Civil Parking FAQ's
Civil Parking Frequently Asked Questions
- Why isn’t my citation showing up on the court’s website?
The citation may not show up in the court’s system until up to five business days after it's issued. If you are still unable to look up your case five business days after you received it, please call the court (512) 974-4800.
Click here to see where to find the citation number and other information on your citation- Can I search for my parking citation if I have lost or misplaced it?
Yes, a parking citation can be searched through the court’s portal by entering the license plate number and the vehicle's registered state.
- Where can I get a receipt for my paid parking transaction?
If you paid through ParkATX:
A finalized receipt or the complete and finalized Transaction Details screen for your paid parking session can be found in the Parking History screen of the app.If you paid at a meter or kiosk:
You can request a copy of your receipt by sending an email to TPWParkingMeters@austintexas.gov. In your email, please include your license plate number, date of your transaction, and method of payment used at the meter.
See “Show you paid for parking” on the Handle a Civil Parking Citation page for information on submitting proof of paid parking.- Why did I receive a citation if I paid for parking?
Paying for parking only allows you to use the parking space you paid for during the time period you paid for. You may receive a citation if the vehicle is in violation of a different parking restriction. Click here to see where to find the violation and other information on your citation here.
You may also receive a citation if the license plate number was entered incorrectly when the payment was made, which can prevent officers from locating your paid parking session. See “Show you paid for parking” on the Handle a Civil Parking Citation page for information on submitting proof of paid parking.- Does paying my parking citation mean I am admitting liability?
Yes. Paying the fine acts as an admission of liability and the final disposition in the case. Admitting liability for a civil parking citation in Austin will NOT impact your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or insurance.
- Where can I find rules and laws about parking in Austin?
Parking restrictions and laws can be found in City Ordinance Chapters 12-3 and 12-5, and in the Texas Transportation Code.
- I sent an email contesting my citation. Why haven’t I heard back yet?
It may take up to 90 business days to receive a response from a hearing officer. The court will always honor the sent date of your email. If your email was sent on or before your appearance date, you will not be held responsible if an increase in the fine occurs, or an automated delinquent notice is sent while you are waiting for the court to address your case.
If you contested your citation on or before the appearance date, please do not submit payment until a hearing officer has contacted you with a finding.
You can appear at any municipal court location during hearing hours if you wish to expedite the hearing process.- When can I contest my citation?
You must contest your citation on or before the appearance date listed on the citation.
- How can I contest my citation?
Details about contesting a citation “Contest your citation” on the Handle a civil parking citation page for hearing office locations and hours.
- Will the officer who issued the citation be present at my hearing?
You must request the officer’s presence in writing, at least three business days before your appearance date, if you would like them to be present at your hearing.
- I missed my appearance date. Can I still contest my citation?
Citations must be contested on or before the appearance date listed on the citation.
- I contested my citation and was found Liable. Can I appeal the finding?
Yes. You may appeal a finding of Liable to a judge at Austin Municipal Court. An appeal petition must be submitted within 30 business days after the hearing officer’s finding. See A Citizen’s Guide to a Civil Parking Appeal for more information.
- How much is my fine?
Fine amounts may be listed on your citation. A full list of fine amounts can be found in the Charge Codes and Fine Schedule.
- Can I pay a lower fine?
No. Civil parking fines are set by city ordinance. The court cannot reduce the fine below the early fine amount.
- Can I satisfy my parking citation with community service?
No. Community service is not currently available as an option for civil parking fines.
- Can I sign up for a payment plan for parking citations?
You may qualify for a payment plan if your vehicle is eligible to be booted because of three or more unpaid civil parking citations. If you are unable to pay the entire balance, you may appear in person at a hearing office to discuss options for a monthly payment plan.
- Is there a warrant for my arrest for unpaid parking citations?
No. Warrants are not issued for unpaid civil parking citations. However, failure to pay past due citations may result in cases being referred to a third-party collections vendor, a 30% increase in the fine amount, and/or the vehicle becoming eligible to be booted and/or towed.
- What if I received a notice for a vehicle that was sold, stolen, or rented at the time of the parking violation?
See “Show you were not responsible for the vehicle” on the Handle a Civil Parking Citation page for more information about handling citations issued to sold, rented, or stolen vehicles.
- Will I continue to receive parking notices after selling my vehicle?
TX DMV will not remove your name from the vehicle record until the new owner registers the vehicle in their name. For this reason, you may continue to receive notices about parking citations issued to the vehicle after the sale. See “Show you were not responsible for the vehicle” on the Handle a civil parking citation page, or contact the court, for more information.