Parking Citations: Decoding Terminology

It can be confusing! Parking citations, those slips of paper that appear on the violator's car after a parking violation, use various terms that can be difficult to understand. Our guide explains the common terminology.

Decoding Parking Citations: A Guide to the Different Terms Used

Parking citations, those slips of paper that appear on the violator's windshield, come in various forms and are accompanied by a range of terminology. It can be confusing!

Understanding these terms can be crucial, not only for parkers who wish to avoid fines but also for parking management companies looking to add enforcement to their lots. In this guide, we'll decode the different terms used for parking citations and shed light on what they mean.

Citation

The most common term used for a parking ticket is simply "citation." A citation is a formal notice issued by a parking enforcement officer or authority to inform a vehicle owner that they have violated parking regulations. It typically includes details such as the date, time, location, and nature of the violation. EnforcePlus allows you to edit the term citation to best match your state or locale's usual terminology.

Fine

The fine is the amount of money you are required to pay as a penalty for the parking violation. Fines vary depending on the severity of the violation, the location, and local regulations. Failure to pay the fine within the specified timeframe can lead to penalties. EnforcePlus allows you to configure specific rules for escalating or reducing fines based on when the user pays. Using reverse discounts encourages users to pay quickly.

Penalty

Penalties are additional charges that may be imposed if you do not pay your parking fine on time. These penalties can accumulate and significantly increase the total amount you owe. Penalties are often referred to as "late fees" or "penalty fees."

Infraction

In some jurisdictions, parking violations are categorized as "infractions." An infraction is a minor offense that is typically punishable by fines rather than jail time. Parking infractions are non-criminal offenses and are considered civil matters.

Violation Code

Parking citations often include a violation code or number that corresponds to the specific parking regulation that was violated. These codes help both the issuing authority and the vehicle owner understand the nature of the offense. Our software allows you to add violation codes to each violation you create.

Citation or Violation Number

The citation number is a unique identifier assigned to each parking ticket. It is used for tracking and reference purposes when communicating with the parking authority or contesting the citation. The violation number is a way for you and your staff to easily lookup the violation in question when responding to a dispute.

Booting

Booting refers to the immobilization of a vehicle by attaching a boot to one of its wheels. This action is usually taken when a vehicle owner has accumulated multiple unpaid parking citations. To have the boot removed, the owner must pay all outstanding fines and any booting fees. Our parking enforcement app allows you to configure alerts and messaging to present to a parking enforcement officer if they scan the plate of a frequent violator, automatically giving them instructions on next steps.

Towing

When a vehicle is towed, it is physically removed from the parking location to an impound lot. Towing is typically a last resort for repeat offenders or in cases of severe violations. To retrieve a towed vehicle, the owner must pay towing fees, storage fees, and any outstanding fines.

Dispute or Appeal

If you believe a parking citation was issued in error or you have a valid reason for contesting it, you have the right to dispute or appeal the citation. This process allows you to present evidence or arguments to contest the fine. Be sure to follow the specific procedures outlined by your local parking authority for disputing citations. EnforcePlus includes a dispute portal for automatic uploading of support evidence.

Scofflaw

In the context of parking and traffic violations, a "scofflaw" refers to a person who habitually and deliberately ignores parking regulations or traffic laws, often by parking illegally or not paying parking fines and penalties. Scofflaws are individuals who flout the rules and disregard the consequences, frequently resulting in multiple parking tickets, fines, and potential legal actions against them.

Scofflaws can create issues for local authorities, parking enforcement agencies, and other drivers because their behavior can lead to congestion, reduced available parking spaces, and a loss of revenue from unpaid fines. To address the challenges posed by scofflaws, cities and municipalities often implement measures to track and penalize repeat offenders.

Understanding Your Parking Citation

By familiarizing yourself with these common parking citation terms, you can better navigate the often confusing world of parking regulations and enforcement. Whether you're a vehicle owner wanting to understand a citation you've received or a parking management company looking to implement enforcement, knowing these terms is the first step toward clarity and compliance.

Example of a parking citation with labeled parts — A typical parking citation with various fields and terms

Regional Terminology Differences

One challenging aspect of parking enforcement is that terminology can vary significantly across different regions, states, and municipalities. This can create confusion for drivers who travel between different jurisdictions.

Standard Term	Northeast	Midwest	South	West
Citation	Summons, Ticket	Ticket, Citation	Violation Notice	Citation, Notice
Fine	Penalty, Fee	Fine, Charge	Fine	Fee, Fine
Late Fee	Surcharge	Late Penalty	Delinquent Fee	Additional Charge
Appeal	Contest, Hearing	Dispute, Appeal	Challenge	Contest, Review
Enforcement Officer	Meter Maid, PEO	Parking Officer	Enforcement Agent	Parking Attendant

Note: This table shows common regional variations but local terminology may differ. The EnforcePlus system allows customization of terms to match your local usage.

The Citation Lifecycle

Understanding the lifecycle of a parking citation can help both drivers and enforcement agencies navigate the process more effectively. Here's how a typical citation progresses from issuance to resolution:

Issuance

Notification

Response Period

Resolution

Closure

Officer identifies violation and issues citation

Driver receives citation on vehicle or by mail

Driver decides to pay or dispute (typically 14-30 days)

Payment processed or appeal heard

Case closed or escalated if unpaid

What Happens If Left Unpaid?

