Ann Arbor parking fines and late charges to increase Thursday

Expired parking meter fines are increasing from $15 to $20.

The major changes are in the discounts and late fee penalties. The current fee structure offers the fine amount, a discount for paying by the end of the next business day, a 14-day late fee and a default payment after that. The new structure adds a 30-day late fee - but also applies the discount to several new ticket types.

So, for instance, if you received a ticket for parking on a lawn extension today, you would pay $35 - or $45 after 14 days and $55 after that. Starting Thursday, you could pay $25 if you paid by the end of the next business day, $35 until 14 days, $55 after 14 days, $75 at 30 days and $85 for a default payment.

• See the complete list of tickets and fines

The actual fine amounts don't increase in many areas - except parking meters. Expect to pay $20 for an expired meter instead of $15 after Thursday. And if you don't pay within 30 days, you'll be slapped with $70 in fees instead of $40.

The changes don't impact the hours of enforcement. In recent months, the City Council and Downtown Development Authority have been debating whether to extend parking meter enforcement hours past 6 p.m. in downtown.

The new Public Parking & Transportation Demand Management Strategies Plan recommends shifting enforcement of on-street parking meters so they extend three hours later to 9 p.m. That plan, which has been opposed by many downtown businesses and employees, has not been approved by the council.

According to city information released today, the updated parking fee structure includes three components:

• Violations are grouped into four categories and fines are standardized by category (expired meter, minor and near hazard, hazard and nuisance).
• An additional penalty is added to every fine at 30 days.
• A $10 discount is offered for early payment of all fines.

Parking fines can still be paid in one of four ways:

• Via mail (check or money order only) to City of Ann Arbor Processing Center, P.O. Box 2066, Tarrytown, N.Y., 10591.
• Online at the city’s website.
• Calling 866-890-4982
• The 24-hour drop box outside City Hall at 100 North Fifth Avenue.

A complete overview of the new and former fees and late charges are available on the city’s website.