VIOLATIONS
home > VIOLATIONS
violation Appeal Process
Challenge your parking ticket with confidence — simple, secure, and fast resolutions at your fingertips
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 the administrative appeal process below for constituents who believe their parking violation was issued in error.
Where to Appeal
Go to:
430 S 4th St, Reading, PA 19602.
Contact:
(610) 655-6166
Follow the online appeal instructions.
When to Appeal
You must file your appeal within 30 calendar days from the date of the violation or notice.
Late appeals will not be accepted.
What You Need
Upload any supporting documents (e.g., photos, permits, or other relevant proof) during the online submission. Appeals without supporting documents may be denied.
One Violation per Appeal
Each violation must be appealed separately. Make sure you enter the correct violation number.
Late Fees During Appeal
The system may still show late fees while your appeal is under review.
Don’t worry: If your appeal is successful or still pending, you’re not responsible for late fees.
If the appeal is denied or withdrawn, any late fees from the appeal period will be removed.
A NOTE ABOUT LATE FEES
Throughout the entire appeal process, the amount due remains the same as it was when the appeal was filed. The system automatically applies late fees while a ticket is in dispute status, but vehicle owners are not responsible for any late fees assessed while a ticket is being appealed. Fees assessed during the appeal period will be removed if the ticket needs to be paid at a later date either because the hearing officer upholds the ticket as valid or the driver decides to withdrawal their appeal.
After a dispute is Submitted
Once Reading Parking Authority receives an appeal request, the process consists of up to two steps taken in sequence:
Administrative review
Administrative Hearing (if necessary)
Administrative Review
A Collections Specialist will review your ticket, appeal reason, and supporting documents.
Possible Outcomes:
If Approved
Your ticket is dismissed. You’ll get a confirmation phone call or an email.
If Denied
You’ll get an email with instructions to schedule an in-person or virtual hearing (if available).
Important: To continue with the hearing
You must pay the original fine within 48 hours of the denial email. If no payment is made within 48 hours, your appeal will not move forward.
To continue with the hearing:
You must pay the bond payment amount (original ticket amount) within 48 hours of the denial phone call and or email. If no payment is made within 48 hours, your appeal will not move forward.
Note
If the fine remains unpaid 30 days (to 61 days) from the original violation, it will be sent to collections.
Administrative Hearing
If you choose to continue after your appeal is denied:
Scheduling:
A hearing will be scheduled—either in-person at the RPA office or virtually, if available.
Hearing Process:
An Independent Hearing Officer will review your case and make a final decision.
Possible Outcomes:
If Approved:
Your ticket is dismissed. A receipt will be issued and any prior payment will be refunded or credited to your account, using the same method you used to pay.
If Denied:
No further action is needed. The payment you made earlier will be applied to your account and the case will be closed.
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.