Denver County Court

Parking Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CAR WAS BOOTED?

If your vehicle has a yellow city boot, please follow the instructions on the boot paperwork placed on the vehicle.  You can only pay by Visa or MasterCard. Credit card payments may be made by phone at 1-866-280-9988 or online.  To read more…

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CAR WAS TOWED?

If the vehicle was booted and towed, contact the Parking Violations Bureau at 1-866-280-9988 for instructions on how to get the vehicle released.  To read more…

WHAT DO I DO IF I WAS NOT IN TOWN ON THE DATE AND TIME STATED ON THE TICKET?

You can dispute the ticket in writing, by email or by phone.  Contact the Parking Violations Bureau at 1-866-280-9988 if you have further questions.

HOW DO I CLEAR TICKETS CITED ON MY VEHICLE AFTER IT WAS STOLEN?

You can send a written explanation and include a copy of the police report made for the stolen vehicle. If the car was recovered, you will need proof of the recovery date. Mail the information to:

Parking Violations Bureau, P.O. Box 46500, Denver, CO 80201-6500

HOW DO I REPORT A DEFECTIVE PARKING METER OR SIGN?

You may report defective meters or signs by calling 720-913-1311.

WHAT DO I DO IF THE LICENSE PLATE ON THE TICKET DOES NOT BELONG TO ME?

Go to the State Motor Vehicle Department located at 1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, Colorado and have them perform a license plate search or title search. This may have been a plate you previously had on another vehicle and never cancelled. Contact the Parking Violations Bureau at 1-866-280-9988.

CAN I GET IMPOUND FEES REDUCED OR WAIVED IF I SET A TOW HEARING?

No. The purpose of a Tow Hearing is to determine whether or not the City towed a vehicle legally. If it is determined the City illegally towed a vehicle, the person who paid the fees will be reimbursed for the fees paid at the impound lot. The process for a refund is generally 6-8 weeks.

YOU HAVE NO RECORD OF PAYMENT, WHO DO I CALL?

Contact the Parking Violations Bureau at 1-866-280-9988. If payment was sent by check, a legible copy of the front and back will need to be submitted to:

Parking Violations Bureau, P.O. Box 46500, Denver, CO 80201-6500

WHAT IS A SMART CARD?

Smart Cards are an easy way to pay for parking at the new Smart Meters. The Smart Card is a pre-loaded card available in amounts of $5, $15, $25, $50, and $100. Smart Cards are not reloadable and should be recycled when empty. More information is available at www.ParkSmartDenver.com.

ARE METERS FREE ON WEEKENDS?

It depends on the meter. Signs are posted on the meters and on street signs indicating the days and hours of meter enforcement. Unless the sign indications otherwise, meters must be paid.

ARE METERS FREE ON HOLIDAYS?

Yes, meters are free for all holidays recognized by the City & County of Denver.

HOW LONG CAN I PARK AT A METER?

Time limit information is posted on the meter and/or posted on the block. After the time limit, the vehicle must be moved at least 100 feet, which is generally considered the next 100 block.

IF I MOVE MY CAR A FEW SPACES, CAN I STILL GET A TICKET FOR BEING OVER THE TIME LIMIT?

Yes. If there is a time limit for parking on a particular street, a vehicle without a visibly displayed permit must move the vehicle at least 100 feet. If there is a two hour limit, the vehicle can only be parked on the street for a total of two hours within a 24-hour period.

IS IT OKAY TO PLACE MY LICENSE PLATE ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE?

City Ordinance and state law requires a front plate to be properly attached to the outside (rear and front) of a vehicle.

DO I HAVE TO PAY A METER IF I HAVE A HANDICAP PLACARD OR PLATE?

No, but the handicap placard or plate must be current and visible from the outside of the vehicle and the vehicle must be moved at least 100 feet after a maximum of four hours. This also applies to non-meter zones that have time limits posted on the street.

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO PROVIDE WHEN DISPUTING A HANDICAP PARKING VIOLATION?

Please provide a legible copy of the handicap placard and placard registration (not vehicle registration) in place when the ticket was issued. If the placard is not issued to you, please provide a letter from the registered owner discussing the usage. If the holder of the placard is not the registered owner of the vehicle, a letter must be provided by the holder to explain the circumstances under which the placard was used. Note: Providing this documentation does not guarantee the ticket will be dismissed.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF GETTING A FINE REDUCTION ON A PARKING TICKET IF I APPEAR AT THE PARKING MAGISTRATE’S OFFICE?

Each situation is different and decisions are made on a case by case basis. The purpose of going to the Parking Magistrate’s Office is to dispute a parking ticket or explain a particular set of circumstances behind the ticket, not simply to ask for a fine reduction. Any fine reduced by a parking magistrate must be paid that day. Payments can be made online at www.ParkSmartDenver.org, or by phone by calling 1-866-280-9988.

Any reduction not paid that day will be cancelled and the original fine and fees will be due. Reductions will not be reinstated.

DO I HAVE TO APPEAR TO DISPUTE A PARKING TICKET?

No. Written correspondence may be sent to the Parking Violations Bureau at P.O. Box 46500, Denver, CO 80201. You can also email your dispute to www.ParkSmartDenver.org. To set a Final Hearing before a judicial officer, the owner or operator of the vehicle to which the ticket was issued would have to contact the Parking Magistrate’s Office a 720-913-5300.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVED A LATE NOTICE FOR A PARKING TICKET I HAVE NEVER RECIEVED?

You may call the Parking Violations Bureau at 1-866-280-9988 to request a copy of the ticket be sent to you, and information on how to dispute the ticket.

CAN I HAVE MORE TIME TO PAY A PARKING TICKET SO I CAN AVOID LATE FEES?

No. The Denver Revised Municipal Code does not authorize anyone to extend the 20 days-to-pay rule, however if you are disputing the ticket within the 20-day period, no additional fees will be assessed during the dispute process.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T PAY THE TICKET?

After 20 days, the ticket amount doubles. Your car may then be eligible to be booted and/or towed.

After 60 days, a collection fee is added, and the ticket will be turned over to a collection agency and a credit bureau will be notified.

After 120 days, a default judgment will be entered against you, the full amount of all fines and fees must be paid, and you can no longer dispute the ticket.

IF I HAVE A RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT DISPLAYED DO I NEED TO MOVE MY VEHICLE?

Yes, all vehicles parked on a public street must be moved every 72 hours. Your vehicle must also be moved on days designated for street sweeping.

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