|
Let's face it, if Osama bin Laden and a meter maid both came strolling toward your car, you'd probably think, "Oh no, here comes a meter maid." Parking tickets -- a nuisance to some, source of nightmares to others. So why pay? For one thing, many states, such as California, won't renew your car registration if you have outstanding tickets. According to the Los Angeles Parking Violations Bureau, your tax refund can also be withheld. And consider the fines. San Francisco, for
example, adds an additional $25 after 21 days of non-payment, another $35 after 50 days. Other cities, like Seattle, tack on similar amounts. Many municipalities send unpaid tickets to collection agencies, which can affect your credit rating. Roanoke has taken to public shaming. Even worse, if you have five or more
unpaid citations, that city will employ the dreaded wheel immobilization device, aka "The Boot." Three unpaid tickets will get you booted in Denver, Phoenix, and Philadelphia. LA and San Francisco clamp down after five. If you get booted in San Francisco, you have 72 hours to pay what you owe plus $75 for removal. After that, a worst-case scenario ensues: Your car can be towed. The fee for that is $184.75. If it's impounded for more than four hours, charges accrue at $35.75 per day, plus fees. Boise recently
offered an amnesty for scofflaws. But don't count on that where you live. If you can't pay the fine...don't do the crime, bro.
|
