1. Fine and towing
Wrong parking is booked under the Motor Vehicles Act and the fine is shown on the e-challan. As an example of how the charges add up, Mumbai Police said in 2021 that towing a two-wheeler cost ₹436 in all: ₹200 for parking in a no-parking area and ₹236 towing charges. Published guides give higher figures today (₹500 for a first offence, ₹1,500 for a repeat), so check your challan.
2. Near BMC public parking lots: much higher penalties
From July 2019 the BMC and Mumbai Traffic Police brought in heavy penalties for vehicles parked illegally within 500 metres of the city's authorised public parking lots (26 at the time) and 20 BEST depots. The penalty combines the fine and towing charges and rises for late payment, up to:
| Vehicle | Penalty reported in 2019 |
|---|---|
| Two-wheeler | ₹5,000 – ₹8,300 |
| Three-wheeler | ₹8,000 – ₹12,200 |
| Light motor vehicle (car) | ₹10,000 – ₹15,100 |
| Medium vehicle | ₹11,000 – ₹17,600 |
| Heavy vehicle | ₹15,000 – ₹23,250 |
These were the amounts announced in 2019; we could not confirm the current figures. If you are near a public parking lot, use it — it is far cheaper than the penalty.
3. BMC pay-and-park rates
About 37 public parking lots and 67 on-street parking sites run under the BMC. As reported on 28 August 2026, they charge:
| Vehicle | Parking charge |
|---|---|
| Two-wheeler | from ₹5 an hour, up to ₹30 for 12 hours |
| Three- and four-wheeler | from ₹20 an hour, up to ₹70 for 12 hours |
The BMC has proposed a 10% increase for two years; it needs the Municipal Commissioner's, Standing Committee's and General Body's approval.
4. Getting a towed vehicle back
- Find out from the traffic police chowky / division for the area where the vehicle has been taken.
- Pay the fine and towing charge through official channels and keep the receipt; pending e-challans may have to be cleared too.
- Carry your registration certificate (RC), driving licence and an ID.
5. Parking in apartments and housing societies
Inside an apartment complex, parking is governed by your sale deed (whether a slot is allotted or covered parking is mentioned) and by the bye-laws of your housing society or owners' association. Before you let your slot to an outsider, or rent one in a complex where you do not live, check what the society allows — many need the visitor's vehicle to be registered with security.
Read our guide: Housing society parking rules.
6. Park legally every day
26 parking spaces are listed in Mumbai on ParkingOnLease right now, with a typical rent of about ₹5,000 a month — covered and open spaces, garages and stilt slots, rented directly from owners with no brokerage.
Monthly parking in MumbaiPost your parking needHave an unused slot? List it free and keep track of rent with the Rent tracker. Other cities: Bangalore · Kolkata · Chennai · Hyderabad · Mumbai.
Questions people ask
Why are parking fines near public parking lots so high in Mumbai?
Since July 2019 the BMC and Mumbai Traffic Police have charged much higher penalties (fine plus towing) for illegal parking within 500 metres of authorised public parking lots and BEST depots — ₹10,000 to ₹15,100 for a car as announced then — to push vehicles into the lots.
How much do BMC parking lots charge?
As reported in August 2026, BMC public lots and on-street sites charge two-wheelers from ₹5 an hour up to ₹30 for 12 hours, and three- and four-wheelers from ₹20 an hour up to ₹70 for 12 hours. A 10% increase has been proposed.
Where can I park my car legally for a whole month in Mumbai?
In your own allotted parking, a paid parking lot, or a private space rented from an owner. ParkingOnLease lists covered and open spaces in Mumbai from owners directly, with no brokerage.
Sources
Checked on 28 October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.
- Mumbai Police on X, 2021 — two-wheeler towing charges: x.com
- Gulf News (IANS), 7 July 2019 — "Mumbai braces for steep parking penalties from Sunday": gulfnews.com
- Free Press Journal, 28 August 2026 — BMC proposes 10% hike in parking charges: freepressjournal.in
- Acko, 10 November 2025 — No parking fines and towing rules in major Indian cities: acko.com