How to read your NYC parking ticket.
An NYC parking ticket packs a lot into a small slip of paper. Here's what each part means — and which details to double-check, because errors can be grounds for dismissal.
Updated: October 19, 2026
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The parts of the ticket
- Violation (summons) number — the 10-digit number you use to look up, pay or dispute the ticket
- Plate, state and plate type — e.g. passenger (PAS) or commercial (COM)
- Vehicle make, body type and color
- Date and time the ticket was written
- Violation code and description — for example, code 21 is street cleaning, 40 is fire hydrant, 46 is double parking, 14 is general no standing
- Location — the street, house number or intersection, and the side of the street
- Fine amount — some Manhattan fines differ above and below 96th Street
- Issuing officer — name or ID and agency
Errors worth checking
- Wrong plate number or state
- Wrong vehicle make or body type
- Missing or impossible date or time
- A location that doesn't exist, or where the sign says something different
- A violation code that doesn't match the description or the fine
Not every mistake gets a ticket dismissed — it depends on which detail is wrong and how — but these are the first things we check.
Camera tickets look different
Red light, speed and bus lane camera tickets arrive by mail as a Notice of Liability with photos, and you can view the video online using the violation number. See red light, speed and bus lane camera tickets.
Let us read it for you
Send a photo of the front of the ticket to 212-666-1234 or through the form. We review every detail free and tell you if it's worth fighting.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the violation number on an NYC parking ticket?
- It's the 10-digit summons number printed near the top of the ticket. You use it to look up, pay or dispute the ticket.
- Does a typo on my ticket get it dismissed?
- Sometimes. Errors in key details like the plate, state or vehicle make can be grounds for dismissal, depending on the error.
- What does the violation code mean?
- It identifies the rule you're accused of breaking. For example, 21 is street cleaning, 40 is fire hydrant and 46 is double parking.
More areas and topics we cover
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Send us a photo of your ticket, or call, text, or WhatsApp 212-666-1234. Email office@wefighttickets.com. The first review is free.
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