Driver User Guide

A step-by-step guide on how to park, pay, extend sessions, and manage vehicles without downloading an app.

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Table of Contents
1

Check-In: QR Code & Text-to-Park (No App Download)

With Parkulo, you never need to download an app from an app store, enter ticket numbers into a physical kiosk, or place receipts on your dashboard. You can check in right from your smartphone.

Option A: Scan the Lot Sign QR Code

Open your smartphone camera and point it at the QR code displayed on the physical Parkulo sign. Tap the link to open the lot checkout page instantly.

Option B: Text the 6-Digit Lot ID

Send a text message containing only the property's 6-digit Lot ID to the phone number on the sign. You will instantly receive a reply SMS with your personal check-in link.

Finding Parking Nearby: You can also search for available public parking properties at any time by visiting parkulo.com/find_parking.
2

Passwordless Phone Login

Drivers sign in using standard SMS verification codes. No passwords to remember or accounts to manage.

  1. Enter your 10-digit US mobile number.
  2. Parkulo sends an SMS with your 6-digit verification code.
  3. Enter the code on your screen to log in immediately.
Secure Authentication: Verification codes remain active for 15 minutes. Once logged in, your active parking sessions and registered vehicles remain connected to your number.
3

Adding & Switching Vehicles

Enforcement patrollers and automated cameras use license plates to verify payment. You can save vehicles to your garage profile for 1-tap booking in the future.

Saving a Vehicle:
  1. Enter your vehicle's License Plate Number (letters and numbers only).
  2. Select your State (e.g., TX, CA, FL).
  3. Give your vehicle a nickname (e.g., Blue RAV4 or Work Truck).
Selected the Wrong Car? If you start a session and realize you chose the wrong vehicle, open your session details screen and click Switch Vehicle to instantly reassign payment to the correct license plate without paying twice.
4

Rates & Secure Payment

Parkulo calculates fees dynamically based on the hours selected and displays an itemized receipt before you confirm payment.

Pricing Tier How It Works
First Hour Minimum A base minimum fee covering your initial parking duration.
Hourly Increments An affordable hourly rate applied in 30-minute blocks for additional time. Some lots charge a different rate at certain times, like nights or weekends, and show those rates before you pay.
24-Hour Daily Maximum A capped daily ceiling price so you are never overcharged when parking overnight or all day.

The total also includes a small convenience fee and card processing, shown on the receipt before you pay. Payments are securely processed via Stripe Checkout using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any major debit or credit card.

Event parking: During games, concerts and other events, some lots sell a flat-price event pass instead of hourly parking. You can buy one ahead of time, and it appears under Upcoming Event Passes on your dashboard.

5

Live Timers & Remote Extensions

Once paid, your session becomes live immediately. You do not need to walk back to your car or visit a pay station to extend your stay.

Live Countdown

Your Driver Dashboard and session details page display a real-time countdown showing remaining hours and minutes.

1-Tap Remote Extensions

Running late? Select additional hours and click Extend. The card you paid with is charged for the extra time and your expiration time updates instantly. Once you reach the lot's daily maximum, extra time that day is free.

6

15-Minute Expiration SMS Alerts

Never get surprised by an expired meter. Parkulo includes automated SMS warnings before your session runs out.

Automated Warning Text

"Your parking session at Downtown Plaza Deck expires in 15 minutes. Add more time here: https://parkulo.com/auth_session/..."

Simply tap the secure link in the text message to add more time directly without having to sign in again.

7

Monthly Tenant & Residential Parking

Properties that support monthly parking allow residents, employees, and frequent commuters to set up recurring monthly permits.

  1. Via Invitation: If your building manager invites you, click the link in your email invitation to set up your vehicle and card.
  2. Via Self-Registration: When parking at participating lots, choose the Monthly Pass tab on the check-in screen.
  3. Automatic Billing: Subscriptions renew monthly on Stripe. Patrollers recognize your registered vehicle automatically as an authorized tenant.
Vehicle Swapping: Driving a rental or secondary vehicle this week? Go to your Driver Dashboard → Monthly Subscriptions and click Change Vehicle to instantly reassign your active monthly permit.
8

Parking Citations, Early Discounts & Disputes

If your session expired or your vehicle was parked without check-in, an enforcement agent may issue a digital parking citation.

25% Savings
48-Hour Early Payment Discount

All citations paid within 48 hours of issuance automatically receive a 25% discount off the base fine amount.

Fair Review
Online Citation Disputes

Believe a ticket was issued in error? Submit a dispute with your explanation and an attached photo for property management review.

How to look up and pay a ticket:
  1. Visit parkulo.com/lookup_violation or click Look up a ticket on the homepage.
  2. Enter your license plate number to look up unpaid citations.
  3. Review citation photos, timestamp, and location details.
  4. Pay securely online via credit card or submit a dispute directly to the lot owner.