Parking rules in US cities can be strict. A small mistake can cost a ticket of many dollars, or your car can be towed (taken away by a truck). Rules differ by city; see In your state.
Read every sign on the pole
A pole may have several signs. Read all of them:
"2 HR PARKING 8AM-6PM MON-SAT": you may park for 2 hours during those times. Outside those times there is no limit, unless another sign says otherwise.
"NO PARKING 7AM-9AM": often for rush-hour traffic lanes. Cars are towed fast.
"STREET CLEANING TUES 10AM-12PM": move your car before that time.
"PERMIT PARKING ONLY" or "RESIDENT PERMIT": only cars with a city permit sticker.
"TOW-AWAY ZONE": your car can be removed.
A blue sign with a wheelchair: only for cars with a disability placard or plate.
Many cities use curb colors. A common pattern:
Red: no stopping or parking.
Yellow: loading for commercial vehicles.
White: short stop to pick up or drop off people.
Green: short-time parking.
Blue: disability parking only.
Colors and meanings differ by city. Never park in front of a fire hydrant (a short red or yellow pipe on the sidewalk); the rule is usually 15 feet or more. Do not block driveways or crosswalks.
Meters: a machine by the curb or one machine per block. You pay by coin or card and enter your space number or license plate.
Parking apps: many cities use an app. You enter the zone number from the sticker or sign. The app warns you before time runs out.
Garages and lots: take a ticket when you enter and pay before you leave, at a machine or the exit gate.
A parking ticket is left on your windshield. Pay online by the date on the ticket, or contest it if the sign was wrong or missing. Take photos of the sign and your car.
Unpaid tickets grow with late fees and can block your registration renewal.
If your car is gone, call the local police non-emergency number or search the city's towed-car website. You pay the tow fee and a daily storage fee to get it back, so act fast.
Reading only the top sign.
Parking facing the wrong way. In many places the car must face the same direction as traffic on that side.
Private lots at stores: parking there to go elsewhere can get you towed.