Photo by Obi Onyeador

Originally Posted On: Tips and Tricks on How to Best Handle a Parking Ticket | ParkMobile

There’s nothing like coming back to your car after a fun night out, only to find that you’ve overstayed your time, parked in the wrong zone, or been found guilty of a host of other similar offenses.

If you get a parking ticket, don’t stress. These tips and tricks can help you successfully navigate this unexpected situation with ease.

1. Move Your Vehicle

Don’t follow the example of some drivers who decide to “get their money’s worth” when they’re issued a parking ticket. As soon as you find that slip of paper, the responsible next step is to take the citation out of your windshield and move your car as quickly as possible.

Failing to do so could mean incurring additional fines and penalties on top of what you already owe, so act swiftly and carefully.

2. Find Payment Details

Once you’re in a safe place and no longer driving, take a look at the payment information listed on your ticket.

In most cases, you can settle your violation outside of court, unless you have a string of repeat citations. You should be able to easily locate the amount that you owe, as well as the payment methods that the police department or parking officials accept. The ticket will also contain the address to which you’ll send in your payment.

3. Contact Officials to Dispute

Do you have any reason to dispute your parking ticket? For instance, perhaps you can prove that your meter was broken and you thought you had more time than you did.

In this case, contact the officials listed on the ticket to explain your case. Remember to stay calm and respectful, and clearly state all of the surrounding details. They might require you to take photographic evidence, record your information in writing or appear in court to explain your dispute.

4. Pay As Soon as Possible

You might be tempted to let that little pink slip go unpaid. It’s not as serious as an actual traffic ticket, right?

In reality, failing to pay your parking ticket can have more serious consequences than you might realize, especially if you’re a repeat offender. For instance, many cities and college campuses will place a “boot” or large metal cap onto one of your wheels if they go to issue a parking ticket and find that you have a backlog of unpaid citations.

Removing this boot is no easy feat, and you’ll have to pay your balance in full before it comes off. The bottom line? It’s easier, cheaper, and less cumbersome in the long run to pay upfront the first time.

We Can Help You Avoid a Parking Ticket 

It goes without saying that a parking ticket can turn a great night sour in a matter of seconds.

Instead of taking a chance and parking just anywhere, why not reserve a spot in a lot or garage ahead of time? With the ParkMobile Pro membership, you can also locate open spots nearby in a matter of seconds, so you know you’re never taking any chances.

Create an account today and restore your peace of mind as you travel around town.