Choosing the right parking ticket roll may seem straightforward, but using the wrong size or paper type can lead to printer jams, poor print quality, wasted paper and unnecessary service calls.
Whether you manage a municipal parking operation, parking garage, pay-and-display machines or parking enforcement equipment, selecting the correct roll starts with understanding your printer and its requirements.
This guide covers the key specifications to check when ordering parking ticket rolls and what to do if you're not sure which roll you need.
Start With Your Parking Printer or Machine
The best place to start isn't with the paper—it's with the equipment using it.
Parking machines and printers can require different roll widths, core sizes and maximum roll diameters. Even rolls that look similar may not be interchangeable.
Before ordering, identify:
- The printer or parking machine manufacturer
- The printer or machine model
- The required roll width
- The maximum outside roll diameter
- The core diameter
- The type of paper required
- Any specific requirements for print quality or durability
If you still have an old roll available, keep it nearby when ordering. The dimensions of the existing roll can provide a useful starting point for identifying the correct replacement.
The 5 Most Important Parking Roll Specifications
When comparing parking ticket rolls, there are several measurements and specifications to consider.
1. Roll Width
The width of the paper must match the printer's paper path.
A roll that is too wide may not fit properly, while a roll that is too narrow may not feed correctly or align with the printer mechanism.
Always confirm the required width for your specific equipment rather than assuming that all parking printers use the same size.
2. Outside Diameter
The outside diameter determines how much paper can fit inside the machine or printer.
A larger roll may provide more tickets or receipts per roll, but if the roll is too large for the equipment, it may not fit or turn properly.
When space inside the machine is limited, outside diameter can be just as important as width.
3. Core Size
The core is the cardboard or plastic tube around which the paper is wound.
The core needs to work with the printer's spindle or roll holder. A roll with the wrong core size may not sit correctly in the machine, even if the paper width is correct.
4. Roll Length
Roll length determines how much paper is available before the roll needs to be replaced.
Longer rolls can mean fewer roll changes, which may be especially useful for busy parking facilities or machines that are not convenient to service frequently.
However, the maximum roll diameter allowed by the equipment still needs to be considered.
5. Paper Type
Many modern parking machines and portable printers use thermal paper.
Direct thermal paper produces an image when heat is applied by the printer's thermal printhead. It does not require traditional ink or toner.
The type and quality of thermal paper can affect print darkness, readability and how well the printed information holds up over time.
Thermal Paper vs. Bond Paper
One of the first things to determine is whether your equipment uses thermal paper or conventional bond paper.
Thermal paper is commonly used in parking equipment because it can produce printed information without ink or toner. This makes it practical for tickets, receipts and other short-format printed documents.
Bond paper requires ink or another printing method and is used in equipment designed for conventional printing.
The two types of paper are not interchangeable. Always confirm what your printer or machine is designed to use before ordering.
What About Thermal Paper Quality?
Not all thermal paper performs exactly the same way.
For parking applications, print quality matters because tickets and receipts may contain information that needs to remain clear and readable.
Factors such as paper sensitivity, coating and storage conditions can affect the finished print.
For example, parking tickets may be exposed to:
- Heat
- Sunlight
- Moisture
- Friction
- Frequent handling
- Long periods inside a vehicle or parking facility
Choosing an appropriate thermal paper specification can help provide consistent printing and readable tickets throughout their intended use.
Standard vs. High-Sensitivity Thermal Paper
Some parking and enforcement applications benefit from high-sensitivity thermal paper.
High-sensitivity paper is designed to produce a darker image with less heat from the thermal printhead. Depending on the printer and application, this can help produce clear, easy-to-read printing.
However, the best paper isn't necessarily the same for every printer. Compatibility with the equipment should always come first.
How to Find the Right Roll When You Don't Know the Specifications
Sometimes the person responsible for ordering supplies doesn't have the original equipment specifications—and that's okay.
If you're trying to identify a replacement parking ticket roll, gather as much of the following information as possible:
Check the existing roll
If you have an old roll available, measure:
- Paper width
- Outside diameter
- Core diameter
Check the equipment
Look for:
- Manufacturer name
- Printer model
- Parking machine model
- Product or equipment number
Check previous orders
An old purchase order, invoice or product label may contain the roll dimensions or product number.
Take a photo
If you're still unsure, a photo of the existing roll and the printer or machine can be extremely helpful when contacting your paper supplier.
When in doubt, don't guess. Providing the equipment model and roll dimensions can help your supplier identify the appropriate paper before you place an order.
What Type of Parking Roll Do You Need?
Different parking applications can require different types of rolls.
Pay & Display Machines
Pay-and-display machines typically use thermal paper to print parking receipts or tickets.
Northern offers both stock and custom Pay & Display rolls for parking applications.
Custom rolls can also provide an opportunity to include a municipality, parking operator or facility's branding directly on the paper.
Parking Enforcement Printers
Handheld parking enforcement equipment may use smaller thermal citation rolls designed specifically for the printer.
These rolls need to match the printer's dimensions and paper requirements to feed and print properly.
Parking Ticket Machines
Parking ticket dispensers and other automated parking equipment can require specific ticket roll dimensions.
Before ordering, confirm the machine's required width, core and maximum roll diameter.
Stock or Custom Parking Rolls?
Once you've confirmed the correct specifications, you may also need to decide between stock and custom rolls.
Stock rolls are a practical option when you need standard paper without customized printing.
Custom rolls can include logos, branding or other information and can be produced to meet specific application requirements.
For organizations managing multiple parking locations, custom printing can also help create consistency across different facilities.
A Quick Parking Roll Checklist
Before ordering your next shipment, confirm:
☐ Printer or parking machine manufacturer
☐ Printer or machine model
☐ Paper width
☐ Outside roll diameter
☐ Core diameter
☐ Required paper type
☐ Required roll length
☐ Thermal paper sensitivity, if applicable
☐ Stock or custom printing requirements
☐ Quantity needed
Keeping these specifications on file can make future reorders much easier.
Need Help Identifying Your Parking Ticket Roll?
Not sure which parking roll is right for your equipment?
Northern Specialty Supplies supplies parking and traffic products for municipalities, parking operators and other organizations across Canada.
We can help you determine the appropriate roll based on your equipment specifications, existing roll or application.
Have an existing roll? Send us the dimensions or a photo along with your printer or machine model, and we'll help you determine what you need.
Explore Northern's Parking & Traffic products or contact our team for assistance with your next order.