A parking system includes: electronic parking passes that can be virtual parking passes or physical parking devices within vehicles; a network of connected wireless communication hubs; computer servers, associated software, and driver information databases (collectively called the Cloud Backend); and registered parking applications on mobile devices of vehicle drivers. All system components are interconnected and able to communicate with one another, creating a “Driver Parking and Safety Net” that enables drivers to find parking, make secure payments for parking transactions, dynamically upgrade their parking authorization levels on a temporary basis, and monitor for safety of the drivers even while they are away from their vehicles.