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How to Dispute a Parking Ticket in Toronto

Navigating a jungle of traffic and parking rules and regulations can be a challenging facet of life for Toronto citizens. Sometimes, no matter how attentive you are to the signage, you might still find a parking infraction notice on your windscreen. If you believe that the ticket you received was unwarranted, worry not—you have the right to dispute it. The City of Toronto has a system in place to handle parking ticket disputes.

Understand Your Ticket

The first step in disputing a parking ticket in Toronto is understanding what you’ve been ticketed for. Upon receipt of the penalty notice, study it carefully for details as to why the ticket was issued. Familiarize yourself with the listed infraction. Sometimes, the violation may be due to a misunderstanding of parking rules, but other times, you may spot a mistake that provides a basis for your dispute.

Time Frame for Challenge

In Toronto, you are typically expected to pay your parking tickets within 15 days from the issue date. However, if you intend to dispute the ticket, you have up to 30 days from when the ticket was issued to submit an appeal.

Dispute Online

The most convenient way to request a review is through the city’s online dispute portal. Access the portal through the City of Toronto’s website. It is a user-friendly system that allows you to enter your ticket number, upload supporting documents or photographs, and explain why you believe the ticket was issued in error.

Dispute by Mail

If you lack internet access or prefer a more traditional approach, the City allows for disputes to be lodged by mail. Send your dispute to the Toronto Screening Office, including your name, mailing address, and ticket number, explaining why you think the ticket is unjust. Include copies of any supporting evidence. Keep in mind that mail delays could impact the 15-day window.

Dispute in Person

In non-pandemic times, you can also dispute your ticket in person at the Toronto Screening Office. This gives you an opportunity to present your case directly to a Screening Officer. Due to COVID-19, in-person services have been temporarily suspended until further notice.

After Filing Your Dispute

Once you have filed your dispute, a Screening Officer will review your case. This process usually takes about 75 days but may take longer due to the volume of disputes. If the Screening Officer does not cancel your parking ticket, you have the option to request a meeting with a Hearing Officer, presenting the opportunity to fight your case on more rigorous grounds.

Seek Legal Advice

If the amount of the ticket is large, or if you've accumulated many tickets, it may be worth seeking legal advice. Lawyers and paralegals familiar with parking laws and disputes in Toronto can help you build your case. It's important to remember that every situation is unique, and results can vary in parking ticket disputes. Though frustrating, navigating the process with patience and diligence can potentially lead you to a successful appeal, saving you money and more importantly, unnecessary stress.