Parking tickets in New York city
How to Pay Your Parking Tickets and Avoid Getting Them in the First Place
New York City is a bustling metropolis with millions of people and vehicles constantly on the move. With so many cars on the road, it’s no surprise that parking tickets are a common occurrence in the city. If you’re a resident or visitor to NYC, it’s important to know how to handle parking tickets and avoid getting them in the first place. Here’s everything you need to know about parking tickets in New York City.

How to Pay Your Parking Tickets in New York city
Online: If you’ve received a parking ticket in NYC, you have several options for paying it. The easiest and most convenient option is to pay online using the city’s e-payment system. To do this, you’ll need the summons number and license plate number from your ticket.
Phone call: You can also pay by phone by calling the city’s automated payment system at 1-212-NEW-YORK (1-212-639-9675).
In Person: Alternatively, you can pay your parking ticket in person at one of the city’s Parking Violations Bureau locations. You can find the nearest location to you by using the city’s online tool or by calling 311. If you choose to pay in person, you’ll need to bring your parking ticket and payment with you. You can pay with cash, credit or debit card, or a check or money order.
How to Dispute Your Parking Ticket
If you believe that your parking ticket was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it. To do this, you’ll need to go through the city’s administrative hearing process. This process can be time-consuming and complicated, so it’s important to carefully review your ticket and make sure you have a valid reason for disputing it.
To begin the dispute process, you’ll need to complete a Hearing Request Form and submit it to the city’s Parking Violations Bureau (Dispute Ticket). You can get a copy of this form online or at one of the bureau’s locations. Once your request is received, you’ll be notified of the date and time of your hearing. At the hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present your case and argue why you believe the ticket was issued in error.
Why You Should (or Shouldn’t) Dispute a Parking Ticket in New York City
The Pros and Cons of Contesting a Parking Ticket in the Big Apple. If you’ve received a parking ticket in New York City, you may be wondering whether you should dispute it or just pay the fine and move on. While there are valid reasons for disputing a parking ticket, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to go through the process. Here’s a look at why you should (or shouldn’t) dispute a parking ticket in NYC.
Why You Should Dispute a Parking Ticket
There are several reasons why you might want to dispute a parking ticket in NYC. For example:
- You believe the ticket was issued in error. If you believe that the ticket was issued incorrectly, for example if you were parked in a legal spot or had a valid permit, disputing the ticket can be a good idea. By presenting your case to an administrative hearing officer, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed.
- You want to avoid the consequences of not paying. If you don’t pay your parking ticket, the city can impose additional fines, place a hold on your vehicle registration, and even tow your car. By disputing the ticket, you can avoid these consequences while your case is being heard.
- You want to challenge the city’s parking regulations. If you believe that the city’s parking regulations are unfair or confusing, disputing your ticket can be a way to bring attention to the issue and potentially have the regulations changed.
Why You Shouldn’t Dispute a Parking Ticket
On the other hand, there are also valid reasons why you might not want to dispute a parking ticket in NYC. For example:
- The cost and time involved. Disputing a parking ticket can be a time-consuming and expensive process. You’ll need to fill out a hearing request form and attend an administrative hearing, which can take several weeks or even months. If your case is not successful, you may end up paying more in fines and fees than if you had just paid the original ticket.
- The low likelihood of success. It’s important to be realistic about your chances of winning a parking ticket dispute. In many cases, the hearing officer will side with the city, and you’ll end up paying the fine and any additional penalties. Before deciding to dispute a ticket, it can be helpful to research the success rates of similar cases and consider whether it’s worth the time and effort.
- The negative impact on your credit. If you don’t pay your parking ticket, the city can report the unpaid debt to credit agencies, which can have a negative impact on your credit score. If you’re worried about this, it may be better to pay the ticket and avoid the potential damage to your credit.
Deciding whether to dispute a parking ticket in New York City is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances. Before deciding, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons and weigh the costs and benefits. By understanding the potential risks and rewards of disputing a parking ticket, you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Avoiding Parking Tickets
Of course, the best way to deal with parking tickets is to avoid getting them in the first place. Here are some tips for avoiding parking tickets in NYC:
- Familiarize yourself with the city’s parking rules and regulations. These can be found on the city’s website and in the “Traffic Rules and Regulations” section of the city’s Administrative Code.
- Pay attention to street signs. Many parking tickets are issued because drivers fail to observe posted signs that indicate where and when parking is allowed.
- Use the city’s parking app. The NYC Parking app can help you find available parking spots and pay for parking without having to worry about expired meters or tickets.
- Avoid parking in commercial loading zones or areas reserved for other vehicles, such as taxis or buses.
- If you’re unsure about a parking situation, it’s better to err on the side of caution and find a different spot. It’s always better to pay a little more for parking than to risk getting a ticket.
5 Surprising Facts About Parking Tickets in New York City
If you’re a New Yorker or just a frequent visitor to the city, you may think you know all there is to know about parking tickets. But there are actually a few surprising facts that may surprise even the most seasoned city dweller.
- Did you know that you can dispute a parking ticket even if you were guilty? While it may seem counterintuitive, the fact is that the rules for issuing parking tickets in New York City are very strict. If the issuing officer didn’t follow the rules, you may be able to have your ticket dismissed.
- Another surprising fact about parking tickets in New York City is that the amount you have to pay can vary depending on where you received the ticket. In some areas of the city, parking tickets are more expensive than in others.
- Did you know that you only have a limited amount of time to pay your parking ticket? If you don’t pay your ticket within the time limit, you could end up with additional penalties and fees.
- Some people don’t realize that parking tickets in New York City aren’t just for cars. If you receive a ticket while riding your bike, you’ll still be required to pay the fine.
- Finally, it’s important to know that ignoring a parking ticket in New York City won’t make it go away. If you don’t pay your ticket or contest it, you could end up with a suspended driver’s license or even have your car towed.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of these surprising facts about parking tickets in New York City. By knowing your rights and understanding the rules, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your driving record clean.
Final Thoughts – Parking tickets in New York City
Parking tickets may be a fact of life in New York City, but they don’t have to be a hassle. By following the tips above, you can avoid getting parking tickets and know what to do if you do receive one. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the city, understanding how to handle parking tickets will make your life easier.

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