Have you been issued a parking ticket while you were sat in your car? If so, you might be wondering whether the parking attendant was allowed to give you the ticket, especially if you hadn’t left your car! Surprisingly, lots of people in the UK have been through the same thing as you, so we’ve created this guide to give you the right information about whether or not you can get a parking ticket while you’re in the car in the UK.
Get help with your appeal!
Get legal advice from an online solicitor with JustAnswer!
You can use their £5 free trial!
Ask your question in the chat box below
Can You Get a Parking Ticket While Sitting in Your Car?
In short, yes.
You can get a parking ticket even if you’re sitting in your car. It doesn’t matter if you’re in or out of your vehicle; if you’ve broken a parking rule, you can be fined. This might seem unfair, but parking regulations are strict, and enforcement officers won’t hesitate to issue a ticket if they spot a violation.
However, there’s a bit of good news. A new rule is coming into effect that could help if you’re preparing to leave. This rule might provide a grace period that allows you to avoid a fine if you are just about to depart.
Source: Money Saving Expert
As you can see from the case study above, this motorist was fined when they were in their car! Even though the attendant was in the wrong in this instance, it shows that even when you’re in your car, you still might be ticketed.
What Type of Parking Notice Can You Get?
There are two main types of parking tickets you might receive while sitting in your car: Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and Parking Charge Notices (PCNs). The type you receive depends on whether you’re on council land or private property.
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
A Penalty Charge Notice is issued by local authorities for violations on public roads, council car parks, and other areas managed by the council. These fines are legally enforceable, and ignoring them can lead to more severe penalties.
A penalty charge notice will be issued in one of these ways:
- Handed to you by a parking warden
- Left on your vehicle
- Sent through the post
Parking Charge Notice (PCN)
A Parking Charge Notice is issued by private parking companies for violations on private land, such as shopping centers, hospitals, or private car parks. While these tickets are not legally enforceable in the same way as Penalty Charge Notices, the issuing company can take you to court to recover the fine.
If you ignore a court order, you might then have bailiffs turn up at your door to recover possessions to pay for the fine. Not only that, there will be added costs on top from the bailiffs themselves.
Both types of parking tickets can be issued if you’re caught in violation, even if you’re in the car. Tickets received by post usually mean you were caught on camera, often by number plate recognition systems or CCTV.
A parking charge notice will be issued in one of these ways:
- Handed to you by a parking warden
- Left on your vehicle
- Sent through the post
BEWARE OF FAKE TICKETS
Sadly, even in today’s world, there are still people that want to make a quick buck at the expense of others, and this doesn’t exclude parking tickets. Some people are using fake parking tickets to trick motorists into paying money they don’t actually owe! These kinds of parking ticket scams are everywhere in the UK, so it’s important to be aware of them. Take the time to learn how to spot a fake parking ticket and also how to spot a parking ticket scam!
How Much Will my Parking Fine Be?
The fine amount doesn’t change whether you’re inside or outside your vehicle. Here’s what you can expect:
Penalty Charge Notice
The fines for a Penalty Charge Notice typically range from £60 to £80, depending on the severity and location of the infraction. However, if you pay within 14 days, you often get a 50% discount, reducing the fine to as little as £30.
Parking Charge Notice
Private parking fines can be up to £100, but there are new rules expected to cut this amount in half, although this cap is not yet in place. Always check the ticket details for the exact amount and any early payment discounts.
How Long Does a Parking Attendant Have to Wait?
Parking attendants now have to give you a ten-minute grace period before issuing a fine. This grace period applies if you’ve parked legally, giving you time to leave without a ticket. It’s designed to provide a fair chance for drivers to return to their vehicles and depart without penalty.
However, this grace period doesn’t apply if you’ve parked illegally. For example, if you’ve parked in a no-parking zone or a spot designated for disabled drivers without the appropriate badge, you can be fined immediately. It might be worth checking what the definition of a parked car in the UK is too, to avoid getting a ticket in the future.
How Can You Appeal a Parking Ticket?
If you think the ticket is unfair, you can appeal within 28 days. Here’s how to do it:
Gather Evidence
Provide evidence, like a photo of your car’s registration number and the location if the ticket is incorrect. Any documentation that supports your claim can be useful, such as receipts, witness statements, or even video footage. Remember that without evidence or good reasons for appealing, you’re unlikely to be successful. Don’t forget that there are loopholes that you might not know about which could help you realise that you can actually appeal your ticket! Clue yourself up on them!
Submit Your Appeal
Appeals must be in writing to the council or company that issued the ticket. Follow the instructions on the ticket for the correct appeal process. Be clear and concise in your explanation and attach all relevant evidence.
Escalate if Necessary
If your appeal is rejected, you can escalate it to an independent tribunal. The process varies slightly for council versus private tickets. For council-issued tickets, you can take your appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. For private tickets, you may need to appeal to the Independent Parking Committee (IPC) or Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA).
Do Parking Fines Ever Expire in the UK?
Yes, parking fines can expire. Whether it’s from the council or a private operator, the debt becomes statute-barred after six years. This means the issuing authority cannot legally enforce the fine through the courts after this period.
However, tickets are rarely left unresolved for that long. Authorities and private companies are likely to pursue the fine within this timeframe. Your best bet is to pay the fine or start an appeals process promptly.
Essentially, you can be chased for up to six years for something as small as a parking ticket!
Additional Tips for Handling Parking Tickets
Don’t Ignore the Ticket
Ignoring a parking ticket, especially a Penalty Charge Notice, can lead to increased fines and additional penalties. If the fine isn’t paid, the cost can escalate, and the issuing authority may take legal action to recover the debt.
Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights can significantly impact how you handle a parking ticket. For instance, knowing about the ten-minute grace period or the statute-barred period can help you make informed decisions.
Use Resources Wisely
There are many resources available to help you understand and manage parking tickets. Websites like MoneySavingExpert, Citizens Advice, and other government websites provide valuable information and tools for appealing fines.
Stay Informed
Parking rules and regulations can change, so it’s essential to stay informed about any new laws or updates. For example, the upcoming changes to private parking fines could affect how much you pay and your rights when contesting a ticket.
Getting a parking ticket while sitting in your car can be frustrating, but knowing your options can make the process easier to handle. Whether it’s understanding the types of tickets, the fine amounts, or the appeal process, being informed is your best defense.
Remember, the key is to act promptly – pay the fine or start an appeal as soon as possible. With the right approach and knowledge, you can navigate parking tickets effectively and minimise any negative impact.
If you find yourself with a ticket while sitting in your car, use these tips to manage the situation.
Not sure you’re in the right place? Confused about your rights? No problem! We have full parking ticket guides that you can browse through! Whether it’s a council issued ticket or a ticket from a private company, we have the information you need!