DC Parking ticket questions (credit report, buying, DMV)

[capitol]

I got a parking ticket in the K street area over the weekend for parking in a No stopping zone.

1. Is there anyway I could fight this ticket ($50)?

2. Does DC send parking tickets through the mail? I have to know because the car isn't actually registered under my name. If so, how long does it take for the parking tickets to get mailed (Im in northern VA)?

[terrence81]

Yeah there's a form you fill out on the DC DMV website. You can fight any ticket you want. THat no stopping ticket will be a hard one though. If you parked that's considered stopping. The reason for this is because K street is known for prostitutes. The District makes millions off people not carefully reading those confusing signs good luck fighting.

[stateofnature]

Did you actually get out of your car and leave it parking in the no stopping zone? If so, you just simply screwed up, you shouldn't be surprised you got a ticket, and you'll probably have no choice but to pay up. If you were just idling there for a minute while still in your vehicle, you might have a case, but I'd say it's unlikely you will succeed. if you fight the ticket.
In any case, here's how to contest the ticket: District of Columbia: Department of Motor Vehicles - Information - Tickets & Hearings - Parking Tickets

[capitol]

Thanks for the responses. It looks like I'm stuck paying it. Though I still need to know if DC mails parking tickets to addresses and if so, how long does that take.

[terrence81]

Originally Posted by capitol

Thanks for the responses. It looks like I'm stuck paying it. Though I still need to know if DC mails parking tickets to addresses and if so, how long does that take.

No. Do NOT under any circumstances wait for a ticket in the mail. They won't send it or it'll get lost. Then the next thing you know its late and its doubled. If you lost the little pink love note that they put on your car, you can go to their website and look it up with your tag number. Oh if you don't pay it timely it goes on your credit report. Just saw mine when I was buying a car sure enough its on there.

[pgtvatitans]

Originally Posted by capitol

Thanks for the responses. It looks like I'm stuck paying it. Though I still need to know if DC mails parking tickets to addresses and if so, how long does that take.

They do not mail parking tickets. What they do though is, if you haven't paid it within a certain time, they will let you know that your fine has doubled and then after that they will threaten to send it to collections. If you pay now, they won't send anything.

[dkf747]

I'm confused. Why would you get a ticket in the mail? Didn't they put one on your car?

[Samoi137]

Is the reason you're asking about a notice in the mail because you're apprehensive that the person to whom the car is registered will know you got the ticket (perhaps even learn, by getting the ticket, that you were using their car)? I'd call the parking authority and ask. If you're just wanting to know when you need to pay, they can tell you that. If there's no phone #, use the walk-in service mentioned in the above link.

On what basis would you fight the ticket? The link given above spells out the bases on which you could contest the ticket. Even sitting in your car is parking (car is still stopped). K Street NW is a busy street, sometimes even on weekends,even with the side lanes. Sometimes the no stopping signs spells out why, or it's just clear (e.g., delivery zone, driveway, etc.). Often the curb is painted red. If you said why you felt you could contest the ticket, people might give better ideas. Prostitution usually not a problem during the day (unless you count the lobbyists as prostitutes).

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by Samoi137

Even sitting in your car is parking (car is still stopped).

I don't think that's correct, but I'm open to being corrected on that. I did once try to find out if "standing" is the same as "parking" but I was unsuccessful in finding the answer.

[DCforever]

If you are stopped in a no parking zone you must move if directed to do so. No stopping or standing means just that.