Complete Guide on How to Use SMS Parking in Sharjah

Sharjah, the third most populous and largest city among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, faces a major challenge in parking management due to its heavy traffic. Despite the municipal corporation’s efforts to streamline parking, finding a space remains a daunting task. The introduction of SMS parking has revolutionized this, offering a cashless service that significantly eases the burden on drivers.

Through this guide, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how to use SMS Parking in Sharjah, ensuring that you can navigate this convenient system with ease and efficiency.

Understanding SMS Parking in Sharjah

SMS Parking in Sharjah is a modern, easy-to-use system designed to facilitate cashless parking payments through simple text messages. This system allows drivers to:

• Record your vehicle and mobile number to use the service.
• Send an SMS to a designated number to pay for parking.
• Receive a virtual permit as a confirmation message, which serves as proof of payment.

The introduction of SMS parking in Sharjah represents an important step forward in making parking management more efficient and user-friendly, aligning with the emirate’s broader goals of harnessing technology to improve public services.

Settings for SMS Parking

Getting started with SMS parking in Sharjah involves a simple registration process. Here’s how to set up your account for SMS parking:

1. Registration requirements:
   • Mobile phone number: You must be registered in the UAE with networks such as Etisalat, DU or Virgin Mobile.
   • Vehicle Registration Details: Including the plate source and plate number.
2. Registration process:
   • For vehicles registered in the UAE: Send an SMS to 5566 with your vehicle license plate number and desired nickname for quick future payments.
   • For non-private/GCC boards: Registration is required through the Sharjah Municipality website (www.shjmun.gov.ae) or by calling 993. This step is crucial for vehicles with plates outside Sharjah or non-private plates within the GCC.
3. Activation:
   • Upon completing the registration process, you will receive a confirmation SMS. This confirms that your vehicle is now registered for SMS parking in Sharjah and you can start using the service immediately.

This setup ensures that users can access the SMS parking system effortlessly, making parking in Sharjah a hassle-free experience.

How to use SMS parking in Sharjah

Using the SMS parking system in Sharjah is easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure you can navigate the process without any problems:

Pay for the initial parking permit

1. Find your parking spot: Once you find a suitable parking space in Sharjah, get ready to send an SMS to reserve your space.
2. Write your SMS: Use the following format to request parking:
   • Format: [Plate source] [space] [Plate number] [space] [Duration]
   • Examples:
     • For a vehicle registered in Sharjah: SHJ 1234 1 (for one hour of parking)
     • For parking permit in Arabic: Add A at the beginning, like A SHJ 1234 1.
3. Send the SMS to 5566: After submission, you will receive a confirmation message, which serves as your virtual parking permit. Don’t delete this message as it may be required for verification.

Parking Permit Extension

• One hour parking limit: Initially, SMS parking permits in Sharjah are valid for one hour. You will receive a reminder SMS ten minutes before the expiration.
• Expanding your parking: To extend for another hour, simply reply with Y to SMS reminder 5566. You will receive a confirmation of your parking extension.

Paid parking zones and times

• Locations: Paid parking zones are strategically located across Sharjah, including major areas such as Al Ghuwair, Umm Al Tarafa and more, ensuring coverage in all busy areas and main roads.
• Schedules: Paid parking is available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., except Fridays and holidays. Some areas offer free parking outside these hours.

Rates and charges

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fees and charges for using SMS parking in Sharjah, offering clarity on how much you’ll be expected to pay for different parking durations:

• Standard parking rates:
  • For 1 hour: AED 2.00
  • For 2 hours: AED 5.00
  • For 3 hours: AED 8.00
  • For 5 hours: AED 12.00
• SMS charges: An additional charge of 38 fils applies for each SMS sent to 5566 for parking services. This fee is applied to your wireless account or deducted from your prepaid balance.
• Fines for parking violations:
  • Overtime parking without extension: AED 100
  • Failure to purchase or show a parking ticket: AED 150
  • Parking in spaces reserved for disabled people: AED 1,000
  • Misuse of parking equipment or facilities: AED 500

It is essential to be aware of these charges and ensure that you pay the correct amount for the expected parking time to avoid unnecessary fines.

Benefits of using SMS parking

Choosing SMS parking in Sharjah brings several key benefits that improve the parking experience for drivers:

• A convenient and efficient way to pay for parking without needing cash or visiting a payment machine.
• Saves time by allowing immediate and remote payment for parking spaces, making it easier to manage parking on a busy schedule.
• Flexibility to extend parking duration via a simple SMS, giving you peace of mind if your plans are extended unexpectedly.
• Instant confirmation messages serve as proof of payment, ensuring compliance with parking regulations and avoiding fines.
• Eliminates the need to search for and use parking meters, reducing the risk of parking tickets for expired meters.
• Transparent payment system with clear fee structures, helping drivers budget their parking expenses effectively.

These benefits underline the value of SMS parking as a solution that not only simplifies the parking process but also aligns with Sharjah’s modern, digital approach to urban management.

Tips and best practices

To get the most out of the SMS parking system in Sharjah and avoid common mistakes, consider these tips and best practices:

• Before sending, make sure your SMS follows the correct format: [Plate source] [space] [Plate number] [space] [Duration]. Errors can lead to failed transactions or incorrect reservations.
• Check that you are parking within a zone that supports SMS parking and that it is covered for the time you are paying. Pay attention to zone signs to avoid fines.
• Your confirmation SMS is your virtual permit. Avoid deleting it until you conclude your parking session, as it may be required for verification.
• Please note the expiration time of your parking session. If you plan to extend your stay, do so before your current session expires to avoid fines.
• Make sure you have enough credit in your prepaid mobile account to cover the parking fees and SMS charge.
• If you are a frequent user, consider registering your vehicle with a nickname for easier and faster reservations in the future.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to enjoy a hassle-free parking experience in Sharjah, making the most of the convenience and efficiency of SMS parking.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do I pay for parking in Sharjah via SMS?
Send an SMS to 5566 in the format: [Plate source] [space] [Plate number] [space] [Duration]. For Arabic, prepend “A” to your message.

What happens if I don’t receive a confirmation message after booking?
Double check that the SMS was sent correctly. If issues persist, please contact Sharjah Municipality support for assistance.

Can I use SMS parking for multiple vehicles?
Yes, once registered you can add multiple vehicles to your parking account via SMS for easy management.

Is SMS parking available on Fridays and holidays?
Paid parking areas operate from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday to Thursday, except Fridays and holidays. Some exceptions apply, so check local signage.

How do I extend my parking time via SMS?
Reply with “Y” to the reminder message sent 10 minutes before your session expires. You will receive a confirmation of the extension.

What happens if I park longer than I paid for?
You risk receiving a fine for exceeding the parking duration. Extend your parking time via SMS to avoid this.

Can I cancel my parking session and get a refund?
Once a parking session is activated, it cannot be canceled or refunded. Plan your parking duration accordingly.

SMS parking in Sharjah offers a seamless, efficient and easy-to-use method of managing parking, in line with the emirate’s digital innovation goals. By adopting this system, drivers can significantly reduce the hassle associated with parking, enjoying the convenience of cashless transactions and the flexibility of remote management. This guide aims to give you all the knowledge to use SMS parking effectively, making your trips in Sharjah smoother and more enjoyable.

Remember, the key to a seamless parking experience is understanding the system, following the rules and taking advantage of the digital amenities that Sharjah City has to offer.

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