Few things sting more than walking back to your car and finding a bright slip tucked under your wiper. Parking tickets can cost anywhere from $25 to hundreds of dollars depending on the city, and repeat violations add up fast. The good news is that with some awareness and planning, most tickets are completely avoidable.

Pay attention to signage
It sounds simple, but many drivers get ticketed because they don’t read the signs carefully. Look for restrictions like “No Parking During Rush Hour,” “Permit Parking Only,” or time limits. Take a moment before leaving your car to double-check—it’s cheaper than paying a fine later.

Use parking apps for reminders
Apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero often send alerts when your meter is about to expire. These quick reminders can save you from an expensive ticket if you’re tied up at a meeting or enjoying dinner downtown.

Know your city’s enforcement patterns
Some cities are strict during rush hours but more relaxed on evenings or weekends. Learning when parking enforcement is most active can help you plan smarter and reduce the risk of fines.

Don’t push time limits
Even if a spot seems open-ended, enforcement officers are watching for vehicles that overstay. If you think you’ll be longer than expected, it’s better to choose a garage or lot with flat rates rather than gamble with street parking.

Keep change or a backup payment method handy
Meters can fail, apps can glitch, and cards may not swipe properly. Having a backup method like coins, a prepaid parking card, or a digital wallet ensures you can always cover your time.

Budget with gift cards or prepaid options
Using prepaid or digital parking gift cards not only helps you control costs but also ensures you always have parking funds ready. Plus, if you buy them through rewards apps, you can earn cashback on top of avoiding tickets.

By staying alert and using the right tools, you can steer clear of unnecessary fines. Every ticket you avoid is money saved that can be put toward something far more rewarding.