9106.90.20.00 - Parking meters

This HTS category, 9106.90.20.00, specifically covers parking meters. These are devices designed to record and collect payment for the use of parking spaces, typically for a limited duration. While they incorporate clockwork or synchronous motor mechanisms for timing purposes, their primary function and distinctive feature is their role in regulating and accounting for parking time.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 9106.90.40.00, is crucial. The sibling category pertains to time locks valued over $10 each, which are primarily security devices that control access based on time. Parking meters, on the other hand, are fundamentally revenue-generating and time-regulating devices for public or private parking facilities, not security mechanisms.

As this node is a leaf node within the HTS database, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Therefore, classification under 9106.90.20.00 is final for parking meters. When classifying, customs officials will look for devices whose principal design and use is the collection of fees in exchange for parking time, often including features like coin slots, card readers, and displays indicating remaining time.