Fighting a City of HOUSTON Parking Ticket

[Hockley]

So at 43 years of age I got my first parking ticket on the streets of downtown Houston. I parked in a metered spot, payed my dues, and placed the ticket on my dash. Came out after the Astros game and had a ticket for parking in a handicapped spot. After looking at the signs I can kinda of see the point, but there was no markings on the pavement.

The fine is $500 for a honest mistake. I was no where near where any handicapped person would have needed a spot.

Do I have any chance of fighting this or having the fine reduced?

Any help is appreciated.

[Arrow-Tek]

If it’s marked and your not handicap then no you don’t have a chance.

[Hockley]

If it’s marked and your not handicap then no you don’t have a chance.

There was a sign above the meter sign which was a third of the way in the parking spot I was in. Nothing on the pavement.

[gb22250]

There was a sign above the meter sign which was a third of the way in the parking spot I was in. Nothing on the pavement.

There doesn’t need to be any markings on the pavement. The sign is what dedicates the spot as privileged parking and enforceable.

[AntlerCollector]

I was no where near where any handicapped person would have needed a spot.

Im curious how you determined a handicapped person didn’t need this spot, but you did?

Guess it wasn’t right in front of a business so you made that determination? Do you have any pics of the signs that showed you parked in handicapped parking?

You said, “after looking at the signs I can kinda see the point.” So there was more than one sign? You also admitted you made a mistake. What exactly is your reason and defense for fighting this ticket?

[WItoTX]

Sounds like you made an honest mistake. You can try and fight it, or just learn your lesson and move on.


I had the same issue back home. I'd not lived there in 10 years at this point. Totally forgot you can't park within 100' of a fire hydrant in either direction. Well I did, and got a ticket. Called the police station and the court, told them hey, I just honestly forgot, I wasn't blocking access, is there any way to dismiss the ticket. They told me to pound sand.

At the end of the day, what is your time worth?

[db@100]

You did it so just pay the fine. If you were handicapped and needed a place to park you might see it different.
Should not matter if on purpose or mistake.

[Bullseye07]

There doesn’t need to be any markings on the pavement. The sign is what dedicates the spot as privileged parking and enforceable.

Incorrect. Per ada a handicap spot must be marked on the pavement and have a sign. Signs are required because pavement markings can wear off easily at times.

OP is the pavement isn’t marked or there isn’t a sign, you may have a chance. Pictures will be your only from if proof


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[NannySlayer]

With my experience if you show up to court and are respectful, plead your case and BE HONEST… the Judge may reduce. I doubt he will throw it out because Handicap Parking is really important. I’d print out pictures of the spot to provide for him/her to show the reason for the mistake (no pavement markings).


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[Jon Stewart]

Pay up. I know after this incident you will never park handicapped again. Lesson learned.

[Triple 000 Buck]

Pics of the curb too, presents of an ADA ramp makes it obvious it is intended for H-cap use.

[Quackerbox]

What ticket......?

Incorrect. Per ada a handicap spot must be marked on the pavement and have a sign. Signs are required because pavement markings can wear off easily at times.

OP is the pavement isn’t marked or there isn’t a sign, you may have a chance. Pictures will be your only from if proof


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And this

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[Johnny Dangerr]

Pm inbound. This is simple.....................

[RiverRat1]

Help him out Johnny.

And OP, ignore all the bashers. Honest mistakes happen. It sure doesn't hurt to call and ask for a reduced ticket. Get with the right person and say you don't want to bog down the judge/court with another case and will just pay now if they reduce.

[6.5 shooter]

Hire Nico laHood.