New parking ticket rules proposed for Prince William

By Cheryl Chumley

Published: August 4, 2008

Parking violators in Prince William will have more time to pay tickets, under a new proposal from the police department that needs supervisor approval to bring to public hearing.
But non-payers will also face harsher consequences than what is put forth in the present code.

“Any motor vehicle parked on a public highway or public ground against which there are three or more unpaid or otherwise unsettled parking citations may be removed by towing,” according to the text of a new code section that supervisors will consider today at their 2 p.m. meeting at the McCoart Administrative Building.

Moreover, towed vehicles are then subject to county sale if the owners refuse to pay the outstanding ticket balance, background documents for the board read.

The proposed changes are an attempt to revamp and update current code, which “requires summons service on all unpaid parking tickets,” the documents continue. “The current code does not allow for civil fine collection methods … [and] is outmoded and wastes county resources in achieving the necessary compliance with the county’s parking regulations.”

The proposed amendments provide the county with several “civil collection options,” the documents read. Aside from towing, the county could also place boots on vehicles, preventing their operation, as well as halt owners from obtaining vehicle registrations or receiving tax refunds, the background documents say.

On the other hand, the five-day time frame to pay tickets would be increased to 30.

“In the event that the defendant elects not to contest the citation issued against him for parking a vehicle in violation of this article, he may, within 30 days of receipt of such citation, pay the minimum fine set forth of the citation to the director of finance, Prince William County, or his designated agent,” summary documents read.

Those contesting the fines would also have additional time to notify the chief of police “or designated agent” of intent in writing — from five days to 30.

The 13-335 section of county code is broad and covers everything from proper parking for boats, trailers and passenger vehicles to specific rules regarding double parking, fire lanes and handicap spaces.
Supervisors will not take action on the specific proposal today, but only decide whether to send the issue to public hearing at a future board meeting.