Free metered parking for green vehicles in SLC
SLC Green Vehicles are eligible for a special parking permit that allows free parking for up to two hours at Salt Lake City parking meters. See SLC ordinance 12.56.205.
Qualifying vehicles
Each year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes standards for vehicles to certify as SmartWay Elite. SmartWay Elite vehicles are considered to be the very best environmental performers. SLC Green Vehicles are vehicles from all model years that qualify as SmartWay Elite, not only for their own model year, but also under the current calendar year SmartWay Elite criteria. This SLC requirement ensures that the free parking incentive is only provided, ongoing, to the best environmental performers.
Over the years, as the EPA requirements have continued to become more stringent, the only vehicles that are currently capable of qualifying as SmartWay Elite are 100% electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. For this reason, it’s no longer necessary for SLC to provide lists of qualifying vehicles. If your vehicle is 100% electric or hydrogen fuel-cell powered, it qualifies as a SLC Green Vehicle. Currently, these are the only vehicles that qualify.
To obtain your SLC Green Vehicle parking permit, please e-mail the following items to the Transportation Division office at stacey.luna@slc.gov to have your parking permit mailed to you:
- Registration (please use large format JPG or PDF)
- Driver’s license or other state-issued identity card (please use large format JPG or PDF)
- Proof of Utah residency if your vehicle registration is from a state other than Utah (lease, rental agreement, deed or two utility bills) (please use large format JPG or PDF)
If you would like to obtain your permit faster, bring the above materials to the Transportation Division office at 349 S 200 E, Suite 150. Our office staff is available to issue permits Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Frequently asked questions
My vehicle qualified as SmartWay Elite in a prior year. Do I qualify for free parking?
The EPA periodically updates SmartWay Elite criteria so they can maintain their goal of certifying the top cleanest, most efficient vehicles. In addition to qualifying during their original model year, all SLC Green Vehicles must also qualify under the current calendar year SmartWay Elite criteria. At this time, the only prior year vehicles that are capable of doing this are 100% electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
Does this parking permit provide free parking at the University of Utah parking meters?
The permit is only valid at Salt Lake City parking meters.
Do motorcycles qualify for the program?
Yes, but only motorcycles that are 100% electric.
Are there other special programs for high mileage or clean vehicles in SLC?
The State of Utah has a program for clean vehicles that allows use of the Carpool/HOV/Express lanes on I-15 by vehicles operated with a single occupant that meet specified clean fuel and emission standards. Please check UDOT’s Clean Vehicle Pass webpage for current program status, a list of qualifying vehicles, and an online application.