Knoxville TN, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville is enhancing its downtown parking with a new digital system, launching the ParkMobile app for user-friendly payments. The outdated meters have been retired as of March 28, with enforcement hours set from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A grace period allows residents to adjust to the app without citations until the end of March. Additionally, an employee parking program will provide discounts for those earning below specified income limits, further improving accessibility to downtown parking.
Knoxville is implementing a new digital parking system aimed at enhancing the parking experience in its downtown area, responding to the city’s growing demands. City leaders have retired outdated parking meters replaced by advanced technology, effective March 28. The transition is part of a broader initiative to improve parking availability for residents and downtown workers alike.
As part of the update, Knoxville has introduced the ParkMobile app, allowing users to pay for parking digitally, which city officials describe as user-friendly. Deputy Chief of Operations Chip Barry emphasized that the old meters were obsolete and needed replacement to accommodate future growth. This new system is projected to meet the increasing demand for parking over the next decade.
The implementation of the new system has not gone unnoticed. While the transition process has taken some time, residents are now growing accustomed to utilizing the ParkMobile app. To facilitate this adjustment, a grace period has been initiated, enabling users to familiarize themselves with the app without facing parking citations until March 28.
Paid on-street parking will be enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, allowing free parking outside these hours. Drivers should note that they cannot “feed the meter” to extend time once it has expired in a two-hour parking zone; however, they can extend time if they have not exceeded the limit. It is also important to mention that drivers cannot reserve multiple spaces at once, and cancellation of time occurs once a space is vacated.
In addition to the parking app, Knoxville is introducing a new employee parking program based on income. This program offers monthly passes and discounted bundles for employees working in downtown, providing greater accessibility to affordable parking options. To qualify for discounts, individual earnings must not exceed $51,000, while the limit for a family of four is set at $72,800. Workers earning at or below 80% of the area’s median family income are eligible for this program, which begins on March 28.
The city has also added more than 60 “stop and go” spaces, providing free 15-minute parking close to businesses and restaurants for quick visits. Barry pointed out the importance of adapting parking systems to keep pace with downtown growth, identifying that initial resistance to such changes is common.
Looking towards the future, reserved parking features are currently not available within the ParkMobile system, but plans for this feature exist. After the grace period, parking citations will incur a $25 fine for various infractions, while parking in fire lanes will face a $35 penalty. Changes also extend to parking garage rates, with free parking after 6 p.m. and a maximum fee of $7 per day during weekdays. The Market Square Garage will implement a flat rate of $3 for Saturday parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. effective April 5, enhancing the overall parking experience in this bustling area.
New Digital Parking Features in Knoxville
The new parking system includes several features aimed at improving availability and user convenience:
- ParkMobile app for digital payments.
- Grace period for acclimatization to new system until March 28.
- Enforcement of paid on-street parking from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
- Introduction of stop and go spaces for quick visits.
- Reduced parking rates for downtown employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new digital parking system in Knoxville?
The new digital parking system includes the ParkMobile app for digital payments and aims to enhance the parking experience in downtown Knoxville.
When did the old parking meters retire?
Knoxville retired its old parking meters and launched the ParkMobile app in March.
What is the grace period for the ParkMobile system?
A grace period has been implemented, allowing users to acclimate to the ParkMobile system without receiving citations until March 28.
What are the park hour enforcement times?
Paid on-street parking will be enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday; parking is free outside of these hours.
How much will parking citations cost after the grace period?
Parking citations after the grace period will be $25 for various infractions; parking in fire lanes incurs a $35 fine.
When will the Discounted Downtown Workers Parking Program start?
The Discounted Downtown Workers Parking Program starts on March 28 for employees earning at or below 80% of the area’s median family income.
Key Features Comparision Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ParkMobile App | Allows digital payment for parking |
| Grace Period | Until March 28 for citations |
| Enforcement Hours | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Saturday |
| Free Parking | Outside enforcement hours |
| Employee Parking Program | Discounts for eligible employees |
| Parking Citations | $25 for various infractions, $35 in fire lanes |
| Parking Garage Rates | Free after 6 p.m., $1/hour max $7 weekdays |
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: City Adjusts to New Downtown Knoxville Parking Changes
- Knox News: How Much is Parking in Knoxville?
- WATE: City Begins Implementing New Downtown Knoxville Parking Plan
- Inside of Knoxville: Changes to Downtown Parking Set to Begin
- WBIR: Knoxville New Parking Payment System and Worker Discount Program
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Google Search: Downtown Knoxville Parking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
- Google News: Knoxville Parking System
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Parking
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
