Parking Code

The new parking code starts January 1, 2026. The City of Bend has adopted a new parking code to make rules clearer and enforcement fairer. These updates modernize how we manage parking and curb space and move ticket oversight to Bend Municipal Court for a consistent process.

Downtown Bend street with multiple cars parked diagonally along it

Key Dates for the Transition

  • Jan 1, 2026: New code takes effect.
  • Jan 3: Last day tickets will be issued under the old code in the Downtown and Old Bend Parking Districts.
  • Jan 4 – 19: Education Campaign.
  • Jan 13: Last day to contest tickets issued on or before Jan 3, 2026.
  • Jan 20: City begins issuing parking tickets under new code and new payment process begins for all tickets, regardless of when they were issued; all tickets will be paid to Municipal Court.
  • Jan 21: First new-code tickets will be available for payment.

What’s Changing?

  • Court-based process:
    Parking ticket payments and contestations are handled by Bend Municipal Court. This changes when and where you pay. Tickets will be available for payment by 12 p.m. the business day after they are written.
  • More time to act: You now have 14 days to pay or contest a ticket before additional fees apply.
  • Failure to Act
    If you don’t pay or contest within 14 days:

    • The Municipal Court will enter a default judgement of guilty and add a $50 Failure to Appear fee to your balance.
    • After that:
      • You’ll have 30 more days to pay before the ticket goes to collections.
      • If the ticket goes to collections, state law allows a collection fee of up to 25% to be added.
      • Your vehicle may be immobilized or towed if the debt remains unpaid.
  • How to Pay
    Starting Jan. 20, 2026, all ticket payments will be made to Bend Municipal Court.
    Here’s what to know:

    • When can I pay?
      Payments can be made starting at noon the first business day after the ticket is issued.
    • Ways to pay:
  • How to Contest (Plead Not Guilty)
    If you believe your ticket was issued in error, you can contest it through Municipal Court.
    Here’s how:

    • Online: Submit your plea here: Appearance and Entry of Plea
    • In Person: Appear at Bend Municipal Court during business hours.
      Once you enter a plea of Not Guilty, the Court will schedule your trial, you can choose:

      • Virtual appearance
      • Trial by affidavit (submit written testimony)
      • In-person appearance
  • Fine structure for Meter and Overtime violations:
    Meter and overtime tickets start at $12, then increase to $25 after 6 days, and $45 after 10 days.

  • EV charging spaces:
    If you park in an electric vehicle charging space, you must be actively charging.
  • RV and large vehicle rules:
    RVs and vehicles with slide-outs or protrusions cannot block sidewalks or travel lanes.
  • Heavy commercial vehicles:
    Vehicles over 26,000 pounds cannot park in residential zones between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
  • Trailers and non-motorized vehicles:
    Trailers, campers, and other non-motorized vehicles cannot be parked on streets or in public lots for more than 72 hours unless attached to a motorized vehicle.
  • Time- limit clarification:
    The code clearly defines how far you must move your vehicle (1-block) when your time limit expires.
  • Parking Districts:
    A new process allows the City to create parking districts and management plans where needed.

What’s not Changing?

Most things about parking in Bend are staying the same. Here’s what isn’t changing under the new parking code:

  • Parking rates and time limits:
    Street parking, downtown district time limits, and rates for the North Mirror Pond and South Mirror Pond lots and the Centennial Parking Garage remain the same.
  • Parking permits:
    Where and how you buy permits hasn’t changed.
  • Passport app:
    You’ll still use the Passport app for parking permits.
  • Parking enforcement tools:
    The technology and methods used by enforcement officers remain the same.
  • Existing parking districts:
    No new districts are being created at this time, and paid parking is not expanding at this time.
  • 3-day rule:
    Vehicles parked outside designated parking districts can stay in the same spot for up to 3 business days.
  • Accessible parking rules:
    Parking rules for designated accessible spaces remain the same.
  • Sunday & holiday parking rules:
    Parking on Sundays and City-recognized holidays will continue to not be enforced.
  • Special Event Parking Rules:
    Parking restrictions during special events remain in place. Vehicles left in restricted areas before an event may be towed at the owner’s expense.
  • Immobilization and tow procedures:
    The policy for towing and immobilization remains unchanged.

Parking Code Update FAQs

The updated parking code takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Parking ticket payment and processes for contesting a citation takes effect Jan. 20, 2026.

The new code helps Bend keep up with growth and makes parking rules clearer. Municipal Court’s process is fair and consistent for everyone. The updated code ensures decisions are made with judicial oversight, just like traffic tickets, so everyone is treated equally.

No. Rates, time limits, and permits stay the same.

  • Jan. 1: New code takes effect.
  • Jan. 3: Last day tickets will be issued under the old code in the Downtown and Old Bend parking districts.
  • Jan. 4 – 19: Education Campaign.
  • Jan. 13: Last day to contest tickets issued on or before Jan. 3, 2026.
  • Jan. 20: City begins issuing parking tickets under new code and new payment process begins for all tickets, regardless of when issued; all tickets will be paid to Municipal Court.
  • Jan. 21: First day new-code tickets are available for payment.

The updated code includes rules for RVs, trailers, heavy vehicles, and alternative fueling spaces.

No, parking permits, districts, accessibility rules and immobilization/tow procedures will stay the same.

Parking Services will pause issuing tickets and focus on education about the new code. Anyone violating parking rules will receive a notice explaining their parking error. Vehicles creating a safety issue with their parking method will be towed.

Parking Ticket Process Changes FAQs

The following payment options are available beginning Jan. 21, 2026:
  • Online: Credit/Debit Card or eCheck
  • By mail: Check or Money Order (no cash)
  • In person: Credit/Debit Card, Check, Money Order, or Cash
  • After hours: Use the secure drop box at Municipal Court

555 NE 15th St., Bend OR  97701 (Mailing address is the same)

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m.– 4 p.m.; excluding the following holidays:
  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • President’s Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran’s Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Day After Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

No. As of Jan. 20, Passport is for permits only; all ticket actions go through Municipal Court.

Provide proof to Bend Municipal Court, such as a copy of the bill of sale or DMV records showing the transfer of ownership.

Tickets appear the next business day by 12 p.m. If it’s still missing after that, contact Municipal Court.

Contesting means you believe you are not guilty of the violation. You’ll enter your plea with Bend Municipal Court either online at bendoregon.gov/parkingcitation or in-person.

You have 14 days to pay or contest before extra fees apply.

  • A $50 Failure to Appear fee will be added to your ticket fine.
  • After 30 days, unpaid tickets may go to collections (state law allows up to 25% collection fee).
  • Other enforcement actions may apply.

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