Understanding Dates and Times Options

Understanding Dates and Times Options

The Dates and Times section defines when a permit is valid.

When setting up a Permit Type, you can choose from three scheduling options depending on how you want parking to behave:

• Specific Date(s) → Set exact dates and times
• Date Range(s) → Define a start and end period
• Flexible Time → Allow users to choose start and/or end times based on rules

Each option is designed for a different type of use case.

Specific Date(s)

Best for: One-off or very specific schedules

Use this when you want to define exact dates and times that parking is valid.

Examples:

• “June 1 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM”
• “July 10 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM”

Choose this if:

• You know the exact dates and times ahead of time
• Each date is intentional and fixed
• You’re setting up something like an event or special access window, like an interview or meeting

Date Range(s)

Best for: Continuous coverage over a period

Use this when parking should be valid for a continuous stretch of time between a start and end.

Examples:

• “Valid from June 1 to June 30”
• “Active Monday at 8:00 AM through Friday at 5:00 PM”

Choose this if:

• Parking should always be available during that window
• You don’t need to break it into individual dates or times
• You want something simple like a weekly pass or temporary access period

Flexible Time

Best for: Rules-based or user-driven timing

Use this when you want to combine rules or allow users to choose their own start and/or end times within defined limits.

Examples:

• “User selects start time, expires after 2 hours”
• “Only valid on weekdays, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM”
• “Maximum duration is 3 days from the start time”

Flexible Time allows you to control:

• When a permit can start (for example, user-selected or restricted to certain days)
• When it expires (for example, after a duration, same day, or a specific time)

You can also apply additional restrictions, such as:

• Minimum or maximum duration
• Time increments (for example, 30-minute intervals)
• Daily time windows
• Availability windows (when registration is allowed)

Choose this if:

• You need more control or flexibility
• Timing depends on rules rather than fixed dates
• You want to support multiple use cases within a single setup
• You’re setting up continuous-use options like hourly parking or day permits

How to Choose

• Use Specific Date(s) when the date or schedule is fixed and tied to exact date(s) and time(s)
• Use Date Range(s) when parking should be continuous over a defined period
• Use Flexible Time when timing is based on rules or user selection, especially for ongoing or repeatable use cases like hourly or day permits