City of Reading, Pennsylvania
How to Appeal a Parking Violation:
As of 2016, parking tickets issued in Reading are a civil offense. Tickets are not processed by or in any way affiliated with the courts or criminal justice system.
City of Reading parking ordinance establishes an administrative appeal process for constituents who believe their parking violation was issued in error.
Submitting an Appeal
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Constituents must submit their appeal online at www.readingparking.com. Constituents have the opportunity to submit supporting documentation at the time they file their appeal.
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Appeals must be submitted to Reading Parking Authority within 30 calendar days of the violation or notice date. Appeals will not be accepted if submitted more than 30 days from the violation or notice date.
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To avoid penalty fees, appeals must be submitted within 30 days (720 hours) of the violation or notice date.
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Each violation must be appealed individually. An appeal is valid only for the violation number entered at the beginning of the online appeal process.
Once Reading Parking Authority receives an appeal request, the process consists of two steps taken in sequence:
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Administrative review
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Administrative hearing
Step One: Administrative Review
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After the appeal is entered into the system, the Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) Supervisor will review the disputed ticket. The PEO Supervisor will either grant or deny the appeal. This decision is subject to review and revision by the Director of Operations.
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If the appeal is granted, the PEO Supervisor will dismiss the ticket. A letter stating the appeal has been granted and the ticket has been dismissed will be mailed to the physical address entered during the appeal request.
NOTE: During the review process, it is possible the constituent may receive an automaticallygenerated notice of payment due delivered via USPS. The letter typically states the constituent should disregard the notice if the ticket has been appealed.
Step Two: Administrative Hearing
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If the appeal is denied, the constituent will be scheduled for an in-person hearing at the RPA office with an Independent Hearing Officer to review the appeal again.
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On the day of the hearing, constituents must pay an administrative fee BEFORE seeing the Independent Hearing Officer. The payment must be made via cash or credit card. Checks and money orders are not accepted.
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During the hearing, the Independent Hearing Officer will review the facts of the appeal with the constituent and determine whether to grant or deny the appeal.
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If the appeal is granted, there is nothing further the constituent needs to do. They will receive a receipt stating the ticket has been dismissed. The administrative fee will be refunded by check in the mail.
If the appeal is denied, the constituent pays the ticket before leaving.
Appeal with the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
If the appeal is denied by the Independent Hearing Officer, the constituent receives written information regarding their right to appeal the denial to the Berks County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the Independent Hearing Officer’s determination. (Berks County Court of Common Pleas; 633 Court Street; Reading, PA, 19601)
Click Here to File an Appeal
The following are not reasons for an appeal:
– Lack of knowledge of the City’s parking regulations.
– Appointment conflicts or tardiness going or returning from appointments.
– Inability to find a legal parking space.
– Failure to have appropriate or sufficient amount of coins.
– Broken or malfunctioning parking meter.
