Contesting A Grand Rapids Parking Ticket – And Winning!

iEditorial Note: These blog posts represent the opinion of DoNotPay’s Writers, but each person’s situation and circumstances vary greatly. As a result, you should make sure to do your own independent research. Because everyone is unique, our self-help tools are never guaranteed to help with any specific situation. DoNotPay is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help.

Contesting A Grand Rapids Parking Ticket – And Winning!

DoNotPay has beaten 160,000 parking tickets — and counting. Your parking ticket from Grand Rapids could be the next. Our software is designed to beat parking tickets in record time and cut down on unnecessary legal costs to deal with everyday issues. Don’t break the bank to try and get out of parking tickets - our service is simple and can help you appeal your ticket in under two minutes!

BBC on DoNotPay's app to appeal parking tickets

Is contesting a Grand Rapids parking ticket worth the hassle?

That’s exactly why we designed DoNotPay - to cut down on the time and energy required to fight parking tickets, so busy people don’t have to lose time and money because parking companies bet on people getting tired and giving up.

Do I need a lawyer to dispute a parking citation?

No! Lawyers to dispute parking tickets can charge per hour, and prices can range from $100 to $1000. When most parking tickets are under that amount and can be resolved quickly with some time, it is definitely not worth hiring a lawyer that may end up costing more than the parking ticket itself.

What happens if I don't pay for my parking tickets?

The penalties for unpaid parking tickets vary by state, but there is no possibility of jail time for unpaid parking tickets (although there is for other traffic-related offenses). However, there are many other penalties for unpaid tickets.

Most municipalities will enforce an increase in unpaid fines. Beyond this, if you have a lot of unpaid tickets or have amassed a significant amount in fines, other penalties may apply. For example:

  • Your car can get booted
  • Your car can get towed
  • Your car can be seized by the state and auctioned to pay the fines you owe (more common in New York State)
  • Your case can get sent to a collection agency
  • The fine can be deducted from your tax refund
  • You can end up in court
  • Your credit score could be impacted

Can I get a ticket while I’m in the car?

Unfortunately, yes. While it’s up to the officer's discretion, you can be given a parking citation whether you’re in the car or not, even if you’re in drive or your hazards are on (a real emergency would likely excuse you, or give you an even more pressing reason to appeal your ticket).

Oftentimes officers will use their judgment and cut you slack if you look like you’re about to pay or leave, but all fines given while you are still in the car are still legally valid.

How to pay for Grand Rapids parking tickets?

MethodLocationPayment MethodsTimeframe
OnlinePay directly through the government websiteVisa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and eCheckBy noon the following day (excluding weekends).
By MailGrand Rapids City Treasurer

300 Monroe Avenue NW,

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Check or Money OrderAs soon as received - payments postmarked to the correct date are accepted.
In-Person during Business Hours

(8 am - 5 pm weekdays)

Customer Service windows on the Monroe Level of

City Hall

or

City Treasurer's Office

300 Monroe Avenue NW,

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Cash, Check or Money Order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express12 noon the next business day.
In-Person by DropBoxCity Hall at 300 Ottawa Ave NW

Grand Rapids, MI

Check or Money OrderDropbox is checked daily at 8 am. Tickets will be marked paid the prior day to when they are checked.

How to Contest Your Parking Tickets in Under Two Minutes Using DoNotPay?

DoNotPay is user-friendly and will help you contest most, if not all parking tickets you get, no matter where you are. Following these steps will guarantee a smooth contestation and appeals process for any parking ticket, regardless of where it was issued. Better still, will send the letter on your behalf! How are you going to do it?

  1. Log in to the website or download the app for iPhone.
  2. Please fill out the form below with details regarding your ticket.
  3. We'll send you an automated letter that includes all of your city's applicable legislation.
  4. DoNotPay can handle the letter delivery for you — reducing the time it takes to complete!

cbs describes how donotpay can help people save millions on parking citations

That’s incredible! What else can DoNotPay do?

DoNotPay doesn’t just stop at parking tickets. We’re dreaming bigger than that, and can help with:

Want your issue solved now?