Avoid Getting a Parking Ticket

15 Tips from Parking Services

Watch for Signs
- As the pressure for on-street parking continues to build, more areas of Burlington have posted parking restrictions.
- New residential areas, time limit zones and rush-hour areas are added each year
- Signs without specific times listed are in effect 24 hours a day
- Tow-a-way signs are not required for vehicles to be towed.
Read the Parking Meters and Machines
- Hurried motorists often forget to check the information on the meter or pay & display machines before activating the machine.
- Always make sure you check
  - The days and hours the meter is in effect.
  - Amount of time registered on the machine.
Be Courteous – Do Not Park in the Disabled Parking Spaces
- Show consideration for the parking spaces reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying a valid Disabled Person Parking Permit both on the street & on private property.
- When non-permit holders park in these spaces, those with disabilities are often left with no other parking alternative.
- Disabled Parking Permits, applications are available from the Ministry of Transportation at:
  - Motor Vehicle Licence Offices
    1. 3455 Fairview Street (905) 681-7343
    2. 760 Brant Street (905) 639-6691
  - Driver Examination Centre
    1. 1250 Brant Street (905) 632-5453
- vehicles that display valid disabled parking permits, may park at meters free.
Be Safety Conscious – Do Not Park in Fire Access Routes
- The intention of Fire Access Routes are to be kept free and clear for emergency vehicles.
- Fire Access Routes are generally found on private properties such as a shopping mall, school, townhouse complex, condominium, place of worship, nursing home, office building and at public facilities.
- Show consideration for emergency services vehicles and operators.
- Vehicles parked in these zones may hinder vital life safety measures.
- Remember, the life you save may be a relative or someone you know.
Stay Away from Corners
- The space at the end of the block is an inviting temptation to the frustrated driver looking for a parking space.
- Beware – The City requires vehicles to park at least 6 meters from the curb line of the intersecting street.
- The corner clearance by-law is intended to provide pedestrians, cyclists and motorists with a clear field of vision and plenty of space when approaching intersections.
Leave Bus Stops for Buses
- Drivers often pull into bus stops to wait for a friend, buy a cup of coffee or use a bank machine.
- Even a quick stop blocks the zone, forcing transit drivers to unload or load passengers on the street.
- This is a potential hazard for elderly and disabled passengers and an inconvenience for other motorists when the bus is unable to pull into the zone.
Park Safely at Schools
- Most schools have signed areas that are designed to accommodate motorists dropping off or picking up children.
- Drivers should not use the “No Stopping” or “No Parking” zones in the vicinity of schools.
- These areas must be kept clear to provide clear visibility for motorists and students.
- Drivers should never double park to load or discharge children from their vehicles.
- This places children in dangerous position of crossing lanes of traffic without seeing or being seen by other motorists.
Use Off Street Parking
- Utilizing off-street parking options will avoid the hassle of worrying about an expired meter, overtime parking or moving your vehicle before the beginning of rush hour.
- Metered and time limit areas are designed to encourage the turnover of vehicles in places where there is a high demand for on-street parking.
Know the Difference Between “No Parking” and “No Stopping”
- The No Stopping Anytime Signs
  1. This is the most restrictive parking regulations.
  2. Once a vehicle has ceased moving, even if occupied, it is stopped.
- No Parking Anytime symbol
  1. Means that drivers may use these zones while actually engaged in loading or unloading goods or to pick-up or discharge passengers.
  2. Remember, the key is “while actually engaged”.
  3. Do not leave your vehicle unattended in these areas
Respect Residential Parking Restrictions
- In responding to neighbourhood parking concerns, the City has established .
- An “exemption to the 3-Hour Limit” by-law.
- The Neighbourhood On Street Parking Program
Err on the Side of Caution
- Have I parked too close to the corner?
- What do those signs mean?
- Am I blocking another vehicle?
- If you’re not sure, find another spot.
- Parking Enforcement receives thousands of complaints each year from people inconvenienced by a poor parking decision.
Parking On Private Property
- Private property is defined as a shopping mall, school, townhouse complex, condominium, place of worship, nursing home, office building, etc.
- Read the signs as you enter the parking lot .
- Make yourself aware of the parking lot rules and regulations before you park.
“Un-assumed Road” in New Subdivisions
- The Developer or Builder posts these signs for their own benefit and liability.
- Don’t be fooled by these signs or make incorrect assumptions.
- All Services and By-laws apply to the subdivision and are subject to enforcement by the Police or City By-law Officer’s.
“Parking bays” or Road Indentations
- Parking bays are not exempt from the 3 hr by-law. You will be ticketed if you exceed the 3 hr limit.
- These areas are for convenient parking and are governed by the parking by-laws and are subject to the “3 Hour Limit” by-law if no other signs are posted.
Parking on Sidewalks
- At all times, sidewalks are built for pedestrians, whether they are walking, pushing a baby-stroller, in a wheelchair or for children playing.
- Vehicles are not permitted to park and obstruct sidewalks at any time.
- When parking in a driveway, ensure that the sidewalk is clear.