Parking became a little more painful in Mt. Airy last month when the Philadelphia Parking Authority re-installed meters on the 7100 block of Germantown Avenue after a streetscape project was completed there.

Some got tickets. When you see that blue-and-white ticket fluttering from underneath your windshield, the finality of a parking ticket generally sets in. But how do you pay for that ticket and what to do if you want to contest it?

There are really two ways to handle a PPA violation—pay or contest it. We'll get to court in a second. First, there are four methods of payment, all with their own drawbacks and perks.

Online: If you take that ticket and visit the PPA's website, you can solve the problem quickly. The website is fairly easy to navigate, and as long as you have your ticket, it's in-and-out. Punch in your nine-character violation number and your information pops up. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Like all methods, the online ticket is an admission of liability. Note: There is a $2.50 web fee, which isn't enforced if you pay other ways.

Mail: As you may notice, each citation doubles as an envelope. Sign the ticket, write a check and fix a stamp to the envelope. This is probably the simplest way to do it and only costs you the price of a postage. Note: You mail the ticket to the Parking Violations Branch, P.O. Box 41818 Philadelphia, PA 19101—not the PPA. The city suggests you don't mail cash.

Phone: Surprisingly, the system is easy and automated. Call 888-591-3636 and punch in your info—that's 24/7. Again, only Visa and MasterCard are accepted. All you need is your violation number and credit card info.

In-person: To get that human feeling without all that fancy technology, you may pay the violation in person. The Parking Violations Branch is located at 913 Filbert St., and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contesting

The window to act on your ticket is 15 days—that's whether you're contesting it or not. In some towns, inaction automatically spurs on a court date. That's not the case in Philly. To request a hearing, request it in writing to the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, P.O. Box 13850, Philadelphia, PA 19101—make sure you write your ticket number on the request. The city will follow-up, via mail, with a court time.

You can also sign-up online for a court time—no extra fees. You still can contest a ticket after 15 days, but late fees will be assessed if you are found liable. Plus, it doesn't look as good in court if are late in filing.

It's a real court hearing, so you have a right to an attorney, can testify, are allowed to present evidence (pictures, tow receipts, and/or eyewitnesses) and appeal.

Bad meter?

If the stupid meter is busted and you still receive a ticket, there's a different process. You can report a broken meter through the phone, online and mail options listed above—it's the same number, website and PO Box. So if they agree with you, then you're off. Once again, be timely.

And, If I Do Nothing?

This is where the problems come in. Fines start rolling in—$20 after 15 days and another $25 after 30 days of inaction. That's not as big a deal as the actions that city could take—civil action (if your violations really pile up) and impounding your car. Just like most things in life, if you hope bad stuff goes away, you'll probably be disappointed.

Oh, No! I Lost the Ticket

Just because you misplaced your ticket doesn't mean the city has. It's a quick fix—email Gina Sanson at GSansone@philapark.org with your car's tag number and state, and she'll let you know the damage.

PPA FAQ
Paying Red Light Violation
Traffic Court