Can You Be Fined for Someone Else's Parking Tickets?

Having a car can provide significant convenience. However, this convenience is accompanied by specific responsibilities, including proper parking; failure to adhere to this can result in receiving a parking ticket.

Parking tickets often lead to confusion for car owners, particularly when another person receives a ticket while operating their vehicle. 

This situation raises questions such as who is responsible for paying the ticket, whether it is worth disputing, and how receiving multiple parking tickets could impact your auto insurance. 

Who Gets the Ticket - the Driver or the Car Owner?

In most instances, local regulations typically hold the registered owner accountable for parking fines, as the vehicle's license plate is utilized to identify ownership. Consequently, a parking fine is assigned to the vehicle rather than the driver, indicating that the registered owner of the car is usually responsible for settling it. This is because parking infractions are associated with the vehicle's registration, not the individual operating it at the time. 

Nevertheless, certain jurisdictions permit the transfer of liability if you can demonstrate that another person was driving. However, this is dependent on local laws and may require a formal dispute process. 

Alternatively, you may request the driver to cover the cost, but this arrangement is private, and the issuing authority will not pursue it directly.

When Are You Responsible for Someone Else's Ticket?

While the general rule is that the car owner is responsible for settling a parking ticket, whether or not they are driving, there are specific situations where the car owner may not be responsible for a parking ticket issued to someone else driving their car.

In most states, if your car was stolen at the time the ticket was issued, you are typically not responsible. However, you will need to provide evidence, such as a police report, to dispute the ticket.

Similarly, if your vehicle was leased or rented to another party under a formal contract, you have the right to transfer liability to the lessee or rental agency. You may need to provide the lease or rental agreement as proof.

You can also transfer responsibility to the driver if you provide evidence, like a signed statement from them admitting they were driving and parked the car. This depends on local regulations and often requires a formal dispute process.

Certain jurisdictions have specific regulations that permit owners to evade liability if they can demonstrate that they are not the ones driving. This is uncommon and varies significantly, so it is essential to review local regulations. For instance, Michigan has a no-fault law that restricts booking a driver to specific situations, rather than based solely on vehicle ownership.

How To Handle a Parking Ticket You Didn't Cause?

There are practical steps you can take if you receive a parking ticket but aren't the driver:

• Review the ticket: Review the ticket for essential details such as date, time, location, type of violation, and the authority that issued it. This will help verify the situation and determine the validity of the ticket.
• Contact the driver: Contact the individual who was operating your vehicle to ensure they acknowledge their responsibility and to discuss the ticket. Inquire if they are open to covering the fine, as this is often a private arrangement since the ticket is generally associated with the vehicle's owner.
• Check local laws: Parking citations are typically the responsibility of the registered owner of the vehicle, irrespective of who was driving at the time. Nevertheless, certain jurisdictions permit the transfer of liability to the driver or allow for contesting the ticket under particular circumstances. You can check the issuing authority's website or contact them to explore your options.
• Consider disputing the ticket: You may dispute the ticket if the car was stolen or leased or if the ticket was issued in error. Some jurisdictions allow the car owner to transfer liability to the driver by providing evidence, such as a signed statement from them.
• Collect evidence: If you are disputing the ticket, you may need to collect supporting evidence, such as proof the vehicle was not under your control at the time the ticket was issued, photos showing the parking situation, or a statement from the driver admitting responsibility. 
• Pay the ticket: If you cannot transfer liability or dispute the ticket, ensure that you pay the fine promptly to avoid late fees or additional penalties. Afterward, you may pursue reimbursement from the driver informally or, if needed, through small claims court.

How To Dispute a Parking Ticket Not Issued to You?

Before disputing a parking ticket, it is essential to determine whether there are valid grounds for the dispute. You can contest a parking ticket if the vehicle was stolen, leased, or if the ticket was issued in error. 

Once you have established that there are valid grounds for the dispute, you can proceed to file a formal challenge. Begin by reviewing the ticket or visiting the issuing authority's website for guidance. This process may require completing an online form, submitting a mail-in appeal, or attending an in-person hearing. 

Next, ensure that you submit your dispute before the designated deadline. Most jurisdictions enforce a strict timeline (for example, 14–30 days) for filing disputes. Failing to meet this deadline may result in automatic liability. 

In your dispute, it is crucial to indicate that you were not operating the vehicle when the ticket was issued and include your written explanation, a statement from the driver, photographs, or any other relevant documents. Keep copies of all materials you submit for your records. 

Afterward, you can monitor the progress of your appeal. Be prepared for a hearing if necessary. If your dispute is rejected, you may have options for further appeal, depending on local regulations. If the dispute does not succeed or if transferring liability is not permitted, you may have to pay the fine to avoid consequences such as late fees, holds on vehicle registration, or collections. 

After making the payment, you can pursue reimbursement from the driver privately or, if needed, through small claims court.

FAQs About Parking Ticket Responsibility?

What if someone used my car without permission?

If someone used your car without permission and received a parking ticket, you may have sufficient grounds to dispute the ticket. This may exempt you from liability.

Can I get reimbursed by the driver who caused the ticket?

Yes, you can seek reimbursement from the driver who got the parking ticket while using your car without permission. However, the success of this request will depend on various factors, including the specific circumstances, your relationship with the driver, and your capacity to enforce the claim.

How do rental companies handle parking fines?

Parking tickets are issued to the vehicle, so the rental company, as the registered owner, typically receives the notice. Most rental contracts specify that the renter is liable for any traffic or parking infractions that occur during the rental duration. As a result, the company will trace the renter linked to the vehicle at the time the ticket was issued by utilizing rental records. To prevent additional penalties, the rental company might settle the fine with the issuing authority. Subsequently, they will bill the renter for the fine, along with an administrative charge, generally ranging from $25 to $100, depending on the company, to cover processing expenses.

Can unpaid parking tickets affect my credit or registration?

In many jurisdictions, unpaid parking tickets can lead to a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing it until the fines are paid.

Similarly, if parking tickets remain unpaid for an extended period, the issuing authority may send the debt to a collections agency. Once in collections, the unpaid fines can appear on your credit report, potentially lowering your credit score.

Do parking tickets affect my auto insurance?

Typically, a parking ticket does not have a direct impact on your auto insurance rates, as it is classified as a non-moving violation. This usually does not influence your driving record or insurance premiums.

How long does a parking ticket remain enforceable?

A parking ticket remains enforceable until it is paid, disputed successfully, or, in rare cases, reaches a statute of limitations.

Can you get multiple tickets at once?

Yes, it is possible to receive multiple parking tickets at once for a single vehicle, depending on the circumstances, local regulations, and the nature of the parking violations.