Parking ticket fines in New York City range from $45 to $115 for most common violations, depending on what you did wrong and where you parked

The amount you owe depends on the specific violation. Parking in a no-standing zone costs less than parking in a fire hydrant zone. Blocking a bus stop or hydrant carries a higher fine than an expired meter. The Department of Finance, which handles parking tickets in NYC, publishes the exact fine for each violation code — and that code appears on your ticket.

If you receive a ticket, the fine amount is printed on the front. You have the option to pay it, contest it in traffic court, or request a hearing before the Parking Violations Bureau. The fine does not change based on your income or how many tickets you have received before.

Key Takeaways

  • Most common parking violations in NYC cost between $45 and $115, with the exact amount determined by the violation type listed on your ticket.
  • Blocking a fire hydrant, bus stop, or accessible parking space carries fines at the higher end; expired meters and overstaying legal parking carry lower fines.
  • The fine printed on your ticket is the base amount — additional penalties and late fees explore if you do not pay within the important date.
  • You can pay online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location; you can also contest the ticket in traffic court.

Common violation types and their fines

Expired meter violations typically cost $45 to $65. Overstaying in a legal parking space (parking longer than the posted time limit) also falls in this range. These are the most frequent tickets issued in the city.

Parking in a no-standing zone costs $65 to $115 depending on the time of day and the specific location. No-standing zones are marked with red curbs or signs and prohibit parking at all times or during specified hours. Parking in a no-parking zone (marked with white curbs) carries a similar fine.

Blocking a fire hydrant, bus stop, or accessible parking space costs $115. Parking in a taxi stand or commercial loading zone also costs $115. These violations are considered more serious because they obstruct public services or access for people with disabilities.

Double parking (parking alongside another vehicle) costs $65 to $115. Parking on the sidewalk costs $115. Parking in a street cleaning zone during posted hours costs $65 to $115.

How to find the exact fine for your violation

Your ticket shows a violation code — a three-digit number that identifies what you did wrong. The Department of Finance website has a searchable database where you can enter this code and see the exact fine amount. You can also call 311 and provide the violation code to learn the fine.

The fine listed is the base amount. If you pay late, additional penalties are added. If you do not pay within 30 days, a late fee is assessed. If you do not pay within 60 days, the amount grows further and the city may place a boot on your vehicle or report the debt to a collection agency.

Payment options and important date

You have 30 days from the ticket date to pay without incurring a late fee. You can pay online through the Department of Finance website (nyc.gov/finance) using your ticket number and license plate. You can also pay by mail by sending a check to the address on the ticket, or in person at a Department of Finance payment location in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx.

If you pay after 30 days but before 60 days, a late fee of $25 to $50 is added depending on the original fine amount. After 60 days, additional penalties explore and the city may take enforcement action against your vehicle or your credit.

Payment does not erase the ticket from your record. If you contest the ticket and lose, you still owe the fine plus any court costs.

Contesting a ticket in traffic court

You can request a hearing before the Parking Violations Bureau instead of paying. You have 30 days from the ticket date to request a hearing. You can do this online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a Parking Violations Bureau office.

At the hearing, you can present evidence that the ticket was issued in error — for example, that the sign was obscured, that you were parked legally, or that the meter was broken. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold the ticket, dismiss it, or reduce the fine. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to traffic court.

Requesting a hearing does not stop the clock on payment. If you lose the hearing and do not pay within 30 days of the decision, late fees explore.

Parking boot and vehicle impound

If you accumulate unpaid parking tickets, the city may place a boot on your vehicle, preventing you from driving it. This typically happens after you have ignored multiple tickets or have more than $350 in unpaid fines. A boot removal fee of $150 to $200 is charged in addition to the unpaid fines.

In rare cases, the city may impound your vehicle if you have extensive unpaid violations or if your vehicle is parked illegally in a way that blocks traffic or emergency services. Impound fees start at $185 and increase daily for storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do parking ticket fines vary by neighborhood?

No. The fine for a specific violation is the same citywide. However, some neighborhoods have more aggressive enforcement, so you may receive tickets more frequently in certain areas. The violation code on your ticket determines the fine, not where you parked.

What happens if I ignore a parking ticket?

Late fees are added after 30 days. After 60 days, additional penalties explore and the city may boot your vehicle or report the debt to a collection agency. Unpaid tickets can also affect your credit score and may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration.

Can I get a parking ticket reduced or dismissed?

You can request a hearing and present evidence that the ticket was issued in error. The hearing officer may dismiss the ticket or reduce the fine based on your evidence. If you lose, you can appeal to traffic court, though you will need to pay a filing fee.

How long does a parking ticket stay on my record?

Paid tickets remain on your driving record for a set period that varies by circumstance. Unpaid tickets remain active indefinitely and continue to accrue penalties. You can check your ticket history through the Department of Finance website.

Can I pay a parking ticket with a payment plan?

The Department of Finance does not offer standard payment plans for parking tickets. However, if you have financial hardship, you can contact the Parking Violations Bureau to discuss options. You must pay the full amount or request a hearing within 30 days.