Columbia Payment for parking when vehicle is parked ordinance (§ 14-418)
Chapter 14: Motor Vehicles and Traffic · Article V. Stopping, Standing and Parking
In short: When parking at a metered space during hours when time limits are in effect, drivers must pay right away, at the rate stated on the meter, for the length of time they plan to park.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
The driver of every vehicle which shall be parked, during the time when the time limit parking regulations are in effect, in a parking space alongside of, next to, in front of, or behind which a parking meter is installed and maintained, shall immediately, upon parking such vehicle, pay for such parking, as stated on the meter, according to the length of time to be parked in such space.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 14-418
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.