City introduces yellow parking tickets July 28 with extended payment and review windows

Starting Tuesday, July 28, Ottawa's parking ticket system undergoes significant changes designed to give drivers more time to respond.

The most visible change is the ticket colour: tickets will shift from white to yellow, making them easier to spot on windshields.

For tickets issued on or after July 28, the payment timeline expands substantially. The early payment period increases from 7 days to 15 days. After 15 days, a set fee plus a Registered Owner Lookup fee applies, starting day 16. A first reminder notice goes to registered owners at this stage.

The period to pay the set fine extends from 30 days to 45 days. After 45 days, a late fee applies and a second reminder notice is issued. The total timeline before a ticket reaches default increases from 61 days to 76 days after issuance—the stage where automatic licence plate renewal may be denied until all fees are paid.

Drivers also gain more time to request a review by a screening officer. For tickets issued on or after July 28, the window is now 15 days after issuance, up from the previous timeline. The period for special circumstances has increased to 45 days. The timeline for appealing a review officer's decision remains unchanged.

The city has also clarified what constitutes "undue hardship" in the screening and hearing process, making the criteria easier to understand.

Payment options include online, in-person at any Client Service Centre or the Parking and APS Service Centre, and by mail. Tickets issued before July 28 continue under the old rules and timelines.