Question: When would I contest a parking ticket in court?
Answer:Going to court is never an ideal situation. If you have received a parking ticket and don’t believe you are in the wrong, then you will begin by challenging the fine by submitting an online form or writing a letter to your state’s relevant debt authority.
If this fails then you have the option of contesting the fine in court, but think very carefully about doing this, it may end up costing you more than the original fine! Below are a number circumstances when you might look to challenge a parking ticket in court.
- When you did not commit an offence, eg you were parked legally and had a valid parking permit that was displayed, and the fine is a result of a mistake;
- Where parking signs are unclear and/or obscured;
- When the ticket is invalid, such as an error in the date, time, location or vehicle registration details;
- The result of a faulty parking meter;
- Where the illegal park was the result of a medical emergency;
- If your vehicle was broken down;
- Where the penalty amount exceeded the amount prescribed by law; OR
- If your vehicle was stolen or being used without your consent, or you were not in possession of the vehicle at the time of the offence.
