No you do not have to pay the meter... no one has to pay the meter.... BUT! you can enjoy paying the parking fine when you receive one. You handicap sign will not keep you from getting the ticket. No, you still have to pay the meter even if you're parking in a handicapped spot. Check with your city hall. My father purchased a parking meter exemption sign for handicapped drivers which he hangs on his mirror, same way as his 'handcapped' sign. Otherwise he would have to put money in the meters.