Some Manitoba drivers don’t pay parking tickets. With so many other financial priorities and things to do, that’s quite understandable. It’s all too easy, even for the best of us, to forget about that minor fine.
However, unpaid parking tickets can have a significant impact on your finances, from driver’s licence renewal to vehicle registration to your credit score. So yes, pay parking tickets—it will protect your ability to drive, and your credit rating.
Private vs City Parking Tickets
Municipalities enforce parking laws. These laws ensure drivers park their vehicles in ways that don’t obstruct others or cause safety issues.
But not all fines are the same! A private lot and city property differ—knowing those differences can empower you to make informed decisions if you get tagged.
Private parking tickets
You typically must pay to park in a private lot. If you fail to do so or exceed your allotted time, these companies may issue a fine or tow your vehicle. But while the municipality has the legal right to issue and enforce parking fines, private lots don’t have the same authority. However, if you fail to pay private parking fines, these companies can send your unpaid tickets to a debt collection agency, and that could affect your credit rating.
Municipal parking tickets
City employees issue parking tickets (e.g., Winnipeg Parking Authority deals with parking violations in Winnipeg). Violations are often related to local laws and safety regulations, such as:
- Failure to buy a parking pass or the time on your meter expired.
- Parking too close to a fire hydrant or in a fire lane.
- Use of an accessible parking spot without proof of eligibility.
- Parking on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk.
Parking officers record the reason for your ticket on the fine. The city expects you to pay the fine, and they can penalize drivers who don’t.
How to Deal With a Parking Ticket
What should you do if you receive a parking violation? You have three choices:
Pay your parking ticket
The best choice is often paying the ticket. Most municipalities offer the option of making parking payments online, over the phone, in person, or by mailing a cheque. Get a receipt so you have proof of payment.
You must pay your fines in full. There is usually no option to pay your fine in installments.
Dispute the fine
If you believe the parking officer issued the ticket in error, you have the right to dispute it. Start by requesting a screening officer for review, which can be completed online or in person during business hours. Screening officers are trained to identify errors and can cancel or reduce a parking ticket if they find an error.
Ignore the ticket
You can ignore your parking fines but municipalities may deliver consequences. For example, you may find that you can’t renew your driver’s license until you pay the full amount of the ticket and fees. In Winnipeg, they’ll tow your vehicle if you have three or more unpaid tickets and you’re caught for another infraction. Or, a city may send your debt to a collection agency. If it is reported to the credit bureau, your credit score could drop.
Parking Fines and Your Credit Score
Both private lots and municipalities can send your fines to debt collection agencies for recovery. Private lots are less likely to do so than your city because of the cost, but it can happen.
If you apply for credit and your creditors see parking fines on your report, they may not approve your credit request until you have paid the judgment against you, including the interest and penalties. Landlords, employers, utility, and cell phone providers may also check your credit score, making renting a home, finding a job, or getting a new cell phone a challenge.
Parking fines and Insurance
Unpaid parking tickets typically don’t affect car insurance rates because they are not considered moving violations. However, if your insurance company finds a lowered credit score due to several fines, you may end up paying a higher rate.
Where to Get Help
Municipalities expect you to pay parking tickets issued to you. If you can’t pay your fines because you are overwhelmed by debt, contact us. Unfortunately, unpaid parking or speeding tickets cannot be discharged in either a Consumer Proposal or a Bankruptcy, but getting your other debt under control can make paying the fines and penalties possible. Our Licensed Insolvency Trustees at LC Taylor have helped borrowers in Manitoba and Northern Ontario for over 30 years. We offer credit counselling, Consumer Proposals, and Bankruptcy as debt relief options. Contact us online or at 204-925-6400 to set up a free consultation. We’ll work with you so you can put your debts behind you.
Leigh C. Taylor, LIT
