Parking in Toronto can be a challenge, and with strict regulations in place, it is easy to receive a parking fine if you are not careful.
The city enforces parking bylaws to ensure traffic flow and safety, and violations can lead to costly fines. In 2025, Toronto increased parking penalties for over 100 violations, making it even more important for drivers to stay informed about the latest rules.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about parking fines in Toronto, including common violations, costs, payment methods, dispute options, and ways to avoid tickets.
Whether you are a local resident, a commuter, or a visitor, understanding the city’s parking laws will help you avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.
What Are the Most Common Parking Violations in Toronto?
Toronto has strict parking regulations, and many drivers unknowingly commit violations that lead to fines. The most common parking infractions include:
- Parking in a No-Stopping Zone: Certain streets have no-stopping zones where vehicles cannot be stopped, even momentarily.
- Blocking a Fire Hydrant: Parking too close to a fire hydrant is a serious offense, carrying a fine, depending on the location.
- Exceeding Time Limits in Paid Parking Areas: Many streets in Toronto have designated time limits for parking. If you stay beyond the allotted time, you can receive a fine.
- Illegally Parking in Accessible Spaces: Parking in a designated accessible space without a permit can result in a fine.
- Parking Too Close to an Intersection or Driveway: Blocking a driveway, crosswalk, or intersection can lead to fines.
- Overnight Street Parking Without a Permit: In some residential areas, overnight parking requires a permit. Without one, you may receive a fine.
- Ignoring Winter Parking Restrictions: During winter months, certain roads have seasonal parking bans to allow for snow removal. Violating these restrictions can result in towing and a fine.
Being aware of these common parking violations can help drivers avoid costly tickets and ensure compliance with Toronto’s parking laws.
How Much Do Parking Fines Cost in Toronto?
The cost of parking fines in Toronto varies based on the type of violation. In 2025, many fines were increased to discourage illegal parking. Below is a breakdown of some updated fines:
| Parking Violation | Fine Amount (2025) |
| Parking in a No-Stopping Zone | $150 |
| Blocking a Fire Hydrant | $100 – $300 |
| Exceeding Paid Parking Time Limits | $30 – $75 |
| Parking in an Accessible Space Illegally | $450 |
| Parking Too Close to a Driveway | $50 – $100 |
| Overnight Parking Without a Permit | $30 – $60 |
| Ignoring Winter Parking Restrictions | $125 |
If a parking fine is not paid on time, additional fees may be added. In some cases, unpaid fines can result in the suspension of a vehicle’s registration.
What Are the Recent Changes to Parking Fines in Toronto?
Toronto City Council approved major increases in parking fines in 2025. Some of the key changes include:
- Higher Fines for Illegal Parking: More than 100 parking violations now carry higher penalties to discourage illegal parking.
- Stricter Enforcement in High-Traffic Areas: Areas near downtown Toronto, hospitals, and schools now have increased parking enforcement.
- New Digital Payment and Dispute Options: The city introduced online portals to make it easier for drivers to pay or contest fines.
- Changes to Permit Parking Rules: Some residential streets now have modified overnight parking rules, requiring drivers to check updated signage.
These changes aim to improve traffic flow, increase compliance, and enhance pedestrian safety.
How Can You Pay a Parking Fine in Toronto?
If you have received a parking violation ticket in Toronto, it is important to pay it on time to avoid additional penalties. The City of Toronto offers multiple ways to pay, making it convenient for residents and visitors to settle their fines. Below are the available payment methods:
1. Pay Online
The fastest and most secure way to pay a parking fine in Toronto is through online portals. You can choose from two options:
A. Parking Violation Services
- View, pay, or dispute your parking violation online.
- Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
- Processing fees apply for credit card transactions.
B. MyToronto Pay
- Allows you to pay using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express (credit or debit).
- Pay directly from your bank account (electronic funds transfer) with no processing fees.
- Option to save payment information for future transactions with the City of Toronto.
To pay online, visit the official MyToronto Pay website and enter your violation number.
2. Pay by Mail
If you prefer to pay by cheque or money order, you can do so by mail. However, payments must arrive before the due date to avoid extra fees.
How to Pay by Mail?
- Make cheques or money orders payable to:
“Treasurer, City of Toronto.” - Write the violation number on the front of the cheque or money order.
- Do not send cash by mail for security reasons.
Mail your payment to
APS Operations Box 4282, Postal Station “A” Toronto, ON M5W 5W5
3. Pay in Person
For those who prefer to pay in person, Toronto provides payment counters at select locations.
Where to Pay in Person?
- Inquiry & Payment Counters at Toronto Civic Centres and City Hall.
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash
- Cheque
- Money Order
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Debit Card
Important: Parking violations cannot be disputed at in-person payment locations.
4. Pay at Service Ontario Locations
If your parking fine has reached the collection stage, payments can only be made at ServiceOntario locations. This usually happens when:
- Your fine is overdue and additional fees have been applied.
