What Is the Maximum Fine for a Parking Ticket?

There isn’t a single global maximum: it depends on where you are and what you did. In many places, standard parking tickets run roughly $20–$200 (or local equivalent), while the steepest penalties—especially for parking in an accessible/disabled bay or blocking safety zones—can exceed $1,000 in some U.S. cities, reach about £160 in London (before late surcharges), and run roughly €100–€300 in much of the EU. Because fines are set locally, the maximum in your area comes from your city or region’s official penalty schedule.

Why there’s no single maximum

Parking rules are local. Cities and regions set their own fine schedules based on congestion, safety priorities, and policy goals. Even within a single country, a disabled-bay violation or blocking a bus lane in a major city can cost several times more than an expired meter in a suburb. On top of the base fine, late fees, towing, and administrative charges can significantly increase what you ultimately pay.

Typical ranges and notable maxima by region

The following examples illustrate how maximum parking fines vary across jurisdictions. They reflect widely reported schedules and policies and can change, so always verify with your local authority.

• United States: Routine parking violations are commonly $25–$200, depending on the city and the offense. Serious violations are far higher. For example, parking in a marked accessible/disabled space can exceed $1,000 in some cities (San Francisco’s published schedule lists a blue-zone fine around $1,082). Other safety-related violations (e.g., blocking fire hydrants, bus stops, or crosswalks) often carry fines in the low hundreds.
• United Kingdom: Outside London, typical upper-tier Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are commonly up to about £70 (often reduced by 50% if paid promptly). In London, higher-band PCNs for serious contraventions are up to about £160, with a 50% discount for early payment and a 50% increase if a Charge Certificate is issued for late payment.
• European Union: Amounts vary widely. In Germany, the most severe stationary offenses (e.g., obstructive or dangerous parking) typically top out around €110. In France, non-payment of parking in cities like Paris is handled via a local fixed post-parking fee often around €50–€75 depending on the district, while parking in an accessible bay is a nationwide €135. In Italy and Spain, serious parking contraventions and special-zone violations commonly range roughly €100–€300, with higher totals possible after late surcharges.
• Canada: Standard municipal parking tickets often range from C$30–C$100. Penalties for parking in an accessible space are much higher—about C$450 in Toronto and around C$250 in Vancouver. Additional towing and storage fees can push totals significantly higher.
• Australia: Base fines vary by state and council. In New South Wales, parking in a mobility/disabled space without a permit carries a substantial on-the-spot fine (around A$581), and related offenses can attract higher penalties if prosecuted in court under applicable statutes. Other states and territories set their own schedules, generally with steep penalties for accessible-bay and safety-related infringements.

These examples show broad patterns: routine violations are relatively modest, while accessible-bay misuse and safety-sensitive or congestion-related contraventions carry the highest base fines. Local rules and late-payment escalations can push totals higher.

What can make a parking ticket cost more?

Several factors influence how high a parking fine can go in your area. Understanding these will help you gauge the true “maximum” you might face for a given situation.

1. Type of violation: Parking in an accessible/disabled bay, blocking fire hydrants, crosswalks, bus lanes, or emergency access routes typically carries the highest fines.
2. Location: Central business districts, school zones, red routes, and transit corridors often have premium penalties due to safety and congestion concerns.
3. Repeat offenses: Some jurisdictions escalate fines for repeat violators within a set period.
4. Vehicle class and size: Oversized or commercial vehicles parked illegally may incur higher penalties.
5. Time and signage: Violations during restricted hours (street cleaning, loading-only windows, event days) can be costlier than general time-limit overstay.

Taken together, these factors can move a ticket from a nominal amount into the high-hundreds—or more in the most stringent jurisdictions—especially when combined with enforcement surcharges.

Extra costs beyond the fine

Even when the base fine seems manageable, additional charges often determine the true maximum you’ll pay.

• Late-payment penalties: Many cities increase fines 50% or more after missed deadlines; some issue a further surcharge if enforcement proceeds.
• Administrative and processing fees: Added for collections, issuance of notices, or contested cases.
• Towing and impound: If your vehicle is towed, expect hundreds more in tow, release, and daily storage fees.
• Boot/immobilization fees: Separate charges apply for removing a wheel clamp.
• Court costs: If you contest and lose, court and statutory surcharges may apply.

