Parking FAQs

I received a ticket for an expired plate, but actually have registered my vehicle. What should I do?

If your vehicle was registered prior to the date upon which you received the ticket, the court may waive one citation with proof of registration. If your vehicle was not registered at the time that the citation was issued, but you have subsequently registered the vehicle, the court will reduce the fine by 50 percent (for one citation) with proof of registration. To request a waiver or fine reduction, fill out a written appeal and attach the registration documentation to your appeal.

Please note that you are obligated to display current registration on your license plate at all times. Simply having the registration is not good enough. If you have not already done so, place the new year and month decals on the license plate. In the future, please be mindful of the expiration of the license plates, re-register the plates, and place the decals on the plate in a timely manner and in the correct fashion. The court will not waive citations for repeat violations, even if the registration is current.

Why did I receive a citation for failing to have a front plate?

Under Colorado law, if your vehicle is registered in Colorado, you are required to display front and rear plates on your vehicle. The license plate cannot be placed in the windshield. See Colorado Revised Statute Section 42-3-202.

Why did I get a ticket for parking in front of my own driveway or alley?

It is unlawful to park within 5 feet of a driveway or alley, even if it is in front of your own property. This ordinance is designed to promote safety. A vehicle parked within 5 feet of an alley or driveway may block the view of vehicles entering and exiting the driveway or alley, creating a safety hazard.

Why can't I park on the sidewalk?

No part of a vehicle may be parked on the sidewalk. Pedestrians and wheelchair users should not have to go around any portion of a vehicle.

Why was I issued a ticket for parking a vehicle in my own yard or on my property?

The city has adopted various rules governing the use of land. Some of these rules prohibit parking in a yard or on private property. See Boulder Revised Code Section 9-9-1, et.seq. Before parking vehicles on your property, you should contact the city's planning department to make sure that you have the legal right to park in the desired area. Contact, 303-441-1880. The fact that others park on their property without receiving a citation does not mean that you may park vehicles in your yard or on other parts of your property.

I received a citation for parking where permit required, but moved my vehicle to another space within the time limit. Why did I receive a ticket?

The signs posted in permit areas state that you can only park once per day in a certain color zone. This means that you cannot return to any part of the zone, even if you were not there for the full amount of time authorized. These zones can consist of many blocks. The purpose of this rule is to allow everyone a specific amount of time for parking, after which they must move out of the zone completely, allowing someone else the same opportunity.

How do I obtain a parking permit for my neighborhood?

For information on the Neighborhood Parking Program, please contact Parking Services, at 303-413-7300.

What information do I need to provide when I am disputing a handicapped only parking violation?

If you have a handicapped placard, the court may waive your fine. To request a waiver, fill out a written appeal and attach a copy of the placard to your appeal. If you do not believe that the space was adequately marked as a handicapped space, you may appeal the citation or set the case for trial, where a judge will decide if the space was adequately marked.

Do I have to pay to park, even if I have a handicap placard or plate?

Yes. In Boulder, handicap spaces are liberally provided in close proximity to restaurants and shops throughout the city's pay to park zones. However, you must still pay to park in these areas in the same way that others must pay to park.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 October 2012 08:26