Free metered parking for green vehicles
Green vehicles are eligible for a special parking permit that allows free parking for up to two hours at Salt Lake City parking meters (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 best environmental performers. Salt Lake City 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 requirement ensures that the free parking incentive is only provided to the best environmental performers.
As EPA standards have become more rigorous, only 100% electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles now qualify. Because of this, the City no longer publishes a list of eligible vehicles. If your vehicle is fully electric or hydrogen-powered, it qualifies.
Get a permit
To obtain your green vehicle parking permit, email the following items to the Transportation Division at stacey.luna@slc.gov to have your parking permit mailed to you:
- Registration (large format JPG or PDF)
- Driver’s license or other state-issued identity card (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) (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.