Myrtle Beach is rolling out one of America’s most expensive booting fees. Here’s when.

If you avoid paying to park in one of Myrtle Beach’s private lots, be warned: A New York City-sized penalty could soon be coming to a hubcap near you.

The city council on June 12 finalized a booting policy with fines up to $125 for motorists that ignore advertised rates inside private lots. It takes affect immediately. The uniform fee is all-inclusive to replace added towing costs and “abusive” vehicle immobilization policies.

Here’s what the new rule requires:

• Commercial paid parking lots must install signage giving notice to the public that payment is required and that failure to pay may result in booting or towing.
• Signage will also identify parking lot address as well as the name and telephone number of parking lot operator.
• Signs shall be located at each lot entrance and, if the lot does not have a designated entrance, signage is required to be posted and must be clearly visible from every parking space.
• No booting on commercial paid parking lots without proper signage.
• Maximum daily booting fee is $125

Officials say the price tag would likely be the largest statewide and put ahead of major southeastern cities, including Atlanta and Orlando.

By comparison, New York City charges $185 to free-booted vehicles.

Paid parking in Myrtle Beach stretches back to 1947, when some 300 meters were installed. Today, there are more than 2,000.

The booting fee could be approved by June 13 to coincide with year-round parking rules that take effect in July.

Although on-street rates would stay the same: Between $2 and $3 an hour and up to $15 a day, paid parking would be implemented all year — a move expected to generate $250,000 annually in new revenues.

Mayor Brenda Bethune said the attention-getting amount could be adjusted through city action, but she and others believe it may help free up coveted spaces downtown.

“Myrtle Beach does not have the amount of public parking that larger cities have, especially when you factor in our tourism population. The fee will be a deterrent to those who don’t pay for their time,” she said.

Innovative Parking Solutions, which works with Chicago-area businesses and private property owners, says on its website that booting often serves as a deterrent for others.

As part of its new enforcement policy, Myrtle Beach officials would require reflective signs and easy to scan QR codes so people understand rates and penalties.