Parking & Getting Around at Mardi Gras

City rules, fines and transit changes, each with its source. RTA's 2027 service plan hasn't been released yet, so the transit section describes 2026 to show what to expect.

New for 2027 (approved July 2026)

• Parking bans near parade formation areas now start four hours before a parade instead of two [1].
• Boot fees rose from $121 to $172 on July 27, 2026, and tow fees rise based on vehicle size [1].
• Grills, tents, furniture and portable toilets remain banned on the route. Fines rise from $250 to $1,000, then $2,000, and ladder, tent, grill and portable-toilet violations become criminal offenses [1].

Parking rules that get people towed

The city reminds drivers [2]:

• Obey posted signs, and don't park on the neutral ground or along neutral-ground curbs.
• Stay at least 15 ft from fire hydrants, 20 ft from crosswalks, intersections and stop signs, and 3 ft from driveways. Don't block sidewalks or park in fire lanes or bike lanes.
• Residential permit zones limit parking to 2 hours without a permit.

Street closures

• Police close parade routes to vehicles before parades begin or when crowds warrant [2].
• Uptown floats line up on Napoleon Ave. and on Magazine St. between Napoleon and Jefferson. Traffic in the area is restricted starting two hours before parades [2] [3].
• French Quarter: during the busiest stretch, only residents, employees, hotel guests and taxis/rideshare can drive into the Quarter. Bourbon St. from Canal to Dumaine plus several cross-street blocks close to all vehicles [2] [3]. 2027 dates are TBA.

Streetcars & buses (2026 pattern; 2027 TBA)

• In 2026, St. Charles streetcar detours started 4 hours before Uptown parades, and other detours 2 hours before [4].
• In 2026, the St. Charles streetcar was de-energized from Thursday, Feb. 12 through Mardi Gras Day, and buses served the line [5] [3].
• In 2026, Canal streetcars ran only as far as Canal & LaSalle during parades, and the Riverfront line ran normally [5].
• Bus and streetcar service follows a weekend schedule on Mardi Gras Day [2]. Track vehicles in the RTA's LePass app [2].

Rideshare, taxis, pedicabs & bikes

• Taxis, Uber/Lyft and pedicabs (in the French Quarter) all operate [2]. We could not find an official city map of rideshare pickup zones, so walk a few blocks away from the route before you request a ride. Cars can't cross the route while a parade is rolling.
• Bikes and Blue Bikes are a good option. Don't lock bikes to parade barricades or block sidewalks [2].
• Police "safe crossings" have included Poydras St. & St. Charles Ave. (Uptown parades) and Galvez St. & Canal St. (Endymion) [2].

Ladders, coolers & setup — the law

• Ladders must be structurally sound and placed at least 6 ft back from the curb, and you can't fasten them together. Enclosed tents, scaffolding, ropes and spray paint are not allowed. Items placed more than 4 hours before a parade may be removed [6] [7].
• Portable toilets on public property need the city's consent [6].
• Throwing objects at floats or back at riders: $250 fine [8].

Next: pick your spot · stay walking-distance to the route