Abstract: A wireless drive-by meter status system for use by parking enforcement officers who are patrolling a zone or area in a motorized vehicle is described. The system comprises a vehicle in which is placed a mobile unit including a transceiver, an antenna as well as a status display means, and one or more remote units including transceivers each paired with one or more electronic meters. The remote units may be mounted inside the meter housings, which in turn are mounted on posts. In operation the vehicle antenna transmits a wake-up or trigger signal using a focused beam of modulated IR, ultrasonic or RF energy, which can be detected by any remote units found in the beam path.