Parking Tickets with VIN # only

[PhillyDriver]

What is the name of your state? PA

I just spent the past hour reading these threads, but still had some questions.

I just received notice about 23 unpaid parking tickets from 2002 - 2003 in Philadelphia when I was attending college there. Same story as the others, I was struggling for money and didn't pay them. I thought I would get something in the mail to my parents' house about a fine and be forced to pay them then. This didn't happen. I recall reading somewhere that if all the information isn't filled out, then you do not have to pay the tickets. Well, it wasn't the best neighborhood I was living in, so my license plate was cut because somebody stole the registration sticker and it was missing a whole letter from the front. The VIN number was used on the ticket. Being young, naive, and stupid, I thought this may have fell thru the cracks. It was hard to find a parking spot and I gradually got more and more tickets.

Feeling guilty and having a suspicious feeling these wouldn't go away, I started saving money to pay them off and made sure if I got any more, to pay them off right away. When I saved a good amount, I checked online to see which tickets I owed, and only saw a few from my new full license plate. I paid them all off, but still didn't think something was right, so I did a search by ticket number and saw all the rest.

The late fees were already added on, and still didn't receive notice of any of them. I realize they dont HAVE to notify me, as I should be responsible to pay them myself. So I figured I'd wait until after college was done to pay for them when I could afford them a bit easier.

Well, I've graduated about a year ago now, and making just a bit more money. I now received the notice. However, its about $1000, which is still a lot of money for me. I realize it is my fault, I messed up, and I am prepared to fix the situation if I have to.

However, I was wondering, if they don't have my liscense plate number on the ticket, only the VIN, am I still responsible for the payment?

If so, can I make a deal with them to lower the fine or make payment plans?

I see every few years that they will have an amnesty day where you can pay off all your tickets without a fine. Is it worth waiting to see if this will happen again in the next few years?

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the help!

 

[Bravo8]

The license plate certainly wouldn't be required in this instance, as the VIN is more accurate anyway in identifying your vehicle.

Your driver's license is likely suspended as well.

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: However, I was wondering, if they don't have my liscense plate number on the ticket, only the VIN, am I still responsible for the payment?

A: Actually, the VIN is more accurate than the tag. Tags can be switched, VINs cannot.


Q: If so, can I make a deal with them to lower the fine or make payment plans?

A: I doubt that you will be rewarded for failing to pay, but you could always try.

 

[Fat Tony]

And amnesty days, at least here in Ohio, generally only relate to moving violations, not parking tickets. Is the car in your name? Have you been able to renew your registration each year?

 

[PhillyDriver]

Thanks for the help, all.

Yes, I was able to register each year without any problems. This is the first I've been hearing about these tickets since it happened.

I always figured that it slipped through the cracks, but it would eventually come back to get me (which it obviously did).