You Pull and Pay is a self-checkout system at Pittsburgh parking meters
You Pull and Pay is Pittsburgh's mobile parking payment system that lets you pay for street parking through your phone instead of using a meter. You read the app or text a code, enter your license plate and how long you want to park, and the meter's display shows your time. When you're ready to leave, you pull out — you don't have to return to the meter to end your session or pay extra.
The system operates in Pittsburgh's Downtown, Strip District, and Lawrenceville neighborhoods. You can pay through the ParkPGH app (available on iOS and Android) or by texting your plate number to a code posted on the meter. Payment goes to the City of Pittsburgh, and rates vary by neighborhood and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You Pull and Pay lets you start and end your parking session from your phone without returning to the meter.
- You can pay through the ParkPGH mobile app or by texting your license plate to the number on the meter sign.
- Rates and time limits depend on which Pittsburgh neighborhood you're parking in, so check the meter sign before you start.
- Your session ends when you leave — you don't need to manually stop the meter or pay to exit.
- If you overstay your time, you may receive a citation, so set a phone reminder if you're unsure how long you'll be parked.
How to start a parking session with the app
read the ParkPGH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it, enter your license plate number, select the parking zone you're in (the meter sign shows which zone), and choose how long you want to park. The app will show you the rate for that zone and time. Confirm your payment method — you can use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal — and start your session.
Once your session starts, the meter display will show your remaining time. You can add more time through the app if you need to stay longer, and you'll receive a notification when your time is running low. When you're ready to leave, straightforward pull out. Your session ends automatically.
How to pay by text if you don't use the app
Look at the meter sign in front of your parking space. It will display a phone number and a zone code. Text your license plate number to that number. You'll receive a text back asking you to confirm the zone and how long you want to park. Reply with your choice, and the system will send you a link to complete payment.
Text payment works the same way as the app — you enter your payment information once, and future sessions can use the same card on file. You'll still get time warnings by text, and your session ends when you leave.
What happens if you stay longer than you paid for
If you overstay your paid time, a parking enforcement officer can issue you a citation. The fine amount depends on how long you've overstayed. To avoid this, add time through the app or text before your session expires. The app sends you a notification when you have 15 minutes left, which gives you time to add more parking or leave.
If you receive a citation, you can contest it through the City of Pittsburgh's Parking Violations Bureau. Instructions for disputing a ticket are printed on the citation itself.
Rates and time limits by neighborhood
You Pull and Pay rates and maximum parking times vary by zone. Downtown Pittsburgh generally has higher rates and shorter maximum stays than Strip District or Lawrenceville. Rates also change by time of day — peak hours (usually midday and early evening on weekdays) cost more than early morning or evening.
The meter sign at your parking space shows the zone name, current rate, and maximum stay allowed. Check the sign before you start your session so you know what you'll pay and how long you can stay. Rates are set by the City of Pittsburgh and may change seasonally.
Payment methods and account setup
You Pull and Pay accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You enter your payment information when you start your first session, and the system stores it for future use. You can update your payment method anytime through the app or by contacting the ParkPGH support line.
You do not need to create a separate account or register in advance. Your license plate is your identifier in the system. If you share a vehicle with someone else, you can both use the same plate number to pay for parking — whoever starts the session pays for it.
What to do if the meter isn't working or you have a problem
If a meter is broken or the sign is missing, do not park in that space. Broken meters are not an excuse for unpaid parking, and you can still receive a citation. Report the broken meter to the City of Pittsburgh by calling 311 or using the ParkPGH app's support feature.
If you're charged twice, your payment doesn't go through, or you have trouble with the app, contact ParkPGH support through the app or call the number listed on your receipt. Keep your transaction confirmation — it shows the date, time, zone, and amount paid, which you'll need if you dispute a charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for someone else's parking space?
Yes. You can enter any license plate number in the app or text any plate to the meter code. The person whose plate you enter will be responsible for that parking session. Make sure you have the correct plate number before you start.
What if I leave before my paid time is up?
Your session ends when you pull out, and you don't get a refund for unused time. You only pay for the time you actually use if you end your session early through the app — otherwise, you pay for the full time you selected upfront.
Do I need data or a cell signal to use You Pull and Pay?
Yes, you need an internet connection to start a session through the app or text. If your phone loses signal while you're parked, your session continues and you won't be charged extra. However, you won't receive time warnings by text or notification if you can't connect.
Can I use You Pull and Pay at parking lots or garages?
No. You Pull and Pay only works at street parking meters in Pittsburgh's designated zones. Parking lots and garages have their own payment systems. Check the signage at any lot or garage to see how to pay.
What if I get a citation even though I paid?
Keep your payment confirmation from the app or text. If you receive a citation for the same space and time, you can dispute it through the City of Pittsburgh's Parking Violations Bureau by providing your receipt. Include your transaction confirmation and the citation number when you file your dispute.