CLAMPED OR FINED
Clamped, fined, or towed?
A clamp is not the end of your day. It exists under the Bye-Laws to secure payment — once the fee and penalty are settled, it comes off.
Why vehicles get clamped
A vehicle may be clamped under the Bye-Laws if it is parked without payment, stays beyond the time paid for, or is parked in contravention of the parking rules. Bye-Laws s.14. Schedule 2007 s.6.
What to do — four steps
- Don’t try to remove the clamp. Damaging or removing a clamp is an offence — a fine of up to E500 or up to 3 months’ imprisonment. Schedule 2007 s.6(2).
- Contact the number on your notice, or speak to the Inspector on your street.
- Settle what’s owed. The parking fee, plus the overstay penalty if it applies: E20 for the first 10 minutes over, then a flat E70. Schedule 2007.
- The clamp is released.
Amounts at a glance
| What | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | E2.50 per 30 minutes | Gazetted Schedule |
| Overstay — first 10 minutes | E20 | Sch. 2007 |
| Overstay — beyond 10 minutes | E70 flat | Sch. 2007 |
| Damaging or removing a clamp | Up to E500 or 3 months | Sch. 2007 s.6(2) |
| General contravention of the Bye-Laws | Up to E300, or up to 6 months; continuing offences up to E300 per day | Bye-Laws s.17(2) |
| Towing, clamping and storage after a tow | Set charges apply | Sch. 2007 s.7 |
If it’s not settled by 7:00 pm
Where the fee and penalty are still unpaid by 7:00 pm on the same day, the vehicle may be towed to a waiting facility. Release then requires the fee, the penalty, and the clamping, towing and storage charges. Schedule 2007 s.7.
Unpaid penalties become debts
A penalty unpaid 30 days after notice may be recovered as a debt through the Magistrates Court. Bye-Laws s.16.
Don’t let it get there — if you believe the penalty is wrong, dispute it now.
Think this was a mistake?
Dispute it with your notice number and get a reference. Dispute a ticket or clamp.
Using the dispute channel does not take away any right you have under the law.