I received a parking ticket today with the wrong date on it. Does that mean it's invalid and I don't have to pay it?

I've parked there for 1.5 years since my mom's nursing home has very limited parking (it's borderline ridiculous) and apparently there are signs there on the street that says "parking with permit only" even though it's in a neighborhood and lots of people park there.

Just curious...I've also seen nurses park in the close parking and it makes me furious when I'm dropping my mother off and bringing her back in a wheelchair and all the handicapped spots are taken too. Add in a toddler and bad sidewalks...ugh.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 11:13 pm:

I don't know about your area, but in my state if you want to appeal a parking ticket you "deposit" the amount of the ticket, plus court costs, and then show up for a hearing. Because you will be only one of many, you show up at 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. and may be there until Noon or even later. If you can get an affidavit (sworn statement) from someone that you were in another area on the date and time on the ticket, you have no way to prove you weren't parked there on the date and time on the ticket, and the court is not likely to take your word for it without evidence. You only get your money back if you win; otherwise you are out not only the cost of the ticket but also "court costs", at least in my area. I suggest that unless you are talking about a $75 fine or higher, it just isn't worth it.

(And, I suggest you find another place to park that isn't marked "permit parking only". I wouldn't be surprised if the nursing home area were targeted for a while, maybe based on complaints from people who have permits and can't find a space.)

If you are sure nursing home personnel are parking in handicap spaces, you should complain to the facility. And, you may find that the same cop or meter maid who ticketed you will also be ticketing people parked in handicap spaces without the proper marker on their car.