- The ticket has been referred to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for enforcement.
- Your Ontario license plate renewal has been blocked due to unpaid fines.
You can check the status of your parking violation online to confirm where payments can be accepted.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Parking Ticket in Toronto?
Ignoring a parking ticket in Toronto can lead to serious consequences. The city has strict enforcement policies to ensure that parking fines are paid promptly. Here is what happens if you fail to pay a ticket on time:
1. Additional Late Fees
- Unpaid fines accumulate interest and penalties over time.
- The longer you delay payment, the higher the amount you owe.
2. Vehicle Registration Block
- If a fine remains unpaid for an extended period, the city can block the renewal of your vehicle registration.
- This means you cannot renew your license plate until the outstanding amount is settled.
3. Legal Action & Collection Agencies
- Persistent non-payment may lead to the involvement of collection agencies.
- The fine may be escalated to court, resulting in additional legal costs.
What Should You Do If You Cannot Pay on Time?
- If you are unable to pay immediately, contact Toronto Parking Enforcement to inquire about a payment plan.
- In some cases, you may be eligible to dispute the fine if you believe it was issued unfairly.
How to Dispute a Parking Violation in Toronto?
If you believe a parking ticket in Toronto was issued unfairly or in error, you have the right to dispute it. The City of Toronto provides a structured two-step dispute process:
- Screening Review: The first level of review where a screening officer examines your case.
- Hearing Review: If you disagree with the screening decision, you can escalate your dispute to an Administrative Penalty Tribunal hearing officer.
Important Notes Before Disputing a Parking Violation:
- You have 15 days from the ticket issue date to dispute the fine or request an extension.
- If you make a full or partial payment, the ticket can no longer be disputed.
- Only one extension request is allowed, and decisions at certain levels are final.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to dispute a parking violation in Toronto.
Step 1: Request a Screening Review
A screening review is the first step in the dispute process, where a screening officer reviews the evidence and decides whether the fine should be affirmed, reduced, or cancelled.
1. Look Up Your Parking Violation
To start the process, go to the Parking Violation Lookup and enter one of the following:
- Parking violation number and licence plate number (recommended method).
- If your ticket is 16 to 30 days old, you can also use:
- Driver’s licence number.
- Registrant Identification Number (RIN).
- Non-Ontario license plate holders must use their violation number and plate number.
- If the ticket was handwritten, it may take 5 to 10 days to appear in the system.
2. Explain Your Dispute
In the online dispute form, provide details about why you believe the ticket should be reconsidered:
- Request more time to pay if necessary.
- Explain why you should be excused from paying all or part of the fine due to undue hardship.
- Provide reasons why the parking ticket should be cancelled.
- Request extra time to dispute if applicable.
- Upload supporting evidence such as photos, receipts, or witness statements.
3. Screening Review Process
- A screening officer will review your submission, along with any evidence from the Parking Enforcement Officer who issued the ticket.
They will issue a decision to either:
- Affirm the fine (meaning it remains the same).
- Reduce or vary the fine based on circumstances.
- Cancel the fine if evidence supports your claim.
- The time required for processing depends on staffing levels and dispute volume.
4. Receiving the Decision
- You will be emailed the outcome of your dispute.
- All official decision documents will be sent from @citycloudservices.com or apsinquiry@toronto.ca.
- Check your inbox and junk mail regularly to ensure you receive your decision.
Step 2: Request More Time to Dispute or Pay
If you missed the 15-day dispute deadline, you can request an extension of time to dispute or time to pay.
How to Request More Time to Dispute?
- You have up to 30 days from the violation issue date to request an extension.
- Submit an extension request online with an explanation of extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, travel, financial hardship).
- A screening officer will review your request.
- If the request is denied, there is no secondary review under the Administrative Penalty By-law.
How to Request More Time to Pay?
- If you need extra time to settle your fine, submit a request using the online parking violation lookup.
- If approved, you will receive an extended payment deadline.
Step 3: Appeal the Screening Decision (Hearing Review)
If you are not satisfied with the screening officer’s decision, you can request a hearing review with an Administrative Penalty Tribunal officer.
How to Request a Hearing Review?
- You must submit a hearing request within 15 days of receiving the screening decision.
- The request must include detailed reasons explaining why you disagree with the decision.
- Once scheduled, you will receive a Notice of Time and Place, outlining your hearing date.
Request More Time to Appeal
- If you miss the 15-day deadline, you have up to 30 days from the screening decision date to request an extension.
- You must provide valid reasons for missing the deadline.
- A hearing officer will review your request and decide whether to grant an extension.
Step 4: Attend Your Hearing Review
How Hearing Reviews Are Conducted?
- All hearing reviews are held remotely via web conferencing.
- If you require an in-person hearing, you must submit an accommodation request in advance.
- Hearing reviews can also be conducted in writing if needed.
Accommodation Requests
- If you need special accommodations, contact tribunalaccess@toronto.ca or call 416-338-3412.