Unpaid citations don't simply disappear. Depending on the jurisdiction, consequences may include:

Escalating late fees and penalties
Vehicle registration holds
Collection agency involvement
Credit score impacts
Vehicle booting or towing for repeat offenders

Legal Considerations

Parking citations exist within a complex legal framework that varies by jurisdiction. Understanding these legal aspects can be valuable for both parking enforcement agencies and individuals receiving citations.

Statute of Limitations

Most jurisdictions have a statute of limitations for parking citations, typically ranging from 1-5 years. After this period, the citation may no longer be legally enforceable, though the exact timeframe varies significantly by location.

Legal Authority

Parking citations are typically issued under the authority of local municipal codes or state laws. Private property citations may be enforceable through different legal mechanisms than public citations, often through property trespass regulations.

Due Process Rights

Individuals have due process rights when contesting citations. This includes the right to notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a fair and impartial hearing process. Enforcement agencies must ensure these rights are protected.

Burden of Proof

In most citation disputes, the burden of proof falls on the enforcement agency to demonstrate that a violation occurred. However, the standard of proof is typically "preponderance of evidence" rather than "beyond reasonable doubt."

Citation Statistics

Understanding the data behind parking citations can provide valuable context for both enforcement agencies and the public.

By the Numbers: Parking Citations in America

$60

Average parking citation amount in the United States

23%

Percentage of citations that go unpaid nationally

68%

Citations paid within the initial due date

Most Common Citation Types

Expired Meter

42%

No Parking Zone

28%

Street Cleaning

17%

Handicap Space Violation

Source: National Parking Association data and industry averages. Actual statistics may vary by location and jurisdiction.

Best Practices for Citation Design

For parking management companies, the design of your citation can significantly impact compliance rates and reduce disputes. A well-designed citation should:

Be immediately recognizable as an official citation
Clearly state the violation, date, time, and location
Include simple payment instructions with multiple options
Explain appeal rights and processes in straightforward language
Use weather-resistant materials to ensure durability

Did You Know?

Citations with clear photographs of the violation have a 42% lower dispute rate and 27% higher on-time payment rate compared to those without visual evidence.

Digital vs. Paper Citations

The parking industry is increasingly transitioning from traditional paper citations to digital alternatives. Each approach has distinct advantages and challenges:

Feature	Paper Citations	Digital Citations
Environmental Impact	High paper waste	Low environmental footprint
Evidence Collection	Limited to handwritten notes	Can include photos, GPS location, timestamps
Data Entry	Manual, prone to errors	Automated, highly accurate
Notification Options	Physical paper only	Email, text, app notifications
Weather Resistance	Can be damaged by rain or wind	Not affected by weather conditions

EnforcePlus Advantage

Our system supports both digital and paper citation workflows, allowing agencies to transition gradually or maintain hybrid approaches that best serve their communities.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Citation Considerations

Appeals Success Rates

Nationwide, approximately 30% of contested parking citations are dismissed or reduced upon appeal. However, success rates vary significantly based on the nature of the appeal:

56%

Technical errors on citation

47%

Missing or obscured signage

33%

Medical emergencies

12%

Simple oversight or mistake

Source: Analysis of municipal parking appeal data across 20 major U.S. cities.

Administrative Fees Explained

Beyond the base fine amount, citations often include various administrative fees that can significantly increase the total cost. Understanding these fees can help both enforcement agencies and recipients:

Processing Fee

Covers the administrative cost of handling the citation, typically $2-10.

Technology Fee

Funds the electronic systems used for citation management, usually $1-5.

Late Payment Penalty

Additional charge for payments after the due date, typically increases by 50-100% of the original fine.

Collection Fee

Added when a citation is sent to collections, often 25-40% of the total amount due.

Appeal Filing Fee

Fee to process an appeal, sometimes refunded if appeal is successful, ranging from $10-50.

Citation Records and Impact

Many drivers wonder how long parking citations stay on record and what impact they may have. Unlike moving violations, parking citations typically:

Do not appear on driving records with the Department of Motor Vehicles
Do not affect auto insurance rates
Do not add points to your license
Are not shared across state lines (with some exceptions)

However, unpaid citations can:

Prevent vehicle registration renewal in many jurisdictions
Be sent to collections agencies, potentially affecting credit scores
Result in vehicle booting or towing if multiple citations are accumulated
Create a record in municipal databases that can trigger escalated enforcement for repeat offenders

Multi-Language Requirements

With increasingly diverse communities, many jurisdictions now require or recommend that parking citations be available in multiple languages. This ensures due process and improves compliance rates.

Best Practices for Multi-Language Citations

Include instructions in the most common languages spoken in your jurisdiction
Provide QR codes that link to translated information online
Use universal symbols and icons where possible
Ensure translation accuracy through professional services
Make translation services available for phone inquiries

The EnforcePlus platform supports multi-language citation generation and customer service interfaces, making it easier to serve diverse communities while maintaining compliance with accessibility requirements.

Parking Citation Management: The Future is Digital

As we've explored throughout this article, parking citations involve much more than simply placing a ticket on a windshield. Modern citation management requires sophisticated systems that address the various aspects of the citation lifecycle while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and providing excellent service to the public.

For parking operators and municipal agencies, the transition to digital citation management offers significant benefits:

Increased Efficiency

Digital systems reduce manual data entry and paperwork while streamlining workflows.

Improved Accuracy

Electronic citations reduce errors and provide better documentation of violations.

Enhanced Service

Online payment and appeal systems make it easier for recipients to respond to citations.

Whether you're managing parking for a municipality, university, hospital, or private lot, understanding citation terminology and best practices is essential for effective enforcement and positive community relations.