How do I fight a parking ticket in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania parking enforcement is governed by 75 Pa. C.S. § 3353 (stopping, standing, parking) and city ordinances.

1. Philadelphia — Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (BAA)

30 days from issuance to either pay or contest.

Three options:

- Contest by mail with photos and written defense.

- Online hearing via the BAA portal.

- In-person hearing at 913 Filbert St.

Decisions are issued by hearing examiners; you may bring witnesses.

2. Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

Tickets are routed to the Pittsburgh Parking Court (Magisterial District Judge).

Plead not guilty within 15 days by signing the citation.

Trial held before a magistrate; appeals go to the Court of Common Pleas.

3. Other Cities

Smaller cities use the Magisterial District Justice (MDJ) courts under Pa. R. Crim. P. 410.

Deadline to respond is typically 10-15 days.

4. Common Defenses

Signage unclear, faded, or absent.

Disabled placard (75 Pa. C.S. § 1338) displayed.

Expired meter validity — if meter was broken, ordinance §§ 12-901 (Philly) allow free parking.

Wrong plate or VIN on the citation.

Vehicle was sold before the violation — provide title transfer.

5. Late Penalties

Philadelphia: penalty doubles after 30 days, additional collection fees after 60.

Pittsburgh: late fee added after 15 days; failure to appear results in default conviction.

6. PennDOT Registration Holds

Under 75 Pa. C.S. § 1379, PennDOT can suspend vehicle registration for 6 or more unpaid parking tickets in Philadelphia (or 3+ in Pittsburgh per local rule).

A $43 restoration fee plus all outstanding fines must be paid before reinstatement.

7. Appeals

BAA decisions are appealable to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas within 30 days.

MDJ decisions are appealable to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days for a de novo trial.

This is legal information, not legal advice.