Pre-Paid Parking Cards

In 1998, the City of San Diego replaced 5,262 parking meters throughout the City with electronic parking meters. The parking meters accept nickels, dimes, quarters and Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards. The Port of San Diego parking meters, distinguished by a yellow pole, also accept City of San Diego Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards. City of San Diego Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards are available in two increments: $10 and $45. There are also reloading terminals throughout the City that allow you to replenish time on pre-paid cards with amounts up to $49. Refilling your parking card allows you to recycle as well as reduce costs to the City. There are no replacements or refunds for lost or stolen Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards.

How does a Pre-Paid Parking Meter Card Work?
Can I get a refund if I purchase too much time on a meter?
Where can I purchase a Pre-Paid Parking Meter Card?

How does a Pre-Paid Parking Meter work?

The instructions for using a Pre-Paid Parking Meter Card can be found on the card directly.

Insert the card into the card slot on the parking meter. The card slot is near the coin slot.
Insert the card in the direction shown by an arrow on the card. The arrow side will face slightly up.
The dollar balance (credit available) on the card will flash 4 times.
The parking meter will display time increments in 6-minute segments.
When the desired time is displayed on the parking meter, remove the card from the parking meter. The time you have purchased will post on the meter.

Can I get a refund if I purchase too much time on a meter?

Yes. In order to do so, follow these instructions:

Insert the same card you used to purchase the time back into the parking meter.
The current dollar balance (credit available) on the card will flash 4 times.
The parking meter will credit back your card for every full 6-minute increment remaining on the parking meter.
Credit increments of less than 6-minutes will be lost.
The credit display on the parking meter will return to zero. Remove the card from the parking meter.

NOTE: Multi-Space Pay and Display stations do not refund unused time.

Where can I purchase a Pre-Paid Parking Meter Card?

View the document below for a list of locations to purchase Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards. You are highly encouraged to call ahead to verify business hours and to ensure cards are available.

Parking Administration* 1255 Fifth Ave. (corner of Fifth Ave. and A St.) San Diego, CA 92101 (866) 470-1308	Uptown Partnership Inc.* 3108 Fifth Ave., Suite B San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 298-2541 Uptown Partnership.org
CCDC Downtown Information Center 193 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 Monday, and Thursday 9-1 Saturday 2-5	California Western School of Law 225 Cedar Street San Diego, CA 92101 1-800-255-4252
El Cajon Blvd. BID 3727 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92104 [call first] (619) 283-3608	Hillcrest ACE Hardware* 1007 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 291-5988 Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 9-6, Sun 9-6
University Heights CDC 4452 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92103 [call first] (619) 297-3166	Hillcrest Association 3737 5th Avenue, Suite 202 San Diego, CA 92103 [call first] (619) 299-333 Mon-Fri 9-1 and 2:30-5
Farmers Market - Hillcrest 3960 Normal St. San Diego, CA 92103 (corner of Normal and Lincoln St.) Sundays 9-1	Hillside Artisans Children's Boutique 827 W Washington St. San Diego, CA 92103 Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4 (619) 293-0134
Downtown ACE Hardware 675 Sixth Ave Between G and Market San Diego, CA 92101 Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 8-6, Sun 9-5 (619) 544-9400
* Reload Capability