How to Write a Parking Fine Appeal Letter

Introduction

Address the letter to the appropriate authority. Even though you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, make sure that you are aware of the department which handles these appeals in your area. Begin by stating the broad facts, which will include the concerned area (street, city), your car number and make, name of officer on duty, and the offense or report number. Also make it clear whether you are requesting a waiver, leniency or denying the charge.

Body

The body will be the most essential part of your letter, where you will provide a detailed description of the violation and how it took place. Explain your urgency, innocence or even negligence regarding the offense.  Make sure that you have a good enough reason to base your appeal on. Here you must make sure that you are being honest and just stating the true facts related to the situation. Use a polite and descriptive tone rather than being complaining and questioning the judgment.  Support your statement with any evidence you have – photos, eye witnesses etc. If you feel that you had parked in a no-parking zone but there was no evident sign, then return to the scene and take photos.

Conclusion

In the final paragraph, humbly request the authorities to look into the matter. Conclude by saying that you value their judgment but are looking forward to a favorable outcome. Provide them your contact details so that they can easily reach you.

Considerations

It is important that you look for ways to defend yourself. If you have not violated any parking laws in the past, now is the time to talk about it. However, make sure that your statements are relevant and brief.  Don’t elaborate on complex details but instead make a promise that you will abide by the laws in the future.

Tips:

– Don’t take it personal, the authorities are just performing their duty and will show some sort of leniency if you are a first-time offender.

– Don’t make unreasonable requests.