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Can I contest the late fees on a parking citation?
Anonymous3 views5 answers
I received a parking citation in the City of Sacramento. The initial amount was $42.50 and was due at the time the ticket was issued. The trouble is nowhere on the citation does it tell you when a late fee would be assessed for non-payment. Then in the mail I received a yellow "final notice" in the amount of $87.50, a full $45 increase as a penalty which represents a 106% increase, and 14 days to pay.
Shouldn't the citation explain the procedures for paying and notification of late fees BEFORE they are assessed? I never received any other notice other than the "final notice" which claims to be a precursor to sending it to collections.
Sure, you can "contest" it. Better due so promptly or it will get worse. Bigger question: What is your time worth? I'm also quit confident the original ticket or payment envelope somewhere listed a DUE DATE and the consequences of late payment.
I agree with my colleague, the original ticket more than likely had some indication of how many days you had to pay it whether it was directly, meaning "you have this many days to pay it" or indirectly, meaning they gave you a website to go to.
You of course have the option to contest it. Best wishes.
This sounds like a giant waste of time. If the fine were higher I would suggest going into court and asking for Cal Trans, but you need to choose your battles. Best o' luck.
