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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Common Parking Violations

Information about common parking violations and how to avoid them.
Page updated on April 30, 2022 at 5:23 PM

Parking in Alexandria

  • Parking Homepage
  • Parking in Old Town
    • Motorcoach Parking
    • Discount Employee Parking Program
    • Parking at Union Station (Amtrak & VRE)
  • Parking Tickets
    • Vehicle Impound
  • Parking Restrictions & Districts
    • Residential Parking Permits
    • Guest Parking Permits
  • Pay-by-Phone
    • Residential Pay by Phone Parking Program
  • Curbside Loading/Pickup Zones
  • Parking Studies

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COVID-19 Information

As part of the City’s response to the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 coronavirus disease, requests for adjudication of parking citations cannot be submitted in person at this time. You may submit an electronic request using our online portal. 

Please also be advised that although our office will continue to provide a response to requests for parking adjudication as quickly and comprehensively as possible, we may require additional time in light of the City's resources being expended on the COVID-19 response.

Contesting a Parking Citation

If you feel a citation was issued due to an administrative error, the registered vehicle owner or another authorized person may request an administrative review by the City’s Parking Adjudication Office within 10 calendar days of the issue date by using the City's Online Citation Adjudication system. There is a $10 fee to dispute a citation with the Parking Adjudication Office, which is waived if the citation is waived. To submit your contest to the Parking Adjudication Office, please follow the link below:

REQUEST AN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

If your citation does not qualify for an administrative review, or is upheld after an administrative review, the registered vehicle owner or other authorized person may contest the citation in the Alexandria General District Court, Traffic Division. Continue reading for additional information on the review process and common violations.

Frequently Asked Parking Citation Questions

What does the Parking Adjudication Office do?

A: The Parking Adjudication Office conducts administrative reviews of parking citations to correct for errors or oversights of law made by City at the time of issuance. Outside of these parameters, this office does not have the authority to void citations.

Who may contest a citation?

A: The registered owner, or other authorized person having possession of the vehicle when the violation occurred, may contest a parking citation through either the Parking Adjudication Office or the General District Court.

What happens once I contest a citation through the Parking Adjudication Office?

A: Once a contest has been received, all submitted information and documents will be entered into a single source database to be reviewed by the Parking Adjudication Office. All parking fees, including late fees, will be suspended during the appeals process. Once a final determination has been made, you will receive notification at the provided email address.

What information should be included with the contest?

A: Please include the parking citation number, along with relevant supporting documentation and a brief narrative describing why you are contesting the citation. Depending on the violation you have received, helpful documentation may include, but is not limited to:

  • Contemporaneous Photographs of the Vehicle or Sign
  • Death Certificates
  • Deployment Orders
  • Doctor’s Notes
  • ParkMobile Session Reports (showing both the license plate number and session times)
  • Pay Station Receipts
  • Personal Property Tax Payments
  • Police Reports
  • Vehicle Bill of Sales
  • Vehicle Registrations
  • Other Evidence Confirming Vehicle Location or Valid Mitigating Circumstances

Once a contest is submitted, you may be asked to provide additional information.

How much time do I have to contest the parking citation?

A: The registered vehicle owner, or other authorized person, may request an administrative review by the City’s Parking Adjudication Office within 10 calendar days of the citation’s issue date. Contests to the General District Court must occur within 3 years of the citation’s issue date.

Can I contest a citation by mail?

A: Yes. Please submit your contest to City of Alexandria, 301 King Street, Box 43, Alexandria, VA  22314.
Note: To request a special accommodation, please call 703.746.3974.

Is there a fee to contest a parking citation?

A: Yes. If the violation is upheld, a $10 adjudication fee will be added to the fine.  If the citation is dismissed, the adjudication fee will be waived.

What if I contest a citation and I disagree with a violation that is upheld?

A: Those who contest a violation, but disagree with the adjudicator's decision, may appeal to the Alexandria General District Court, Traffic Division.

How do I contest a citation with the General District Court?

A: To schedule a hearing, fill out the General District Court form. A new form must be completed for each citation contested. Once your request has been processed, you will receive information concerning your court date through the mail. You may request a form to schedule a hearing:

  • By downloading the form online at  alexandriava.gov/ParkingCitations
  • By phone at 703.746.3941

The completed form must be emailed to courtPTappeal@alexandriava.gov or mailed to City of Alexandria Revenue Division, 301 King St., Box 22, Alexandria, VA 22314, along with copies of the parking citation and the registered owner’s driver's license. Once you schedule a court hearing, you forfeit your ability to prepay the citation and your request cannot be removed or adjusted by the City’s Finance Department.

