Walmart Implements Fines and Towing for Extended Parking | Carscoops

      A new policy will begin at a Walmart and Sam's Club in Hawaii, with the potential for expansion to additional locations.

      Walmart is introducing a parking time limit starting May 1, 2023. Vehicles parked for more than three hours will incur fines, potentially amounting to $48 per day. If parking fines exceed $50, vehicles may be towed from the Walmart parking area.

      The practice known as "Wallydocking," common among those living in vans or RVs, involves parking at Walmart for extended durations. Until recently, the retail chain has not strictly enforced this. However, in Honolulu next month, this will change, as one store will begin issuing fines for anyone exceeding the three-hour limit. Staying too long could result in having your vehicle towed.

      The new regulations will apply to the Walmart and Sam's Club on Keeaumoku Street. The shared parking structure is meant for customers only, but locals have noted that it is frequented by others as well.

      "It’s been really hard to find parking here due to the many trucks associated with the construction nearby. They need to direct those vehicles elsewhere," said Thomas Barber, a regular Walmart patron, to KHon2. Starting May 1, stays over three hours will incur charges of $3 for every half hour capped at $48 for the day. Accumulating over $50 in fines could lead to towing.

      Will It Actually Create More Parking Spaces?

      “I believe it will open up parking. Fewer people will park here and walk to other stores, so I won’t have to spend 30 minutes searching for a spot,” said Ge Song, another Walmart customer. The store plans to install payment stations for parking fines shortly. While Walmart can enforce such policies at its stores, it has historically been welcoming to long-term parkers.

      Walmart, which is known for its accommodating stance towards RV users, has indicated that this policy is not commonplace across all stores. The company states, “Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Therefore, we allow RV parking in our store lots when possible. Individual store managers grant permission to park based on available space and local regulations.”

      In summary, do not anticipate this parking policy being implemented nationwide, particularly in smaller, less populated regions of the USA. However, if you intend to park at a large Walmart in a city like Honolulu, reconsider your parking approach.