How to Fight a Parking Ticket in West Chester PA
Contest most parking tickets in West Chester PA online within 14 days from the ticket date. Borough tickets use west-chester.com. University tickets require a form within 10 days. Check your ticket for the issuer and hit the deadline. Late appeals add fees and may lead to court.
West Chester splits tickets by issuer. Borough tickets cover public streets and list "West Chester Borough." University tickets say "WCU" from campus parking. Fines start low but grow quickly if you wait.
Deadlines and Methods
| Ticket Issuer | Deadline | Appeal Method |
|---|---|---|
| West Chester Borough | 14 days | Online at west-chester.com/Parking Appeals |
| West Chester University | 10 days | Written form to Parking Services office |
Borough appeals handle payment or fights in one spot. University appeals need a form from wcupa.edu or the S. Church Street office.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Check your ticket: Look at the issue date, spot, and issuer. Borough tickets say "West Chester Borough." University ones say "WCU."
- Gather proof: Snap photos of signs, paid meters, or permits. Spot errors like wrong plate or time.
- File borough appeals: Go to west-chester.com. Pick Parking Appeals, Payments and Permits. Enter ticket details and your reason. Submit by day 14.
- File university appeals: Grab the form at wcupa.edu. Add clear facts. Drop off or mail to Parking Services by day 10.
- Pay if needed: Use the PA Unified Judicial System site. Enter your citation number. Fees start at $2.75. Borough clears holds after payment. University processes in 2 hours.
- Go to a hearing: Borough schedules some after review. Bring evidence. Chester County courts handle others via Clerk of Courts.
Decisions come in days to weeks. Strong proof like meter receipts or unclear signs often wins.
Reasons Appeals Fail
Appeals fail if you forgot the meter, parked in a short zone, had no nearby spots, missed a sign, or cannot pay. Win by proving issuer errors, like no violation photo.
Costs to Watch
- Late fees start after deadlines.
- Court fees reach up to $12.
- Online payments add at least $2.75.
Call borough parking at 610-692-7574 for help. Check chesco.org for court details. Sidekick tracks fines and fees to help budget costs for your 2025 Audi A6.