Parking Tickets

Parking tickets in the City of St. John’s are issued for violations of various parking by-laws. If you believe your vehicle should not have been ticketed, you can challenge your ticket and request disclosure.

If you wish to make a complaint about a vehicle parked illegally or to inform Parking Services of any complaint in relation to parking, please contact Access St. John's

Frequently Asked Questions about Parking Tickets

How do I challenge my ticket? 
What happens after I challenge my ticket?
Can’t the City just cancel my ticket? 
What if I have an explanation for getting the ticket (i.e a permit, broken meter, parking receipt, special circumstances, etc.)
Can I plead guilty 'with an explanation'? Can I get a lower fine?
What is disclosure? How do I get a copy?
I have received notice of my trial/plea date, do I have to attend Court?
I can’t attend on my trial date, can I change the date?
I’ve changed my mind, can I cancel my trial date?
How do I pay my ticket?
I received a default conviction notice but never received a ticket, what are my options?
I can’t read my ticket/I do not understand what this ticket is for?
The default conviction date has passed and I’ve been convicted. How do I challenge my ticket now?
I paid my ticket as part of my vehicle registration; can I still challenge it?
 

How do I challenge my ticket? 

This information is provided on the back of your ticket. To contest the ticket, fill out either Option 2 or Option 3 on the back of the ticket. Option 2 is to plead not guilty and get a trial date. Option 3 is to set a plea date (i.e. once in Court, plead guilty or not guilty). Whichever option you choose, be sure to fill out all required information or your ticket may not be processed.
 
Once the back of the ticket is filled out, deliver (in person) or mail the ticket to:
St. John's Provincial Court
Box 68
Atlantic Place
215 Water Street
St. John's, NL
A1C 6C9
 
The ticket must be received by the Court before the default conviction date.

What happens after I challenge my ticket?

You will receive a trial notice or appearance notice from the Court depending on which option you have chosen. If you contested the ticket in person, this date will be given to you when you contest. If you contested the ticket via mail, this date will be sent to you by registered mail.
 

Can’t the City just cancel my ticket? 

No. Once a ticket is issued by the City, it becomes a Provincial Court matter. Information is on the back of the ticket as to how you may contest the ticket.
 
What if I have an explanation for getting the ticket (i.e a permit, broken meter, parking receipt, special circumstances, etc.) 
If there is any information you would like the Prosecutor to consider prior to your trial you may send this information once you have contested the ticket. The information can be sent in writing via email or regular mail to City of St. John’s, PO Box 908, St. John’s NL, A1C 5M2. Be sure to include your ticket number and trial date.
 
Can I plead guilty 'with an explanation'? Can I get a lower fine? 
If you plead guilty by selecting Option 1 on the back of your ticket, you will be required to pay the associated fine. The fine is a minimum and cannot be lowered.

If you plead not guilty by selecting Option 2 and are convicted at trial, you will be required to pay the minimum fine (or higher if ordered by the Judge).

If you select Option 3, you will either enter a guilty plea or not guilty plea in Court. If convicted, you will be required to pay the minimum fine (or higher if ordered by the Judge).
 
What is disclosure? How do I get a copy? 
Disclosure is all relevant evidence (photos, officer notes, documents, etc.) related to your ticket. If you would like a copy of your disclosure before your trial date fill out the disclosure request form.
 
I have received notice of my trial/plea date, do I have to attend Court? 
Yes, your attendance is required at Court to contest your ticket. Failure to appear may result in a conviction in your absence. The Court cannot consider a written defense.
 
I can’t attend on my trial date, can I change the date? 
To change the trial date you must contact the Provincial Traffic Court at 709-729-1004 (ext. 3) and fill out a postponement request. This form must be filled out at least 15 days prior to your trial date.
 
I’ve changed my mind, can I cancel my trial date? 
Trial dates are only cancelled by the Provincial Traffic Court upon confirmation of payment of the ticket. If you pay your ticket you should notify the City at 709-576-8109 or by email at legal@stjohns.ca and the Provincial Traffic Court at 709-729-1004 (ext. 3) so that your trial date can be cancelled.
 
How do I pay my ticket? 
Information on payment options are available on the provincial Justice and Safety website
 
Please note, the City does not accept payment for parking tickets. All payments must be made through Provincial Fines Administration.
 
I received a default conviction notice but never received a ticket, what are my options? 
See your default conviction notice for information about making a section 24 application to have your matter heard in Court. For further inquiries on this application process contact the Provincial Traffic Court at 709-729-1004 (ext. 3).
 
I can’t read my ticket/I do not understand what this ticket is for? 
Contact Access St. John's and provide your ticket number. A representative from Parking Services will be able to assist in getting a copy of the ticket and explaining why the ticket was issued.
 
If you have contested your ticket your disclosure package will include a copy of the ticket. You can request your disclosure by filing out the disclosure form.
 
The default conviction date has passed and I’ve been convicted. How do I challenge my ticket now? 
Contact the General Registry of the Supreme Court at 709-729-1137 for details on the appeal process.
 
I paid my ticket as part of my vehicle registration; can I still challenge it? 
When you pay a ticket a conviction is automatically entered. If you wish to appeal the conviction you can contact the General Registry of the Supreme Court 709-729-1137 for details on the appeal process.