Your Downtown Parking Guide

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On-street parking in downtown Winston-Salem has always been somewhat challenging, and now that the metered parking has changed to a PayByPhone system, it will cost you 6 times more than before. If you were running in to get something at the bakery, dropping a quarter in the meter for an hour was no big deal, even though you would only be a few minutes. Now, those cinnamon buns will cost you an extra $1.50.

What Is The New PayByPhone Parking System

While the familiar meters will still be on the curbs for a while, they will not be functional. Instead, instructions will be printed on them on how to use the new PayByPhone system, approved by the Winston-Salem City Council in November 2024 and implemented by the city on May 1, 2025. The latest technology allows users to book parking sessions through mobile devices instead of needing coins. The system also allows you to add time to your session through the app without returning to a meter to add money.

First-time users will have to set up a PayByPhone account in three easy steps:

1. Download the app through Google Play or Apple App Store
2. Register your phone number and email, and create a password
3. Connect a credit or debit card, or use Google or Apple Pay

Once installed, customers should navigate to the on-street space, open the mobile application, enter the parking location number displayed on the sign referenced in that block, and select the amount of time needed for their stay. The fee is $1.50 an hour. Customers who do not have a smartphone or do not wish to download the application may call the customer service number listed on the PayByPhone parking signs to reserve a parking session. While it is a higher fee, many people may appreciate the convenience of the technology, especially extending their session time without returning to the meter. The PayByPhone parking signs will identify parking spaces as city-managed spaces and provide information on how to pay, along with the days and hours of enforcement. Parking will still be free in those spaces after 5pm and on weekends.

Off-Street Parking In Winston-Salem

Another option for parking in the city is using parking decks or lots. Nearly three-quarters of all off-street parking is located in decks. Over 2,200 spaces are in two parking decks, the 4th and Church Deck and the Cherry/6th/Trade Deck. Parking rates are $1 per hour or part thereof, $9 daily maximum. Monthly rates for a single space in 4th and Church deck is $65 and in Cherry/6th/Trade it is $42. The deck on Cherry/6th/Trade is open evenings and weekends and has a flat $2 rate for those times. Both decks honor Park & Stroll Stamps, discount stamps offering lower parking rates ($.50) to promote shopping and commerce downtown. Books of stamps can be purchased for $64 at the DWSP office, 525 N Cherry Street, Winston-Salem. The 4th and Church and Cherry/6th/Trade Parking Decks will implement the PayByPhone application later this fall, but rates will remain at $1 per hour. Another available parking deck is City Hall North, which charges $1 per hour or part thereof, with a maximum daily charge of $9. Hourly parking only. There are also many off-street lots for parking available throughout the city with hourly rates charged. See this Winston-Salem Parking Guide Map (PDF) for locations.

Enforcement of Parking Rules

The city DOT is responsible for enforcing the parking regulations in downtown Winston-Salem. Parking tickets are issued for various violations. Here is a list of parking fines:

• Time violation – $15
• “No Parking” space – $30
• “Loading Zone” violation – $30

A wheel-lock is placed on a vehicle if the vehicle owner has three unpaid parking tickets, each over 90 days old, and is found parked illegally. To have a wheel-lock removed, the vehicle owner must pay all outstanding fines and wheel-lock fees at the Revenue Office.

Downtown Winston-Salem Restaurants

One activity requiring parking downtown is visiting one of the many outstanding downtown restaurants. Whether you are looking for fine dining, casual, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian, or something else, you will find it in downtown Winston-Salem.

What is your opinion about the new PayByPhone parking? Tell us in the comments.