The parking permits assigned to us—and the privileges or restrictions associated with them—vary depending on the type of service (FLEX, station-based vehicles, etc.) and the location: on-street parking, off-street parking, and the city where the permit was issued.
Please click the links below to learn the rules applicable to each service type.
Rules for Station-based Vehicles Available by Reservation
Rules for Station-based Vehicles Available by Reservation These vehicles are equipped with permits that solely allow us to occupy the spaces they are parked in when not in use (between reservations).
There are no parking privileges associated with using these vehicles.
In the Communauto app, click the station name to access detailed information for that specific station.
Rules for FLEX Vehicles (One-Way Trips)
Rules for FLEX Vehicles (One-Way Trips) You must release your FLEX vehicle within the service zone (the area shown in orange in the Communauto app).
In Gatineau, FLEX vehicles can be released in any location where parking is permitted. In addition, cars may be released in areas with temporary time limits (maximum 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.) provided that no other restrictions or payment requirements are indicated. Despite this privilege, like all other road users, you are required to comply with all posted signage.
Please note that the vehicles still display a visible parking permit, as they are also parked in Ottawa, where a different permit system applies.
Refer to the Ottawa parking guide.
Restrictions in Gatineau
- It is prohibited to end a trip in metered spaces (except for short stops, for which you must pay the fees), as well as in areas with permanent or temporary parking bans—even if parking is allowed at the time you end your trip.
- Please note that it is strictly prohibited at all times to park or end a trip with a FLEX vehicle in spaces reserved for Communauto station-based vehicles, or in private, residential, or commercial parking areas.
- It is also prohibited to end a trip in any location displaying temporary signage indicating a parking ban, such as during snow removal operations.
Interpreting Parking Signage When Driving a FLEX Vehicle in Gatineau
It is strictly prohibited to end a FLEX trip in the following places:
- In private, residential, or commercial parking, unless it’s a designated FLEX drop-off point. Parking in these places can lead to tickets.
Snow removal operations in Gatineau
Although FLEX vehicles are granted an exemption allowing them to be parked on the street overnight, when 5 cm or more of snow is forecast by Environment Canada, the City of Gatineau may issue a general parking ban covering all neighborhoods.
When such a notice is in effect, street parking is prohibited:
- Monday to Friday: from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays: from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
If you end a trip during these periods, you must comply with these restrictions.
To avoid a ticket or towing, subscribe to the City’s alerts to receive these notices (by email, phone, or SMS):
Subscribe to notifications – City of Gatineau
When a parking ban is in effect, the City of Gatineau provides alternative municipal parking areas where you may temporarily park a FLEX vehicle:
Overnight street parking during winter – City of Gatineau
Snow blowing operations: stay alert on-site
After snow removal operations, the City carries out snow blowing and snow hauling. These operations are carried out gradually and only affect certain areas at a time.
Unlike general parking bans, no alerts are sent by the City (no SMS or email).
- These operations are announced using orange signs placed on snowbanks.
When these signs are in place:
- Parking is prohibited on both sides of the street from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Vehicles in violation may be towed without prior notice (at your expense if signage is not respected).