- Accommodations may include:
- In-person hearings instead of virtual hearings.
- Closed captioning services for those with hearing impairments.
Step 5: Authorized Representatives for Disputes
If you are the registered owner of the vehicle but cannot attend the dispute yourself, you can authorize a representative to act on your behalf.
Who Can Represent You?
- A lawyer.
- A licensed paralegal.
- A person authorized under the Law Society Act.
Authorized representatives can:
- Submit and attend a screening review or hearing review on your behalf.
- Present evidence and argue your case before the tribunal.
Key Takeaways for Disputing a Parking Violation in Toronto
| Step | Action | Deadline | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screening Review | Submit dispute online | Within 15 days of ticket issue date | Fine affirmed, reduced, or cancelled |
| Request More Time to Dispute | Submit an extension request | 16-30 days after ticket issue | If approved, dispute process begins |
| Request More Time to Pay | Submit online extension request | Within 15 days | If approved, extended payment deadline |
| Hearing Review | Appeal screening decision | Within 15 days of decision | Fine affirmed, reduced, or cancelled |
| Request More Time to Appeal | Submit an extension request | 16-30 days after screening decision | If granted, hearing review scheduled |
How Long Do You Have to Pay a Parking Ticket in Toronto?
When you receive a parking ticket in Toronto, you must act within a specific timeframe to avoid penalties.
- You have 15 days from the date the ticket was issued to either:
- Pay the fine in full.
- File a dispute if you wish to contest the ticket.
- After 15 days, late penalties may apply.
- If the fine is ignored for an extended period, it can lead to a vehicle registration block or further legal consequences.
To avoid any issues, it is always best to pay or dispute your ticket as soon as possible.
Parking Fines Toronto – What Are the Latest Rules and Penalties?
The City of Toronto introduced new parking fine increases in 2025 to curb illegal parking. Here are some key updates:
- Higher fines for over 100 parking violations.
- Stronger enforcement in high-traffic areas like downtown Toronto and near hospitals.
- Updated permit parking rules for residential areas.
- New technology such as digital payments and automated enforcement cameras.
Staying informed about these changes will help Toronto drivers avoid unnecessary fines.
Where Can You Find Your Parking Ticket Details in Toronto?
If you misplaced your parking ticket or need to check its status, you can find the details in the following ways:
- Online Lookup: Visit MyToronto Pay and enter your license plate or ticket number.
- City of Toronto Website: The official City of Toronto website provides an option to search for outstanding fines.
- Contacting Toronto Parking Enforcement: Call the Toronto Parking Violations Office for assistance.
Having access to your ticket details ensures that you stay informed and can resolve fines promptly.
How Is Parking Enforcement Managed in Toronto?
Toronto’s Parking Enforcement Unit is responsible for monitoring violations and ensuring compliance with city bylaws. The department operates under the Toronto Police Service and performs the following functions:
- Patrolling high-violation areas such as downtown streets and major intersections.
- Issuing parking tickets for infractions like illegal parking and expired meters.
- Assisting with towing and impoundment for illegally parked vehicles.
- Responding to complaints from residents and businesses regarding parking violations.
Toronto’s parking enforcement officers work 24/7 to ensure roads remain safe and accessible.
What Are the Best Ways to Avoid Parking Fines in Toronto?
To avoid getting a parking ticket in Toronto, consider the following tips:
- Read Parking Signs Carefully: Always check for no-parking, no-stopping, and time-restricted zones before parking.
- Use Mobile Parking Apps: Apps like Green P Parking help you find legal parking spots and avoid expired meters.
- Purchase a Residential Permit: If you frequently park overnight, consider applying for a Toronto parking permit.
- Follow Winter Parking Rules: Be aware of seasonal restrictions during winter months.
- Keep Track of Payment Receipts: If you pay for parking, always keep a receipt or confirmation.
By staying aware of Toronto’s parking laws, you can avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.
Conclusion
Parking fines in Toronto can be costly, but with proper knowledge and planning, drivers can avoid unnecessary penalties. The city’s strict enforcement policies aim to improve traffic management and safety.
By following Toronto’s parking regulations, using legal parking spots, and staying informed about new rule changes, drivers can prevent fines and contribute to a better city traffic system.
Being proactive about paying or disputing fines on time ensures that you stay compliant with city bylaws while avoiding unnecessary legal issues.
FAQs
How long do you have to pay a parking ticket in Toronto?
You must pay a parking fine within 15 days to avoid additional fees or penalties.
Can you appeal a parking ticket in Toronto?
Yes, you can dispute a ticket online or in person if you believe it was issued unfairly.
What happens if I ignore a parking ticket in Toronto?
Ignoring a ticket can result in late fees, collection actions, or a block on vehicle registration renewal.
How can I check my parking fine status?
You can check the status of a parking fine on the MyToronto Pay website.
Are parking fines higher in downtown Toronto?
Yes, fines in high-traffic areas tend to be more strictly enforced.