Hearings must be scheduled in advance and cannot be scheduled by physically appearing at the General District Court.

When does the General District Court hear parking citation cases?

A: Hearing dates and times are subject to the availability of the issuing officer and court. Hearings are scheduled Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. If you schedule a hearing in the General District Court, you will be required to appear in court at 9:30 a.m. and wait until your case is called. Please note that this does not mean that you case will be heard at 9:30 a.m., only that you must be present in court at that time. If your case is not called on the appointed date, immediately notify the Clerk of Court.

What if I cannot attend the hearing date?

A: If you cannot appear on your assigned court date, contact the General District Court at 703.746.4041 as soon as possible. The Court will decide what course of action you must take.

What happens if the parking citation I contested with the court is upheld?

A: If the citation is upheld, you will be assessed the original fine plus any court costs. Court costs are typically $63 but are at the discretion of the judge.

How can I pay for the parking citation?

A: Please visit alexandriava.gov/ParkingCitations for information on how to pay a parking citation.

What will happen if I fail to pay my parking citation in a timely manner?

A: Failure to pay or contest the citation may result in the issuance of a notice to the registered owner to appear in court and answer to the violation for which the citation was issued. In addition, a delinquent citation may result in withholding of the vehicle registration renewal by the Virginia DMV. The City will also authorize a collection agency to use all possible legal means to satisfy the outstanding citations(s), and you will be subject to additional collection fees.

Is there a late fee for unpaid citations?

A: If the fine is not paid, or the citation is not contested within 30 days after the citation is issued, a late payment fee of $25 will be assessed. Additional collection fees may also apply.

What happens if I have more than one parking citation outstanding?

A: Three (3) delinquent citations may result in the immobilization of your vehicle.

What denomination are payments processed in?

A: All payments are processed in U.S. dollars.

What is the Privacy Policy for the information I provide for my parking citation?

A: We are committed to protecting your privacy. Security measures for this site have been taken to protect against loss, misuse or alteration of the information you provide; and industry standard encryption methods are used to assure security. Your information is collected for processing purposes only and will not be sold. Nevertheless, it is crucial that, as a user, you protect against unauthorized access to your password and to your computer and that you always sign off when finished using a shared computer. Further, you should be aware that no system is impenetrable. Thus, it is your responsibility to diligently monitor your credit card statements, bank statements and similar personal information so as to discover and address as quickly as possible any misuse of your personal information.

What is the Refund Policy once the payment has been processed for my citation?

A: No refunds are issued via the City's payment site. If you believe you have submitted a payment in error, please contact us at the number that is listed on your statement. If you believe a charge has appeared on your credit card statement by an act of fraud, please contact your issuing bank. Your issuing bank will then contact us on your behalf. Do not contact the merchant directly in this instance. If you believe there was a duplicated charge to your credit card, please contact us at the number that is listed on your statement.

Who should we contact to ask additional questions?

A: You may contact  703.746.4800 with questions. When leaving a message, please provide the parking citation number and/or license plate number.

What should I do if my vehicle has been impounded?

A: If your vehicle has been impounded but you paid the City’s Collection Agent, Nationwide Credit Corporation (NCC) for delinquent parking tickets, you must do all three of the following before going to the Impound Lot to pick up your vehicle:

  1. Pay in full all tickets that are referred to NCC;
  2. Obtain a copy of an official receipt directly from NCC, and;
  3. Confirm that all other tickets not yet referred to NCC are paid in full. You can confirm this either at City Hall, Room 1510 (Treasury Division), or online at alexandriava.gov/Payments

Please be sure to save yourself time and unnecessary problems at the Impound Lot by carefully following each of these steps before trying to reclaim your vehicle.

