Appeal Parking Tickets & Towing Fees - Ottawa Bylaws

Transportation Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

In Ottawa, Ontario, drivers can contest parking tickets and dispute towing or storage charges under municipal parking enforcement rules. This guide explains common appeal routes, where to find official forms, who enforces the rules, and practical steps to preserve evidence and meet deadlines.

How to start an appeal or review

Most parking tickets and towing disputes begin with an initial review request to City of Ottawa parking and by-law services. You can request a review online, by mail, or in person; follow the city instructions and keep the ticket or tow receipt. For formal court challenges, parking matters are handled through the provincial offences process if you do not resolve the matter administratively.[1]

  • Request a review as soon as possible and note any time limits quoted on the ticket or the city review page.
  • Gather evidence: photos, witness names, permit copies, and receipts for towing or repairs.
  • If the administrative review is denied, prepare to file with the provincial offences court within the timelines shown on the denial notice.
Start the administrative review quickly to avoid missing short deadlines.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Ottawa parking and by-law enforcement staff and, where applicable, provincial offences officers. The city posts procedures for disputes and impounds on its official pages.[1]

  • Fine amounts: specific dollar amounts for parking offences and towing/storage fees are listed on the city’s official pages or on the ticket/tow receipt; if a precise figure is not shown on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page".
  • Escalation: the city may list different penalties for first, repeat, or continuing offences; if escalation details are not published on the cited page, they are "not specified on the cited page".
  • Non-monetary sanctions: officers may issue orders, seize vehicles for obstruction or unsafe conditions, or refer matters to provincial offences court.
  • Enforcer and contacts: By-law and Regulatory Services / Parking Services handle parking enforcement and towing inquiries; use the official contact pages to report or request reviews.[2]
  • Appeals and time limits: administrative review timelines and subsequent court appeal deadlines are listed by the city; if a specific time period is not on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page".
If you receive a tow receipt, keep it safe as it is required to reclaim your vehicle.

Applications & Forms

The City of Ottawa publishes an online review/dispute process for parking tickets and information about towed vehicles and storage fees on its website. If the city does not publish a named form or a form number on the official page, then the name/number is "not specified on the cited page" and you should follow the online instructions on the city site.[1]

Practical submission methods:

  • Online dispute portal or web form where available.
  • Contact the listed parking services phone or in-person counter for instructions on paper submissions.

Action steps

  • Do not discard the ticket or tow receipt; photograph it immediately.
  • Request an administrative review within the period shown on the ticket or city page.
  • If denied, file promptly with the provincial offences court following the denial notice instructions.

FAQ

How long do I have to request a review of a parking ticket?
The time to request an administrative review is set out on the ticket or the city review page; if no time is listed on the cited page it is not specified on the cited page.
Who decides towing and storage fees?
Towing and storage fees are charged according to city schedules or contracted towing operators and are described on the city’s towed-vehicles page; if a schedule is not on the cited page it is not specified on the cited page.
Can I get my vehicle back before paying?
Procedures vary; consult the city’s impound instructions for reclaim steps and any required documentation.

How-To

  1. Document the scene: take photos of signage, meter, vehicle position, and the ticket or tow receipt.
  2. Use the City of Ottawa online review portal or follow the listed submission steps to request an administrative review.[1]
  3. If the review is denied, follow the denial notice to file with provincial offences court within the deadline given on the notice or by the court.
Keep copies of all communications and proof of payment if you pay to retrieve a vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Start the administrative review quickly and meet posted deadlines.
  • Collect clear evidence at the scene to support your dispute.
  • Use official City of Ottawa contact pages for forms, fees, and appeal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Ottawa - Dispute a parking ticket
  2. [2] City of Ottawa - Towed vehicles and impound

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.