Denver parking ticket fine amounts
Denver parking fine amounts depend on the type of violation. Here are the most common citations and their base fines:
| Violation | Base Fine | Late Fee (30+ days) |
|---|---|---|
| Expired meter | $35–$50 | +$25 |
| Street cleaning violation | $50 | +$25 |
| No parking zone | $75 | +$35 |
| Blocking fire hydrant | $100 | +$50 |
| Handicap zone violation | $350+ | +$75 |
| Boot removal fee | $75 | N/A (added to ticket balance) |
Fines shown are approximate and subject to change. Check your citation for the exact amount owed.
How to pay a Denver parking ticket
Denver offers four ways to pay a parking citation:
- Online: Visit DenverGov.org and search for "parking ticket payment." You'll need your citation number (on the ticket). Pay by credit or debit card. Fastest option — payment is processed immediately.
- By phone: Call 720-913-9000 to pay by credit card over the phone. Available during business hours.
- By mail: Send a check or money order (payable to Denver County Court) to 1437 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80202. Include your citation number on the check. Allow 5–7 days for processing — mail early to avoid late fees.
- In person: Pay at the Denver County Court courthouse at 1437 Bannock St. Bring the ticket and a valid payment method.
How long do you have to pay?
Act quickly to avoid escalating costs:
- 20 days from issue date: Pay the base fine with no late fees
- 21–30 days: Late fee added (typically $25–$75 depending on violation)
- After 30 days: Ticket may be referred to a collections agency
- After 3+ unpaid tickets: Your vehicle is eligible for booting
How to contest (dispute) a Denver parking ticket
You have the right to contest any Denver parking citation. To request a hearing:
- Go to DenverGov.org and find the hearing request form for parking citations (within 20 days of the issue date)
- Submit your hearing request online — you'll receive a scheduled date
- Attend the hearing (in person or virtually) and present your evidence
Strong grounds for dismissal include:
- Broken or malfunctioning meter: Document the malfunction with photos and the date/time
- Unclear or missing signage: If the restriction wasn't clearly posted, you have a case
- Valid permit not visible: If you had a valid permit but it fell down or wasn't visible, bring proof
- Vehicle not at that location: Toll records, GPS data, or witness statements can support this
What happens if you don't pay?
Ignoring Denver parking tickets has serious consequences:
- Boot: Three or more unpaid tickets makes your vehicle eligible to be booted. Denver parking enforcement officers actively scan license plates — your car can be booted at any time, anywhere in the city.
- Tow: If your vehicle remains booted for more than 24 hours without payment, it may be towed to an impound lot. Impound fees add up quickly.
- Collections: Unpaid tickets go to a collections agency after 30 days, which can affect your credit.
- DMV registration hold: Denver can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal through the Colorado DMV until all tickets are paid.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a parking ticket in Denver?
Denver parking ticket fines depend on the violation: expired meter is $35–$50, street cleaning is $50, no parking zone is $75, fire hydrant blocking is $100, and handicap zone violations are $350 or more. A boot removal fee adds $75 on top of any unpaid tickets. Late fees apply after 20–30 days.
How do I pay a Denver parking ticket online?
Pay a Denver parking ticket online at DenverGov.org — search for "parking ticket" or go to the Denver County Court payment portal. You'll need your citation number from the ticket. You can also pay by phone at 720-913-9000, by mail to Denver County Court (1437 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80202), or in person at the courthouse.
How long do I have to pay a Denver parking ticket?
You have 20 days from the issue date to pay a Denver parking ticket before late fees are added. After 30 days, the ticket may be referred to collections. Unpaid tickets can also result in a vehicle boot if you accumulate 3 or more outstanding violations, and a DMV registration hold.
How do I contest a Denver parking ticket?
To contest a Denver parking ticket, request a hearing online through DenverGov.org within 20 days of the issue date. Common grounds for dismissal include: a documented broken or malfunctioning meter, unclear or missing signage, proof that your vehicle was not at the location, or a valid permit not visible at the time of the citation.
What happens if you don't pay a Denver parking ticket?
If you don't pay a Denver parking ticket, late fees are added after 20 days and the ticket goes to collections after 30 days. Accumulate 3 or more unpaid tickets and Denver will boot your vehicle. After 24 hours of being booted, the car may be towed. Unpaid tickets also trigger a DMV registration hold, preventing you from renewing your vehicle registration.