It’s a sinking feeling – walking back to your car only to find a parking ticket slapped on your windshield.
Your plans for the day suddenly take a backseat as you grapple with this unexpected fine.
But before you reach for your checkbook, take a moment to consider your options.
Appealing a parking ticket can seem daunting, but with the right approach and a compelling argument, you may be able to have your ticket dismissed or reduced.
And even if you don’t succeed, the process of appealing can buy you some valuable time before you have to pay up.
So let’s dive in and explore how you can fight back against that pesky parking ticket.
Sample Letters to Appeal a Parking Ticket
Below are 15 sample letters you can use as templates when crafting your parking ticket appeal:
Letter 1: Unclear Signage
Subject: Appeal of Parking Ticket #123456
Dear Parking Authority,
I am writing to appeal the parking ticket I received on [date] at [location]. The ticket states that I violated parking code [code number] by parking in a restricted area. However, I believe this ticket was issued in error due to unclear signage at the location.
The sign indicating the parking restriction was obscured by a tree branch, making it difficult to read from where I parked. Furthermore, the sign was positioned at an angle that made it hard to see from the direction I was coming from.
Given the ambiguity of the signage, I believe it is unreasonable to expect drivers to be aware of the parking restriction. I am therefore requesting that this ticket be dismissed.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
Letter 2: Broken Parking Meter
Subject: Dispute of Parking Ticket #789012
Dear Parking Enforcement Office,
I am contesting the parking ticket I received on [date] at [location] for an expired meter violation. When I attempted to pay for parking at the meter, I discovered that the meter was broken and would not accept payment.
I tried multiple times to insert coins and even tried the credit card reader, but the meter did not respond. As there was no way for me to pay for parking, I believe it is unfair to penalize me for the malfunction of city equipment.
Please find attached a photo I took of the broken meter display. In light of this evidence, I request that the ticket be voided.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 3: Medical Emergency
Subject: Parking Ticket Appeal – Medical Emergency
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing regarding the parking ticket (citation #345678) I received on [date]. I acknowledge that my vehicle was parked in a no-parking zone, but I am requesting leniency due to the medical emergency I was experiencing at the time.
Just before parking, I began feeling severe chest pains and dizziness. Fearing for my health and safety, I immediately pulled over at the nearest available spot and called 911. I was subsequently transported by ambulance to [hospital name] where I was treated for a potential heart attack.
Please find enclosed a copy of my hospital discharge papers documenting this medical incident. Given the extenuating circumstances, I am asking that you please dismiss this parking ticket.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Letter 4: Incorrect Vehicle Information
Subject: Dispute of Parking Ticket – Incorrect Vehicle
Dear Sir or Madam,
I recently received a parking ticket (citation #901234) in the mail, but I believe it has been sent to me in error. The ticket is for a [color] [make] [model], but I drive a [color] [make] [model].
Furthermore, on the date and time the ticket was allegedly issued, my vehicle was parked at my place of work, not in the location noted on the citation. I have included an affidavit from my employer confirming that my car was in the office parking lot at the time in question.
It appears that the officer may have noted down the wrong license plate or vehicle description. I request that you please investigate this matter and dismiss the erroneous ticket.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 5: Passenger Loading/Unloading
Subject: Appeal of Ticket for Passenger Unloading
Parking Ticket Appeals Board,
I am contesting parking ticket #567890 issued to my vehicle on [date] for double parking. At the time the ticket was given, I was actively in the process of unloading a disabled passenger.
My elderly grandmother, who uses a wheelchair, was riding with me that day. As there were no available handicapped spots nearby, I pulled up as close as possible to the curb to let her out safely. The entire process took no more than 2-3 minutes.
I believe I was acting reasonably and prudently to ensure the safe exit of my mobility-impaired passenger. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects the right of individuals with disabilities to accessible parking and loading zones. Please consider these factors and dismiss my ticket.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Letter 6: Inadequate Street Maintenance
Subject: Ticket Appeal Due to Poor Street Conditions
To the Parking Appeals Department,
I am appealing ticket #246801 which I received for parking too far from the curb on [street name]. While I recognize that vehicles are required to park within 12 inches of the curb, in this case, it was impossible to do so safely due to the deteriorated condition of the street.
The curb in question was crumbling and had large chunks missing, as documented in the attached photos. Parking any closer would have risked damage to my tires and undercarriage. Moreover, the potholes and uneven pavement made it necessary to park slightly further away to ensure my car was on a level surface.
I ask that you please consider the poor road conditions and rescind this ticket, as the alleged violation was a direct result of the city’s failure to properly maintain its streets.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 7: No Parking Signs Not Posted
Subject: Ticket Appeal – Lack of No Parking Signs
Dear Parking Authority,
This letter is to contest parking ticket #135792 which was placed on my vehicle on [date] at [location]. The violation cited was parking in a no-parking zone, but I did not see any signs indicating that parking was prohibited at that spot.
I carefully checked the area for any posted parking restrictions before leaving my car, but there were none to be found. If there were signs, they must have been missing or obscured at the time.
As a law-abiding citizen, I would never intentionally park illegally. Given the lack of proper signage, I believe this ticket is unwarranted. Please dismiss it and ensure that clear no parking signs are posted if that area is indeed a restricted zone.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 8: Owner Not Present at Time of Violation
Subject: Parking Ticket Appeal – Vehicle Borrowed Without Permission
Parking Enforcement Division,
I have received a parking ticket (#975310) for my vehicle being illegally parked in a residential zone on [date]. However, I did not have my car at the time of this violation.
My vehicle had been borrowed without my knowledge or consent by a visiting relative. I was completely unaware that they had taken my car or that it had been parked illegally until I received this citation in the mail.
