Got a Parking Ticket in Toronto? Screening and Hearing Reviews

Like many Ontario municipalities, Toronto handles most parking tickets through an administrative penalty system, not the provincial offences court.

Your options

1. Pay the penalty.
2. Request a screening review: a screening officer reviews the ticket and your explanation, and can confirm, reduce or cancel the penalty, or extend the time to pay.
3. Request a hearing review: if you disagree with the screening decision, a hearing officer can review it.

Good reasons to dispute

• The signs were missing, unclear or covered.
• The ticket has a serious mistake, such as the wrong plate or location.
• You had a valid permit or paid for parking.
• A genuine emergency.

Evidence to gather

• Photos of the signs, the spot and your car.
• Your parking receipt or app record.
• Your permit.

Deadlines matter

If you miss the deadlines, extra fees can be added, and unpaid penalties can stop you renewing your licence plate.

Pickering and Durham

Rules differ in each municipality, so read your notice for the steps where you were ticketed.

Sources

• City of Toronto: parking tickets
• Municipal Act, 2001

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A parking lot seen from above · A snowy neighbourhood street in Toronto.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.