Common Parking Violations

Expired meter/misuse of meter

  • There is no grace period allowed after the expiration of a parking meter. Parking Enforcement Officers must cite a vehicle if the meter has expired, regardless of how much or how little time has passed since expiration.
  • Vehicles parked in spaces covered by the City's multi-space meters must have a meter receipt displayed on the dashboard, where required, in such a way that the date and time information is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. If a meter is broken or fails to print a receipt, the user must obtain a receipt from another meter or use ParkMobile. Additionally, for meters that require recording a license plate number, the license plate number must be entered correctly.
  • When using ParkMobile, the City's mobile parking app, the vehicle operator is responsible for entering all information correctly, as well as starting and stopping the parking session at the appropriate times. If a citation is issued as the result of a ParkMobile user error, the citation is valid.
  • If you have proof that the vehicle properly displayed a valid pay station receipt when the citation was issued, please provide any photographs or other evidence to support your contest.
  • If you made a ParkMobile payment with the accurate license plate and zone numbers, please submit the relevant detailed ParkMobile session report showing the license plate number, parking zone number, start time, end time, and date.
  • If you made payment at a pay to park meter when the citation was issued, please provide a copy of the receipt, if available.

Illegally parking in a permit parking district

  • The residential permit parking ordinance prohibits on-street parking for more than two or three hours during varying time periods except for vehicles displaying a corresponding residential parking permit. The City's Transportation Division posts signs in each block of the parking districts describing the time limits, hours of enforcement, and any applicable residential parking -permit holder exemptions. Only vehicles displaying a valid residential, visitor, guest, or health care provider parking permit are exempt from these restrictions. Additionally, all other posted restrictions remain effective unless specifically noted. The residential parking permit must be replaced and displayed on or before the expiration date each year.
  • Note: Proof of purchase does not constitute proof of display.
  • If you have proof that the vehicle displayed a valid parking permit or the vehicle was not parked on the noted block when the citation was issued, please provide any photographs or other evidence to support your contest.

Failure to display a current state license plate

  • Upon moving into Virginia or purchasing a new vehicle, vehicle owners have 30 days to register with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and purchase a license plate. Vehicle registrations must be renewed by the expiration date noted on the motor vehicle registration. Vehicles are prohibited for being operated or parked upon a highway unless it is registered and displays the license plate and decal for the current registration period.
  • If the vehicle registration was renewed prior to the issuance of the citation, please submit a copy of the motor vehicle registration from the relevant department of motor vehicles.

Failure to display a current state inspection sticker

  • Every vehicle operating in Virginia must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. Generally, all new car dealerships perform inspections. Many garages that repair vehicles are also licensed to perform inspections and will display a large white sign with blue lettering designating them as official inspection stations. Many businesses advertise inspection services in the local phone directory. To find safety inspection stations near you, you can also contact the Safety Division Area Office for Northern Virginia by email or by phone at 703.803.2622. The cost for a safety inspection is $16 for motor vehicles and recreation vehicles, and $12for motorcycles.
  • Note: Proof of purchase does not constitute proof of display.
  • If the vehicle was validly inspected prior to the issuance of the citation, or covered by an active rejection sticker, please submit a copy of the inspection certification from the relevant agency.

Parking in a handicap parking space

  • Only vehicles that properly display a valid disabled parking license plate or placard are permitted to park in designated disabled parking spaces. Vehicles that do not display a disabled parking plate or an active placard are not permitted to park, stand, or stop in designated disabled parking spaces. Disabled parking spaces need only be marked by signs; no marking on the pavement or curb is required.
  • If you have proof that the vehicle displayed a valid handicap placard when the citation was issued, please provide any photographs or other evidence to support your contest.

Other Common Parking Issues

  • No vehicle may be parked less than 15 feet from any corner.
  • No vehicle may be parked less than 15 feet from a fire hydrant.
  • Generally, it is illegal to park a vehicle on the City streets for more than 72 consecutive hours.
  • In time restricted parking areas, a vehicle may not remain parked within the same block beyond the posted time limit. Citations can be avoided by not parking on a block beyond the permitted time.
  • Commercial vehicles cannot be parked overnight in residential areas.
  • It is illegal to perform repair or maintenance on a vehicle parked on the street or in a public parking lot.
  • Parking any vehicle in any alley or court is prohibited unless expressly permitted by an official sign.
  • Vehicles must be parked with the right side of the vehicle parallel to the curb unless the street is designated as "one way."
  • In Virginia, it is illegal to transfer ownership of a vehicle without removing the license plates.
  • If a vehicle is booted, the responsibility is on the owner to resolve the issue.
  • Vehicles displaying a disabled license plate and/or disabled parking placard are permitted to park up to 4 hours for free at single/multi-space meters and twice the posted times in time restricted parking zones.
  • No portion of a vehicle is permitted to park contrary to a posted parking sign.
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Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

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