Getting a parking citation in Cincinnati is frustrating, but paying it is straightforward once you know where to go. This guide covers all the ways to pay, what happens if you wait too long, and how to contest a ticket if you think it was issued in error.
The fastest way to pay: online
The City of Cincinnati's official citation portal lets you pay online using your license plate number or the citation number printed on the ticket.
You can access it here:
https://cincinnati.citationportal.com/
Online payments accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express). A convenience fee applies when paying by card.
Pay by phone
If you prefer to pay over the phone, call the City's toll-free line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
(877) 438-4941
Follow the prompts to complete your payment using a credit or debit card.
Pay in person
You can pay in person at the City of Cincinnati Parking Violations Bureau:
805 Central Ave., Suite 110, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Accepted payment methods in person include cash, personal check (as long as the vehicle is not impounded and no block exists), money order, and credit cards. Bring your copy of the parking infraction with you.
Pay by mail
To pay by mail, send a check or money order made payable to "The City of Cincinnati Parking Violations Bureau" to the address above. Do not send cash by mail. Include your copy of the parking infraction with the payment.
What happens if you do not pay
It is worth taking care of the citation promptly. Here is what can happen if you let it sit:
- Citations not paid within 14 days accrue an additional $10 fine.
- After 21 days, the base fine for most violations doubles.
- Enough unpaid citations can result in your vehicle being booted or towed.
- Unresolved citations can eventually be sent to collections, which may affect your credit.
If you think the ticket was issued in error
You have the right to contest a parking citation. You must request a hearing within 14 days of receiving the infraction.
The easiest way to request a hearing is online through the same citation portal:
https://cincinnati.citationportal.com/
You can also request a hearing in person at the Parking Violations Bureau (address above) between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by mailing a written request to the same address. Include your copy of the citation with any written request.
If your vehicle was towed or impounded
If your vehicle has been towed by the City, you will need to pay any outstanding fines first through the citation portal, then take your receipt to the City Police Impound Lot at 3425 Spring Grove Ave. The lot's phone number is (513) 352-6370. Note that there are separate impoundment, processing, and storage fees paid at the lot.
The bottom line
Paying online at https://cincinnati.citationportal.com/ is the quickest option. If you have questions or need help, the Parking Violations Bureau is available Monday through Friday during business hours.