If you live or work downtown, you are going to want to make sure that you understand how parking apps work. Parking apps can help you stay on top of your parking meter and help you avoid tickets.

Downloading the Mobile App

The first thing that you are going to need to do is download the mobile app. There should be a sign on the meter that lets you know which parking app you need to download. There is more than one parking app, so you need to make sure that you are downloading the right one. Most parking apps are made to work on both Android and Apple devices.

Figuring Out Where You Are Parked

With most parking apps, you need to know where you are parked in order to use the app to pay for your parking. There should be a sign that displays what zone you are in. The zone number is what you are going to need to enter into the parking app so that way it knows where you are parked. Zone numbers are often displayed on lot signage or on the meter.

Additionally, if you can't find the zone number, many parking apps also have a map feature, so you can use relevant information, such as the crossroads, to figure out what zone you are parked in.

Enter in Relevant Information

Parking apps rely on you entering your license plate number. Your license plate number allows the parking attendant to verify that you paid your parking fees. You are also going to need to enter payment information into the application. The application will securely store your payment information. Lastly, you need to enter how long you plan on staying in your parking spot. Keep in mind that just because you are paying with a parking app doesn't mean there are no limits. If the area you park has a two-hour parking limit, you are going to need to respect that limit.

Extend Your Time

In some areas, you can extend your time on the parking meter using your parking app. This is one of the best features of a parking app. You don't have to run out to the car to add more quarters when you are in the middle of a meal. Instead, you can pull out your phone and add more time to your meter, wherever you are. This can help you avoid getting parking tickets when you are somewhere with parking meters.