Time to pay your pre-COVID parking ticket: Here’s what to know as Sacramento fees return

Sacramento will begin to go through its pre-pandemic collections list starting Thursday. If you have any overdue parking fines and late penalties from before the pandemic, you’ll want to get your wallet ready.

In 2020, the city decided to waive parking citation collections and fees for late payments. They also gave the go-ahead to provide free metered street parking on weekday evenings and all-day weekends.

Starting Nov. 4, however, the city will resume assessing parking penalties and collections. Parking management will continue normal, pre-pandemic operations on Jan. 3.

Here’s a rundown of what you should know about the return of parking fees:

How do I pay my parking fines?

You can pay your city parking fines and county parking fines online. Be sure to have your citation, or issue, number and credit or debit card handy.

If you want to mail a check or money order, you can do so by sending it to the City of Sacramento Revenue Services P.O. Box 2551, Sacramento.

You can also make a payment via phone call at 1-888-266-1314.

Currently, you cannot pay in person.

I was fined by mistake. How do I contest my citation?

Individuals have the option to contest fees online or by filling out a citation contest form and mailing it to the City of Sacramento Revenue Division at 915 I Street, Room 1214, Sacramento.

You must do so within 21 days of the issue..

According to the city website, decisions can take about 90 days to six months, and a court appearance is not required. More information about contesting parking fees can be found here.

Where can I park in Sacramento and avoid getting fined?

Sacramento has a variety of parking options. There are parking garages and parking lots with different rates and availability. Some of these garages also offer monthly parking.

Then, there’s also metered street parking. The city has an interactive map where you can find metered parking, time limits and garage entrances. If you’re out during a holiday, meters are free.

You can also find discounted parking programs and free parking for motorcycles.

If you have an electric vehicle, there are special monthly parking rates at specific facilities.

This story was originally published November 4, 2021 at 3:47 PM.