it's a snow removal night. Check for residential permit signs (SRRR) — some zones restrict overnight parking to permit holders.

What time does street cleaning start in Montreal?

Street cleaning typically runs from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the day marked on your block's sign, between April 1 and December 1. You need to move your car before 7am on the marked day. Each side of the street usually has a different day.

How do I know if snow removal is happening on my street tonight?

Use the official Info-Neige MTL app (free, iOS + Android) or the website infoneige.montreal.ca. Enter your address — it shows the operation start time and a flashing-lights timer. You can also sign up for SMS alerts.

How much is a parking ticket in Montreal?

Standard parking violation tickets are $73 in most boroughs (expired meter is $42). Parking in a no-stopping zone, bus zone, or in front of a fire hydrant is $148. Some boroughs (Plateau-Mont-Royal) charge extra surcharges.

Do I have to pay parking meters on Sundays in Montreal?

Generally no — most parking meters are free on Sundays and statutory holidays. However, this varies by borough. Always read the meter or P-Mtl app screen before walking away.

What's an SRRR permit and how do I get one?

SRRR (Stationnement sur rue réservé aux résidants) is Montreal's residential parking permit. Apply via your borough office or online with proof of residence (lease + driver's license + vehicle registration). Cost is ~$140/year. It lets you park on streets marked with your zone number.

Related Montreal tools

Sources: Ville de Montréal parking regulations, SAAQ. Last updated May 2026.