All year long, Salem offers visitors an experience rich in history and charm. While there are several parking garages and lots in the city, if you are only in town for a short visit a parking meter along the street will put you right in the middle of the action. It is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations of Salem's parking meters in order to avoid fines.
On-street parking meters in Salem are in effect daily from 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. The majority of Salem's meters have a limit of two hours, which means you will either have to move your car or remember to add time on to your meter regularly.
Parking at a metered spot in Salem requires you to have pockets full of loose change. Salem's parking meters are $.25 per hour. The meters accept nickels, dimes and quarters. The city of Salem also offers Smart Cards for parking meters which are available in $10, $20, $30, $40 and $50, plus a $5 deposit.
Salem's meter maids are efficient; obeying the regulations will ensure that you do not obtain one of the bright orange parking tickets. An expired-parking-meter fine is $10. A 24-hour payment drop box is located outside City Hall, making it convenient and easy to pay your fines. Salem City Hall is located at 93 Washington Street. Of course it is easier and cheaper to be diligent and avoid fines from the start.
