Unscripted DC
Living here, not just visiting.
DC Parking
DC RPP zones are one of the most misunderstood parts of parking in the city. If you’ve ever parked on a DC residential street and come back to a ticket with no meter in sight, you probably ran into an RPP zone without knowing it.
Here’s how DC’s residential parking permit system actually works — for residents and visitors alike.
What Is an RPP Zone?
RPP stands for Residential Permit Parking. It’s a program that limits street parking on designated residential blocks to people who actually live there — stopping commuters and visitors from taking up all the parking in residential neighborhoods.
If a block is in an RPP zone, non-residents can only park there for a maximum of two hours during enforcement hours. After that, they can be ticketed — every two hours they overstay. Residents with a valid RPP sticker for that zone can park without the two-hour limit.
How to Spot an RPP Zone
Look for green signs on the block that say something like:
2 HR PARKING
7AM – 8:30PM MON–FRI
EXCEPT ZONE 2 PERMIT HOLDERS
The “Except Zone X Permit Holders” line is the key. That tells you it’s an RPP zone and which zone number applies. If you don’t have a permit for that specific zone, the two-hour limit applies to you.
Some blocks also have “Resident Only” sides — meaning non-residents cannot park there at all during enforcement hours, not even for two hours. These are marked clearly on the signs. See our full guide to reading DC parking signs for the full breakdown.
When RPP Is Enforced
Most of DC: 7:00am – 8:30pm, Monday through Friday
Historic Georgetown: 7:00am – 9:00pm, Monday through Saturday
Evenings, weekends (outside Georgetown), and federal holidays: Generally not enforced — but always read the sign for your specific block.
The Two-Hour Rule for Non-Residents
If you don’t have an RPP sticker for the zone, you can park for up to two hours during enforcement hours. That’s it.
How DC Residents Get an RPP Permit
RPP is issued through DC DMV as part of your vehicle registration. Apply online at dmv.dc.gov or visit a DC DMV service center. You’ll receive a sticker displaying your license plate, zone number, and expiration date for the driver’s side windshield.
Current RPP fees (effective March 30, 2026):
First vehicle: $55/year
Second vehicle: $80/year
Third vehicle: $115/year
Fourth vehicle and beyond: $175/year each
Seniors 65+: $35/year for the first vehicle
Visitor Parking Passes
If you have an RPP and need your visitors to park on your block, DC has a Visitor Parking Pass (VPP) system. As a resident, you can obtain visitor passes for guests so they aren’t subject to the two-hour limit. Contact DC DMV or check parkdc.com for current information on how to obtain visitor passes for your zone.
If You Just Moved to DC
This is where RPP causes the most confusion. You’ve moved into a new apartment, your car has out-of-state plates, and you keep getting tickets on your own block.
Here’s what’s happening: until you register your vehicle in DC and obtain an RPP for your zone, you’re treated as a non-resident and subject to the two-hour limit — even on your own block.
DC requires vehicles to be registered in DC within 60 days of establishing residency. Once you register and get your RPP, the problem goes away. Until then, you’re playing by visitor rules. See our full guide to things to do after moving to DC for the full new resident checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does moving my car reset the 2-hour limit in an RPP zone?
No. DC tracks your license plate in the zone. Moving to another spot on the same block or nearby blocks in the same zone doesn’t reset the clock. You need to leave the RPP zone entirely.
Can I park in an RPP zone on weekends?
In most of DC, RPP is not enforced on weekends or evenings. Georgetown is the exception — enforcement runs Monday through Saturday until 9pm. Always read the posted sign for your specific block.
How do I know which zone I’m in?
The zone number is on the green RPP sign on the block. It will say “Except Zone X Permit Holders” — that X is your zone number.
What’s the fine for overstaying in an RPP zone?
$30 per violation. You can be ticketed multiple times if you stay significantly longer than two hours — once per enforcement cycle.
I just moved to DC. How quickly do I need to get my RPP?
DC requires vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency. Get it done as soon as possible — until then you’re subject to the 2-hour limit on your own block.
Quick Reference
| Situation | What Applies |
|---|---|
| Non-resident in RPP zone | 2-hour limit during enforcement hours |
| Moving within same zone | Does NOT reset the 2-hour clock |
| Resident with valid RPP | Park without time limit in your zone |
| Most of DC enforcement | Mon–Fri, 7am–8:30pm |
| Georgetown | Mon–Sat, 7am–9pm |
| Evenings/weekends | Generally not enforced |
| Federal holidays | Generally not enforced |
| New DC resident | Register vehicle within 60 days |
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