Parking Facilities Menu

Parking Enforcement Information

Parking enforcement is essential for establishing a safe, organized, and accessible urban environment. When parking rules are not enforced, our most vulnerable residents tend to suffer the most. Small businesses can struggle to maintain revenue because they cannot ensure necessary parking turnover for customers; disabled residents can find it difficult to navigate sidewalks when parked cars block critical access points to ramps and pedestrian areas; public transit can experience delays, affecting people commuting to work; and public safety vehicle needs can be compromised. 

Hours of Enforcement

The City established rates and hours of enforcement based on demand for turnover parking within the public right-of-way. The hours of enforcement are as follows:

  • Downtown/Central Business District (not including the Banks): 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 

  • The Banks (South of 2nd Street): 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 

  • Over-The-Rhine (South of 14th Street): 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 

  • Over-The-Rhine (North of 14th Street): 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 

  • Northside, Mt. Lookout, Hyde Park, and U-Square area in Uptown (Calhoun and McMillan Streets): 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday 

  • Other Neighborhoods: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday

The parking facilities division also enforces all other on-street signed parking restrictions as set by the Cincinnati municipal code. To submit a complaint for overtime parking (more than 24 hours), abandoned vehicles or other parking related complaints please submit the request to 311Cincy.

 

Rates + Hours

CLICK HERE to see the Parking Rates and Hours Dashboard.
Parking Fines

Paying your parking tickets promptly is crucial to prevent a range of escalating issues, including increased fines, vehicle impoundment, and negative impacts on your credit score or driving privileges. Below, you’ll find essential information about parking fines, including why and how to pay them, and how to contest them.​

Click here for a table of parking infractions and their corresponding fines.

All violations not listed in the table above are $65.

Note: Any violation not paid after 14 days will accrue an additional $10 fine. After 21 days the base fine of all violations will double (to a maximum fine of $100 for violations other than 508-36 and 508-1A (c)).

How to Pay Your Parking Tickets

We make it easy for you to pay your parking tickets with several convenient options:

Online Payment
Pay your parking ticket through our secure online portal. Simply pay the amount listed in the Fines Schedule.

By Phone
Call our toll-free number at 877-438-4941, available 24/7, and follow the prompts to complete your payment.

In-Person Payment
You can pay your fines in person by going to the City of Cincinnati Parking Violations Bureau (805 Central Ave., Suite 110 Cincinnati, OH, 45202) during office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday).​The following payment methods are accepted in person: cash, personal check (as long as the vehicle is not impounded or a block exists), money order, credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, or VISA, subject to a convenience fee).

Note: Please bring your copy of the parking infraction with you when making a payment. 

Pay By Mail

To pay by mail, send a check or money order (no cash) payable to “The City of Cincinnati Parking Violations Bureau” to the address provided above. Ensure you include your copy of the parking infraction with your payment.

Important Notice
Failure to pay your parking fines can result increased fines and, in certain circumstances, your vehicle may be impounded (see below for more details) or your vehicle registration privileges could be suspended.

How to Pay Your Parking Tickets

Paying your parking tickets on time is essential for several reasons:

  • Avoid Escalating Fines

    • Ignoring a parking ticket can lead to increased fines over time. The longer you wait, the more you may end up paying.

  • Prevent Vehicle Impoundment

    • Unpaid tickets may result in your vehicle being "booted," towed, or even impounded, which can lead to additional fees and major inconveniences.

  • Protect Your Credit Score

    • Unresolved parking tickets can potentially affect your credit score, making it difficult to obtain loans or rental agreements in the future.

  • Maintain Your Driving Privileges

    • In some states, failing to pay parking violations can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license, leaving you without the ability to legally drive.

  • Avoid Legal Complications

    • Accumulating unpaid tickets can result in legal action, including court appearances and further penalties.

How to Contest a Parking Ticket

If you decide not to pay the fine, you must request a hearing within 14 days of receiving the infraction. You can request a hearing online by visiting: https://cincinnati.citationportal.com.

Alternatively, you can request a hearing in person or by mail. To request a hearing in person, please visit the “The City of Cincinnati Parking Violations Bureau” at the address provided above between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you prefer to schedule a hearing by mail, please send your written request to the same address. Be sure to include your copy of the parking infraction with your request

If you have any further questions or require assistance, please feel free to reach out to our office during operating hours. Your prompt attention to parking tickets helps ensure safe driving and a more organized community!

Impoundment

If your vehicle has been towed and impounded by the City, please follow these steps to retrieve it:

  1. Pay any outstanding fines. You can find and pay these fines by looking up your license plate or VIN at https://cincinnati.citationportal.com/.

  2. Take your receipt to the City Police Impound Lot located at 3425 Spring Grove Ave.

Impound Lot Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 7 AM to 4 PM

  • Friday: 8 AM to 4 PM, and 9 PM to 2 AM (Saturday)

  • Saturday: 8 AM to 12 PM, and 9 PM to 2 AM (Sunday)

  • Sunday: 9 AM to 12 PM

The telephone number for the Impound Lot is 513-352-6370.

Requirements to Retrieve Your Vehicle:

  • A photo ID

  • Proof of ownership

Please note: there are impoundment, processing, and storage fees that must be paid at the lot.