Disputing Parking Tickets

Guidelines for Disputing a Ticket

There must be evidence showing that the parking violation was not committed or that it occurred due to circumstances beyond the customer's control. Valid documentation of the evidence must be provided when the appeal is submitted. When appealing a MobileMeter violation, please include the MobileMeter transaction number. The following reasons are considered INVALID as a basis for appeal:

• Lack of knowledge of the parking regulations

• Failed to read the posted signs

• Only parked illegally for a short period of time

• Failure by the parking officer to ticket vehicle previously for similar offenses

• Late to class, work or an appointment

• Inability to pay the amount of the fine

• No other place to park

• Paid for the wrong space

If you question the validity of a parking ticket for some other reason, such as the meter was malfunctioning, please proceed with contesting the ticket by using the On-line Parking Ticket Appeal Form (By clicking on this link, you agree to be redirected to another website). 

Your dispute will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor for investigation. Disputes will be processed in the order in which they were received. If you haven't received a response back within 30 days' time, please give the Finance Department a call at (217) 384-2346.

If the ticket is ruled INVALID, you will receive a response notifying you that the ticket is void and any payment that you have made will be refunded. 

If the ticket is ruled VALID, you will receive a response notifying you of the reason why the ticket is valid. You will have 7 days from the date of the response to pay the ticket at the original fine.