There are few things more annoying than returning to your car to find a parking ticket. Whether justified or not, it’s likely that some rule was broken somewhere, and now you have a two to three digit fine to pay the local government. Here are some quick tips for things you can do to defend yourself and hopefully save some money.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
This goes without saying, but the best way to avoid getting a parking ticket is to avoid getting one entirely. Make sure to pay attention to posted street signs and leave plenty of money in the meter so you aren’t overstaying your welcome in a parking spot. Paying a little extra money here and there will outweigh the financial cost of a parking ticket, so it’s well worth it. It’s also helpful to leave early for your appointments so you have time to circle the block and find suitable parking. If you are in a densely populated area, you can also park in a garage or paid parking to avoid getting a fine from the city.
Document Everything
After receiving your ticket, make sure to take a close look at it to see what rule you broke. Also pay attention to when you need to appear for court to contest the ticket, any deadlines for contesting the ticket, and any potential mistakes like a misspelled license plate number. While you might be in this position because you broke a rule or two, now is the time to make sure you follow all instructions to a T.
When you are contesting your ticket you’re going to need evidence to be persuasive. Take pictures of your parked car, the parking signage in the area, and anything else you might find relevant. It will be in your favor if the signage is confusing, faded, covered with foliage, overlapped with graffiti, or is otherwise unreadable. Also if your car is barely in the “red zone,” take a picture of that too.
Pick an Inconvenient Court Date
While this is a bit of a sneaky tactic, you can pick an inconvenient court date to discourage the officer who wrote you the ticket from attending. If the officer doesn’t show up to the court appearance, chances are the ticket will be thrown out. Inconvenient dates include holidays and weekends.
Be Persistent
There will be a number of hoops you need to jump through to contest your ticket- but that’s part of the process. The local government is counting on the fact that most people won’t follow these procedures, but if you do, chances are you will be rewarded for your efforts. Make sure to fill out all required paperwork and get it in before the deadline, and you’ll give yourself a great shot at contesting the ticket.
Have a Great Attitude
When you show up in court, be honest, apologetic, and respectful to everyone there. If you own up to your mistake, say that you’ve learned your lesson, and are humble and respectful (especially to the officer who gave you your ticket), you’ll have a great chance at reducing your fine.
This post was brought to you by San Bernardino Handyman, the premiere handyman service in San Bernardino, CA. We hope these tips were helpful to you!