How to Report Illegal Parking

Gathering Information

1. Write down the make, model, color, and plate number of the vehicle. Identifying information about the vehicle will help parking enforcement officers spot the exact vehicle you reported. If the license plate was issued in another state, get the name of that state as well.^[2]

   1. You might also want to note if the plate is expired. Many cities have different regulations for parking a vehicle with expired plates.
   2. If the vehicle doesn't have a license plate, write down that information. In most cities, you cannot park a vehicle on the street at all unless it has a license plate. Lack of a plate might also indicate the vehicle is abandoned.

2. Take a picture of the illegally parked vehicle. Particularly if you plan to report the incident online, you may be able to send parking enforcement your picture. Having a photo to go on can help them better pinpoint the vehicle.^[3]

   1. Taking a photo of the license plate is an easy way to get that information down and transmit it to parking enforcement accurately, even if you aren't able to submit the photo itself.
   2. If the car is parked next to an expired meter, or in a "no parking" zone, try to get some sign of the parking infraction in your photo.

3. Identify the exact location of the vehicle. In most cases, an exact street address is sufficient. However, it's also possible that an illegally parked vehicle isn't sitting next to an exact street number. In that case, take down the cross-streets and the block where the vehicle is parked.^[4]

   1. Note which side of the street the car is on. In some cities, this is designated by a direction. You can also note which direction the car is pointing.
   2. For example, you might write "Car illegally parked in handicap zone on the south side of Sunshine Avenue, between 7th and 8th street."

4. Log the date and time you observed the vehicle. Whether filing your report online or over the phone, you'll likely have to tell parking enforcement when you saw the illegally parked car. This information helps them determine whether the car was in fact parked illegally, as well as coordinate your report with others.^[5]

   1. For example, in some cities, commercial vehicles cannot be parked overnight in residential areas. A car parked in a residential neighborhood at 4:00 p.m. wouldn't necessarily be a violation, while if it was parked at 4:00 a.m. it would be.
   2. If the car has been there for several days, it's likely other people have also reported it. Parking enforcement may prioritize an incident if it was reported by numerous concerned citizens.

5. Review local parking regulations. Unless the infraction is obvious (such as a car parked right in front of a sign that clearly says "no parking"), checking the actual regulations can help you determine if the car is, in fact, parked illegally.^[6]

   1. For example, some cities may not allow a car to occupy a parking place for more than 3 days. If you know the car has been there for 2 days, you may want to wait a day before making your report.
   2. If you can find a specific regulation number, write it down to include with your report. Parking enforcement may respond quicker if you can let them know exactly why the car is parked illegally.

6. Take note of the condition of the vehicle. If the vehicle is damaged, doesn't have licensed tags, or appears inoperable, it may be abandoned rather than just illegally parked. The procedures for reporting an abandoned vehicle may be different.^[7]

   1. Identifying details about the condition of the car can also help parking enforcement officers find the specific car you're reporting.
   2. Also make note if the car appears to have been vandalized, such as broken windows or missing tires.