Parking Meters/Pay Stations
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.
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 5-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
Plaza Hall - 202 C Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(866) 470-1308
Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC)
401 "B" Street, Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel: 619-235-2200 (Please call first)
University Heights CDC
4452 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 297-3166 (Please call first)
California Western School of Law
225 Cedar Street
San Diego, CA 92101
1-800-255-4252
Suki Day Spa (Downtown)
541 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 338-8088
Suki Day Spa (Kearny Mesa)
4625 Convoy Street Suite B
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-3333
Suki Day Spa
4125 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 560-3333