What Happens if You Don’t Pay a Parking Ticket?

Ignoring a parking ticket might seem like a minor oversight, but failing to pay can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, including fines and even effects on your credit score.

1. Increased Fines and Penalties

While unpaid parking tickets are not criminal violations in California, there are still substantial penalties associated with them. Late fees can more than double the original ticket amount, and you cannot register your vehicle until you pay the overdue tickets.

2. Collection Agencies

If you fail to pay a delinquent parking citation, the city that issued your unpaid tickets may turn the debt over to a collection agency. This action will increase the amount you owe due to additional collection fees.

3. Vehicle Towing

Your vehicle will become eligible for towing if you have accumulated five or more delinquent tickets anywhere in California. Retrieving your vehicle involves clearing all outstanding tickets and paying additional charges, including towing, storage and release fees, which can add up to hundreds of dollars.

4. Driver’s License Suspension

California voters passed a state law in 2017 that forbids the DMV from suspending your driver’s license solely for unpaid traffic tickets. However, you can still get your license suspended if you fail to appear in traffic court, which is a criminal offense.

5. Credit Score Impact

Unpaid parking tickets can adversely affect your credit score, especially if the unpaid debt goes to a collections agency. A lower credit score can impact your finances by making it harder for you to secure loans and may result in higher interest rates on borrowed funds.

Appealing a Parking Ticket in California

You have the right to appeal a parking ticket in California if you believe you received it unjustly, or if extenuating circumstances justify the dismissal of the ticket.

• Review the ticket: Ensure all the information on the ticket is correct. Sometimes, an error is a sufficient reason to challenge it.
• Understand local laws: Parking regulations vary widely from one municipality to another. Familiarize yourself with the specific parking ordinances in the area where you received the ticket. This knowledge can be crucial in building your case.
• Initiate the appeal quickly: Time is of the essence when appealing a parking ticket. In California, you typically have between 21 to 30 days from the issue date to contest it. Check the back of the ticket or the issuing agency’s website for the deadline.
• Prepare your evidence: Gather information to support your case, such as photographs of the parking area, witness statements or a receipt that proves you parked legally.
• Attend the administrative hearing: Most parking ticket appeals involve an administrative hearing, which is your chance to present your case to an administrative officer or judge. Be concise and present your evidence clearly.
• Further appeals: You can usually request a second administrative review if the initial appeal is unsuccessful. If that also fails and you wish to continue the fight, you could go to court. Each step in the process may involve different procedures, so legal representation can be beneficial.

The Role of a Lawyer in the Appeals Process

While it is possible to appeal a parking ticket independently, hiring an attorney can enhance your chances of success, especially if the ticket involves substantial fines or if you have accumulated multiple tickets. A lawyer experienced in traffic violations can help you:

• Understand complex legal jargon and procedures that apply to your case.
• Prepare and organize your evidence to make a compelling argument.
• Represent you at hearings, particularly if the case escalates to higher levels of appeal.

While parking tickets may seem minor, they can lead to significant legal and financial problems if you ignore them. Brower Law’s experienced team offers the advice and representation you need to resolve these matters effectively. Contact us today to learn more.