For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 9, 2026  

New Hours and Rates for Montgomery County Parking Garages, Lots, and Meters in Downtown Wheaton Beginning July 1 

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is adjusting parking days, hours, and rates for Montgomery County-operated garages, parking lots, and street meters in Downtown Wheaton, beginning Monday, July 1. The changes will allow free parking on Saturdays and after 6 p.m. on weekdays. Parking on Sundays remains free. 

The changes were approved by the Montgomery County Council as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process. They reflect recommendations from the Wheaton Urban District, following a community survey in which the adopted option was preferred in more than 60% of responses.

Under the updated pricing structure, Downtown Wheaton’s weekday hourly parking rates will increase from $1 in County-maintained garages and lots and $1.25 an hour for street meters, to $1.75 and hour for garages, $2 for lots, and $2.50 for street meters.  

Parking rates and hours effective Monday, July 1 in Downtown Wheaton will be: 

County Garages 

• Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

• $1.75 per hour 

County Lots 

• Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

• $2.00 per hour 

On-Street Parking Meters 

• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

• $2.50 per hour 

Parking rates in Downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring remain unchanged. 

Customers who regularly park in the Downtown Wheaton Parking District can purchase a Wheaton Parking District Parking Convenience Sticker (PCS) Monthly Permit, which remains available for $132 per month. Additional information about the PCS Monthly Permit and other parking programs is available on the Division of Parking Management webpage. 

For information on MCDOT programs and services, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.        

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Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282, emily.detitta@montgomerycountymd.gov