AuthorPPA Staff

If you saw last month’s #TBT, you took a stroll into the past and saw the opening ceremony for our old Rittenhouse Square Garage. This time around, we’re taking a glance at an artist’s sketch before it was built.

Before excavation began on February 10, 1953, this artist rendering gave a near perfect glimpse of what the Rittenhouse Square Garage would look like. Nowadays, the garage is still nestled at 18th and Walnut Streets right across from Philly’s treasured Rittenhouse Square Park. So the next time you’re at the Rittenhouse Farmers Market or taking your dog for a walk in the park, glance over to 18th and Walnut Streets.

There you have it. Another trip down the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s (PPA) memory lane. While you’re here check out the discounts we offer at our current garages!

And yet again, we’d like to thank Margery Sly, Director of the Special Collections Research Center at Temple University, for continuing to share pieces of PPA history with us.

Have you ever had to make a trip to our Parking Violations Branch (PVB)? If so, it was probably because you had to pay for a parking ticket. Or maybe you needed to pay towing and impoundment fees. We know — it probably wasn’t the highlight of your day. But we want to make sure your trip to the PVB is quick so you can go about your day.

How can we make your PVB trip quick? By answering your questions before arriving. So check out our PVB FAQs we’ve gathered below. But if you’re not getting answers, let’s hear your concerns on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) and we’ll get you squared away.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

Ticketing:

Question: I had my kiosk reciept on the dashboard; why did I receive a ticket?

Answer: If you received a violation and had your kiosk receipt in your vehicle, there are many reasons why you may have received a citation. Here are a few examples: it’s possible that the receipt flipped over when you closed your door, your time may have expired, or perhaps, due to inclement weather, the expired time was simply illegible.

Question: I received an inspection expired violation, but I have proof that my car was inspected. What should I do?

Answer: If you received an expired inspection violation, you must send in a copy of your Emissions Report (which can be obtained from your mechanic) using any of the options listed here.

Question: Is there a statute of limitations on parking tickets?

Answer: There are no statute of limitations for parking tickets.

Question: How many tickets can I receive before my car registration is suspended?

Answer: Vehicle must have six or more open parking tickets issued within the last three years.

Question: How do I find out how many tickets I have?

Answer: There are three ways to find out how many tickets you have:

1. Call the Parking Violations Branch at 1-888-591-3636. This is an automated system so be sure to use the following prompts to reach a representative: 1, 4, 5 and 1 again.
2. Reach out to us via X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook.
3. Send your inquiry to the City of Philadelphia, P.O Box 41818, Philadelphia, PA 19101.

Ticket Payment and Contesting Options:

Question: What forms of payment do you take?

Answer: We accept the following forms of payment:

1. By mail: Parking Violations Branch, P.O. Box 41818 Philadelphia, PA 19101-1818. Check or money order should be made out to “City of Philadelphia” and include the ticket number being paid. Do not send your check to the Philadelphia Parking Authority. For your peace of mind, please do not mail cash.
2. In person: Parking Violations Branch, 913 Filbert Street Philadelphia, PA 19107. Weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
3. By phone: Call (888) 591-3636 to pay by Visa, Mastercard or Check. After the voice response system introduction, press “1″ and have your credit card or bank account information ready. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please note there is a $3.50 processing fee for over the phone payments.
4. Online: Payments may be submitted online here. Please note there is a $3.50 processing fee for online payments.

Question: How do I get on a payment plan?

Answer: You may qualify for a payment plan if you are unable to pay in full. Call 888-591-3636 for more information. In general, the amount owed must be over $125, you must make a down payment of 25% and you must provide an eligible credit card, debit card or checking account from which automated monthly payments can be electronically withdrawn. The minimum monthly payment is $20 and the maximum term is 12 months.

Question: Where can I pay a Red Light Ticket?

Answer: If the Red Light Violation is not past-due, you have four ways to make a payment.

1. By mail: To the address that is on both Notices’ of Violation.
2. In person: At 45 N. 8th Street
3. Over the phone: 1-844-248-0449.
4. Online: Red Light Violations under 30 days old can be paid here. Please Note: To make online or over the phone payments, you will need your Notice Number and your PIN.

If the violation has gone past-due, you have four ways to make payment.

1. By mail: To Parking Violations Branch, P.O. Box 41819, Philadelphia, Pa 19101
2. In Person: At 913 Filbert Street
3. Over the phone: 1-888-591-3636.
4. Online: Red Light Violations over 30 days old can be paid here.

Question: I want to contest a ticket, but am unable to in person. What are my options?

Answer: If you are unable to attend an in-person hearing, you have multiple options for contesting a ticket. Click here for more details.

Booting and Towing Questions:

Question: How many tickets do I need to get on the boot list?

Answer: If you accumulate three or more unpaid parking tickets, your vehicle is eligible to have one of our yellow metal boots attached to it.

Question: Why was my car towed right after being booted without giving me a chance to pay?

Answer: If your vehicle was towed right after being booted, it could have been due to obstruction of rush hour traffic or because it was simply parked in a tow-away zone. For more information pertaining to booting and towing, please visit the Laws & Enforcement section of our website.