As the registered owner, I understand I am generally liable for tickets incurred by my vehicle. However, as I was not in control of my car and had no knowledge of this unauthorized use, I ask that you please make an exception in this case and waive the fine.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Letter 9: Pay Station Out of Order
Subject: Malfunctioning Pay Station – Parking Ticket Dispute
Dear Parking Services Department,
I am writing to dispute parking ticket #864209 received on [date] at [location]. The ticket states I failed to pay for parking in a metered zone, but the pay station was out of order at the time, making it impossible to purchase a parking permit.
When I tried to buy a ticket, the pay station screen was completely blank and unresponsive. I pushed the buttons but got no reaction. Another motorist was there experiencing the same problem. With no way to pay, I had no choice but to leave my vehicle.
I have enclosed a timestamped photo showing the malfunctioning pay station display. As this was a technical issue beyond my control, I request that you please cancel this ticket.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Letter 10: Permit Fell from Dash
Subject: Parking Permit Appeal – Permit Fell Down
Parking Management Office,
Please accept this letter as my appeal for parking citation #777123 received on [date] for parking without a valid permit. I did have a permit, but it had fallen off of my dashboard unbeknownst to me.
I have a current, paid permit for that parking lot, #H62X1, which I always display on my dash. On this occasion, it must have slipped down and become hidden from view. When I returned to my vehicle, I found the ticket but also located my permit lying on the floorboard.
As you can see from the attached copy of my permit, it was valid at the time the ticket was issued. Since the permit just happened to slip out of sight, I ask you to please excuse this ticket as a one-time incident.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 11: Temporary Permit Not Yet Received
Subject: Ticket Appeal – Temporary Permit Processing Delay
Dear Parking Services,
This letter is regarding parking ticket #159753 issued on [date]. I had recently purchased a temporary parking permit online, but it had not yet arrived in the mail at the time the ticket was given.
When I ordered the 14-day permit on [purchase date], the website stated to allow 5-7 business days for processing and delivery. At the time of this violation, that window had not yet passed.
I have since received my temporary permit in the mail, with a postmark date of [postmark date], showing the delay was on the administrative end. I have attached a copy of my permit and purchase receipt for your reference.
As I had paid for my permit in good faith and the delay was outside of my control, I am requesting this ticket be excused.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 12: Obscured Curb Paint
Subject: Appeal for Ticket Due to Faded Curb
To Whom It May Concern,
I am contesting parking citation #951753 which was placed on my car on [date] for parking in a no-parking zone, as indicated by the red-painted curb. However, the red paint on the curb was so faded and obscured that it was nearly impossible to discern.
As you can see in the attached photos, the curb paint at that location is severely weathered, patchy, and nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the unpainted concrete. There are no accompanying “No Parking” signs to provide clarity.
Given the ambiguous condition of the curb, it is understandable how I and other motorists could inadvertently park there not realizing it is a restricted area. I ask that you please void this ticket and repaint the curb to avoid future confusion.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Letter 13: Prevented from Moving by Traffic Officer
Subject: Parking Ticket Appeal – Ordered Not to Move Vehicle
Parking Enforcement Agency,
I am writing to appeal citation #741258 received on [date] for parking in a no-stopping zone. I was instructed to stay in that exact spot by a traffic control officer, despite my concerns about the parking restriction.
I was preparing to safely merge back into traffic, but the officer yelled at me to stay put and not move my vehicle. I tried to explain that I didn’t think I could legally park there, but he insisted I stay, even after I pointed out the no-stopping sign.
I felt I had no choice but to comply with the officer’s commands at the scene. He did not give me his badge number but he was a tall man with gray hair, probably in his 50s. It is unfair to penalize me for following instructions from an authority figure. I ask you to please rescind this ticket.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Letter 14: Parking Within Time Purchased
Subject: Disputing Ticket – Legally Parked at Time of Citation
Dear Parking Division,
This letter is to appeal parking ticket #852456 placed on my vehicle on [date]. The ticket states that I was parked at an expired meter, but that is incorrect – I still had time remaining on the meter at the moment the ticket was issued.
I have a timestamped parking app receipt showing that I paid for parking from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. that day. The ticket was written at 3:45 p.m., so I still had 15 minutes left on my purchased time.
I have enclosed a screenshot of my payment verification for your records. A mistake was made in issuing me this ticket before my parking had expired. I trust that you will dismiss this citation as I was legally parked at the time.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Letter 15: Designated Spots All Occupied
Subject: Ticket Appeal – No ADA Parking Spots Available
To the Parking Appeals Board,
I recently received ticket #963852 for parking in a standard spot without a handicapped permit. As a disabled driver with a valid, properly displayed placard, I recognize I can only park in designated accessible parking spaces.
However, on the day in question, all of the handicapped spots in the [parking lot/garage name] were already occupied when I arrived. I drove up and down every level, but there were no open spots reserved for disabled patrons.
Out of necessity, I was forced to park in the closest regular spot so I could make my scheduled doctor’s appointment in the adjacent building. In my medical condition, I could not search for a space in a different lot blocks away.
The lack of availability of reserved spots for permit holders is an ongoing problem in that garage that needs to be addressed. People with disabilities should not have to get tickets for being unable to find designated parking. Please waive my citation and look into adding more accessible spaces.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Wrapping Up Your Parking Ticket Appeal
Remember, the key to a successful parking ticket appeal is to build a strong, fact-based case.
Take photos, gather relevant documents, and be polite but persuasive in your letter.
It may take some time and effort, but the potential savings are well worth it.
If your initial appeal is rejected, don’t be discouraged – you may still have the option to contest the ticket in person at a hearing.
And if all else fails, try negotiating with the parking authority for a reduced fine or payment plan.
With persistence and the right approach, you can fight back against unfair parking tickets and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
The battle against parking tickets is one worth fighting!