Ohio Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Standardize Parking Ticket Late Fees
Ohio drivers could soon see more time to pay parking tickets and lower late fees if a newly introduced bill becomes law.
Currently, Ohio law does not require a minimum grace period for paying parking tickets or place a cap on late fees, leaving those decisions to individual cities and municipalities.
State Rep. Darnell Brewer, a Cleveland Democrat, is seeking to standardize parking ticket policies statewide through House Bill 653, which was introduced on Jan. 27.
Under the proposal, drivers would have at least 30 days to pay a parking ticket before a late fee could be added. After that period, municipalities could charge a late fee of up to $10. A second late fee of up to $10 would be allowed if the ticket remains unpaid after 60 days.
The bill also limits total late fees for a single parking violation to $20, even if the ticket remains unpaid beyond 60 days. While the legislation does not establish rules for additional penalties, it prohibits municipalities from exceeding the $20 cap.
“The goal of this bill is clear — parking enforcement should encourage compliance and safety, without creating additional financial hardship for Ohioans,” Brewer said in a statement.
The proposal would create more lenient standards than those currently enforced in Ohio’s largest cities. In Columbus, drivers have 10 days to pay before a $15 late fee is added, followed by an additional $20 fee after 30 days. Cincinnati allows a 14-day grace period, after which a $10 late fee applies, and unpaid tickets can eventually double to as much as $100. Cleveland provides a 15-day grace period, followed by a $10 late fee and an additional $15 fee after 45 days.
Brewer said current practices can result in late fees that exceed the original ticket amount and disproportionately affect low-income residents, seniors, and working families.
“I believe this is a bipartisan issue rooted in fairness, transparency, and responsible governance,” he said.
The Ohio Municipal League, which represents cities and villages across the state, said it is reviewing the legislation and has not yet taken an official position.
House Bill 653 is awaiting committee assignment and its first hearing. The legislation is co-sponsored by five Democrats and one Republican.
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