You can generally leave your car at a DART station for up to 24 hours. This rule is strictly enforced at all DART Park & Ride facilities to ensure spaces are available for daily commuters. Staying beyond this limit puts your vehicle at risk of being ticketed or towed.
The 24-hour rule is monitored, often through routine patrols and license plate recognition systems. It's designed to prevent people from using the lots for long-term storage, which defeats their primary purpose. If you need to park for longer than a day, such as for a weekend trip, you must use a different option. DART explicitly states that overnight parking for multiple consecutive days is not permitted.
For extended trips, consider these alternatives:
- Off-site Airport Parking: Services near DFW Airport or Love Field often offer secure, long-term parking with shuttle service.
- Rideshare or Taxi: For very short trips, this can be more cost-effective than risking a tow fee.
- Have a Friend Drop You Off: This is the most reliable way to avoid any parking concerns altogether.
Always check the official DART website for the most current rules before you go, as policies can change. The key takeaway is that the station lot is for daily commuter use, not for long-term vehicle storage.
| Parking Consideration | DART Station Lot (Typical Rule) | Recommended Alternative for Long-Term Parking |
|---|
| Maximum Stay | 24 hours | Multiple days/week |
| Cost | Often Free | Paid (various rates) |
| Security | Basic (park at your own risk) | Often includes fencing, lighting, patrols |
| Vehicle Safety | Risk of theft/vandalism not covered by DART | Generally higher security |
| Enforcement | Towing and ticketing for violations | Designed for extended stays |
| Best For | Daily commutes to work | Airport trips, multi-day vacations |