These add-ons mean the “all-in” cost can far exceed the posted fine, particularly for serious violations or unpaid tickets.

How to find the maximum where you live

Check your city or region’s official parking fine schedule—typically published by the transportation or parking authority (e.g., Department of Transportation, Parking Enforcement, City Council). Search for terms like “[City] parking violations fine schedule” or consult recent council fee orders. Because penalties can change annually and vary by neighborhood or zone, rely on the latest official document rather than third-party summaries.

Bottom line

There is no universal maximum. In most places, routine parking tickets are tens to low hundreds in local currency, while the highest base fines target accessible-bay misuse and safety-related violations—reaching over $1,000 in some U.S. cities, about £160 in London (before late surcharges), and commonly €100–€300 in parts of the EU. Late fees, towing, and other charges can significantly increase the final amount.

Summary

Maximum parking fines are set locally and vary widely. Typical tickets are modest, but the cost can climb steeply for serious contraventions (especially accessible/disabled bays and safety-sensitive areas) and through late-payment and enforcement surcharges. Always verify current amounts with your local parking authority to know the true maximum that applies where you live or park.

How bad is a parking ticket on your record?

In California, a parking ticket is considered a civil infraction, not a misdemeanor, meaning it is a non-criminal offense. While it may not impact your criminal record, failing to pay or contest the ticket can lead to increased fines and possible vehicle impoundment.

What is the best excuse to appeal a parking ticket?

The “best” excuse to appeal a parking ticket focuses on factual errors or unavoidable circumstances, rather than a weak excuse like “I was only gone for a few minutes” or “I couldn’t find anywhere else to park”. Strong grounds for appeal include unclear or missing signage, malfunctioning parking meters, incorrect information on the ticket, or documented medical or vehicle emergencies. 
Factual Errors & Procedural Mistakes

• Unclear or Missing Signs/Markings: If parking signs were faded, obscured by trees, or not present at all, you can appeal by providing photos as evidence. 
• Malfunctioning Meter: If you paid for parking and the meter was not working correctly, document the meter number, your payment, and the time of violation, providing evidence of the discrepancy. 
• Incorrect Ticket Information: An error in the parking ticket itself, such as a wrong license plate or vehicle description, can be a basis for appeal. 
• Vehicle Not Parked in Violation: You may have evidence, like photos, to prove your vehicle was not parked illegally or was parked correctly. 

Unavoidable Circumstances

• Medical Emergency: Opens in new tabA genuine, documented medical emergency that prevented you from returning to your vehicle on time can be grounds for appeal. 
• Vehicle Breakdown: Opens in new tabYou can appeal if your car broke down and you were unable to move it, especially with proof of mechanical failure. 
• Stolen Vehicle: Opens in new tabIf your vehicle was stolen at the time of the ticket, provide a police report to prove you weren’t responsible. 

Tips for a Successful Appeal

• Submit Evidence: Back up your appeal with tangible evidence, such as photographs, repair receipts, hospital confirmation letters, or digital parking receipts. 
• Act Quickly: Adhere to the strict deadline for submitting an appeal; check your ticket for information on how to do so. 
• State Your Case Clearly: Clearly explain your situation and why you believe the ticket was issued in error. 
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations. 

How much is a parking ticket in San Antonio?

A parking ticket in San Antonio currently has a range of $27 to $227, though a proposed budget increase starting October 1, 2025, would raise the minimum fine to $47 and the maximum to $247, according to a San Antonio Report article. The actual fine amount for a specific violation depends on the circumstances of the case, as determined by the court. 
How Fines Are Determined 

• The court determines the fine based on the facts and circumstances of the specific parking violation.
• The maximum fine can vary by violation type, with maximum fines of $200 for most traffic violations, $500 for penal violations, and potentially up to $2,000 or $500 for certain city ordinances.

Important Information

• Payment Options: Opens in new tabYou can pay your parking ticket online or in person at the Municipal Court. 
• Consequences of Non-Payment: Opens in new tabUnpaid parking tickets can eventually go to collections, which can harm your credit score. 

Are parking citations a big deal?

While many drivers overlook parking tickets as reprimands for poor parking practices, parking citations are a serious offense. In many cases, drivers are issued a parking ticket because they have left their car in an area or position that puts others in danger.