DRIVERS won’t have to cough up late fees for unpaid tickets under a new summer amnesty program starting June 1.
The limited-time offer gives people a chance to pay off old parking and traffic camera fines without extra penalties.
GettyStarting Sunday, old parking and camera tickets can be paid without late fees (stock image)[/caption]The offer is part of a push by the City of New Orleans to clear up any outstanding balances.
Starting Sunday, anyone with a parking ticket more than 30 days old or a traffic camera ticket more than 60 days old will be able to settle up with no late fees.
The program runs through August 31.
Drivers can either pay the full amount or choose an interest-free payment plan.
The deal is open to anyone, not just residents, reported Axios.
That means workers, tourists, or anyone who passed through the city and received tickets can pay their unpaid balances.
The city said this is its third time offering an amnesty period.
Similar programs were held in 2019 and 2022.
Drivers won’t have to worry about getting booted during the program.
Vehicle immobilization will be paused until the offer ends.
However, full penalties and enforcement will return after midnight on August 31.
Anyone who has already paid their late fees before the program started will not receive a refund.
Payments can be made online, over the phone, or in person at City Hall or the Auto Pound.
The city accepts checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, but not cash.
How to fight a parking ticket
You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made
Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid. Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too. Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid. Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees. When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument: “I didn’t know the law.” “I was on my way to move my car.” “I can’t afford this ticket.” “I’ve been doing this for years.” “I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.” Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.Source: Reader’s Digest
The online system is run by PromisePay, a platform that helps manage payment plans.
Some drivers may get a legitimate text message from PromisePay as part of the program outreach.
If you are unsure about a message, you can contact PromisePay directly.
The city said the program does not apply to moving violations issues by the New Orleans Police Department.
Those tickets must still be handled through traffic court.
Meanwhile, traffic cameras located in school zones across New Orleans are being shut down for the summer, per a press release.
All cameras should be turned off by July 14, but will resume snapping pics of speeding drivers when school starts again in August.
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