Ohio bill would cap parking ticket late fees at original ticket cost

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio lawmaker wants to rein in parking ticket late fees, backing legislation that would cap penalties and standardize grace periods across the state.

Rep. Darnell Brewer, a Cleveland Democrat, is sponsoring the bill, which would limit late fees and administrative costs to no more than the original ticket.

“No ticket should cost more than double what it was,” Brewer said.

He got the idea after paying his own $25 parking ticket and discovering the added fees totaled $35.

“Parking enforcement should encourage compliance and safety without creating additional financial hardship for Ohioans,” Brewer said.

The bill, which doesn’t have a number yet, would give drivers more time to deal with a parking ticket—stretching the minimum grace period from 15 days to 30.

Brewer said that extra time matters because, as he put it, “life happens.” People forget. Mail gets missed. And a single parking mistake shouldn’t snowball into a much bigger bill.

He also said setting uniform rules that apply statewide would prevent cities from charging what he considers excessive late fees.

Right now, Ohio law leaves those decisions up to individual cities.

In Cleveland, a ticket incurs a $10 late fee after 15 days. If it still isn’t paid after 45 days, another $15 is added.

In Columbus, the penalties climb faster. A $15 late fee can be added after 15 days, followed by another $20 if the ticket remains unpaid.

Brewer said several Republican lawmakers have already shown interest in co-sponsoring the bill, and he expects it to move forward with bipartisan support.

The legislation comes as Cleveland raises parking rates and expands enforcement hours.

In January, street parking downtown increased to $1.50 per hour. Enforcement also expanded from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, including weekends.