You've just come out of the deli. You're wandering back to your car, feeling warm and satisfied. And then you see that ticket, fluttering under your windshield wiper...
Suddenly, that cozy feeling is gone, replaced by a sinking one in the pit of your stomach. You've got a Montreal parking ticket - now what?
Many people have strong feelings on the subject of getting a parking ticket in Montreal. But the fact is, illegally parked vehicles clog up roads and block spaces from users such as those with disabilities.
Fines have risen in recent years. So once you've got over the initial annoyance, what should you do?
Don't panic! Read on for our guide to how to handle your Montreal parking ticket, and if there's anything you can do about it.
Paying Parking Ticket - How to Deal with It?
First things first, a little terminology. A parking ticket in Montreal is called a 'statement of offence'. This puts it in the same category as other minor offences, such as lack of cleanliness on a public road, or having a badly behaved pet.
When you receive a statement of offence, you have two options. You can either pay the fine or contest it.
Montreal Parking Ticket Cost
The cost of a Montreal parking ticket varies depending on the type of offence. Currently, the costs are:
- General offences - $79
- Parking in prohibited zones - $89
- Parking in reserved areas - $308
Common Montreal Parking Violations
Let's unpick these three Montreal parking violations and how to avoid them.
General offences - parking against the direction of traffic, parking within 5 metres of a fire hydrant or junction.
Parking in prohibited zones - signs will show when you can and cannot park. If you park at a prohibited time, you'll be liable to get one of these tickets.
Parking in reserved areas - parking can be reserved for a number of reasons. This includes parking for people with a disability, for taxis, buses or other vehicles.
Montreal gets a lot of snow, and this leads to temporary changes to parking rules. This is so that snow clearing equipment can get up and down the streets to clear them.
Avoid Montreal parking violations by checking out temporary signage when it snows. Otherwise, you could be picking your car up from an impound lot - and paying a hefty fine to boot.
How to Dispute a Ticket
You can contest a parking ticket within 30 days of the offence.
To do so, complete the answer form, attached to the statement of offence. You must enter a not-guilty plea and provide an explanation. The city will review this and either enforce or waive the infraction.
You can also complete this process online.
Lost Parking Ticket Montreal
If you have lost your Montreal parking ticket, you're not off the hook!
The ticket is linked to your licence plate. Simply call the police and they will be able to find your ticket on the system. They will provide the statement of offence number or file number, and you can proceed to payment or contest the ticket as normal.
Montreal Parking Enforcement
Parking in Montreal is monitored and enforced by parking officers. They work for the Section de l'application de la réglementation du stationnement.
It is their job to apply the Highway Safety Code, along with local by-laws. They issue tickets.
If you notice a parking issue, you can contact them directly. This could include reporting non-residents parking in a residents-only parking zone. Other issues could include double parking and blocking private entrances.
Pay your Montreal Parking Tickets - Your Options
If you decide to cut your losses and pay your parking ticket, you have a few options. But first, you must check a couple of points.
First, your name has to appear on the statement of offence. If it doesn't, you can still pay, but you must be the owner or long-term leaser of the vehicle.
ONLINE
The easiest way is to pay online. You will need to provide the statement of offence number or file number. Then follow the steps, and provide payment via Visa or Mastercard.
IN PERSON
You can also pay in person. To do this, head to the point of service of the Municipal court. Alternatively, use a point of service in your borough or a financial institution.
BY MAIL
Finally, you can also pay by mail. Send a postal order or cheque made payable to:
'Ville de Montréal' to:
P.O. Box 11045, Downtown Station
Montréal, QC
H3C 4Y1
FAQs
Parking in Montreal can be puzzling for many visitors. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about parking in Montreal:
Monday - Friday after 9 pm, parking meters generally do not operate. Also, they don't operate after 6 pm on weekends. But always check the sign!
There may be other restrictions in place at certain times. This could include times for street cleaning. The safest way to park is always to double-check the sign first.
This makes no difference. If you pull up for any length of time in a parking bay, you need to pay for a ticket. Even if you just pull up to safely take a quick call, no ticket = parking fine!
It's really not worth it. The police will issue a warrant for your arrest. Deliberately not paying parking tickets could lead to a jail term of 2 years less one day.
And guess what? You'll still have to pay your fines. To keep your driving privileges - and freedom - you need to pay your parking fines.
Addressing your Montreal Parking Tickets
The best way to deal with a Montreal parking ticket? Never get one in the first place!
It might be easier said than done, but it's all about knowing the rules. Do a little research and brush up on your French. You'll be rewarded with safe and hassle-free parking in Montreal!
At Insurdinary, we're always here to help you ensure your car is in safe hands. Get a car insurance quote from us today!
