The Question at Hand
Imagine heading to your local gym, going through the motions of validating your free parking, only to return and find multiple parking tickets on your windshield. That’s exactly what happened to Anthony, a gym member who received three citations from Professional Parking Management (PPM) despite following the rules. Even worse, their website wouldn’t let him dispute the charges.
So, what’s going on here? Are these tickets enforceable? And what can you do if you find yourself in a similar situation?
The Business of Private Parking Tickets
Professional Parking Management isn’t just a local operation—it manages parking lots and garages nationwide. But while its name sounds official, it’s important to understand that this is a private company, not a government agency.
A class-action lawsuit has accused the company of sending parking citations that appear official but may not be legitimate. Their business model, according to consumer complaints, often involves issuing citations to individuals who claim they either:
- Paid for parking but still received a ticket
- Never parked in the lot in question yet still got fined
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has recorded over 2,000 complaints about PPM, many alleging unfair ticketing practices.
What Are Your Options?
If you receive a parking ticket from a private company like PPM, you generally have three options:
1. Pay the Ticket
This is the easiest route if the ticket is valid, but if you believe it was issued unfairly, it might not be the best choice. Private parking companies often rely on people paying out of frustration or fear of escalating consequences.
2. Dispute the Ticket
Most private parking operators have a formal dispute process. However, as Anthony discovered, these systems don’t always work properly—or at all. If you can’t dispute it through their platform, you might need to escalate your complaint:
- Contact the property owner or business (like your gym) and ask them to intervene.
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your state attorney general’s office.
- If the company is falsely claiming authority they don’t have, report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Ignore It (With Caution)
Because PPM is a private company, it does not have the authority to issue real government fines, nor can it throw you in jail for non-payment. However, ignoring the ticket comes with risks:
- They could send the debt to collections, potentially impacting your credit score.
- If you park in their lot again, they may boot or tow your vehicle.
- They could file a small claims lawsuit, though this is rare.
How to Protect Yourself from Unfair Parking Tickets
To avoid falling into a similar trap:
- Always keep proof of payment or validation. Take a photo of your validated ticket or payment receipt.
- Know who’s managing the parking lot. If it’s a private company, research their reputation beforehand.
- Check signage carefully. Some lots have confusing or misleading rules that can trip up drivers.
- Dispute immediately. If you believe a ticket is invalid, act quickly—don’t wait until it goes to collections.
Final Thoughts
Private parking enforcement can be a gray area, and companies like Professional Parking Management often rely on people’s lack of knowledge about their rights. While they can cause headaches, they do not have the same legal power as municipal authorities.
If you ever find yourself in Anthony’s shoes, take a deep breath, assess your options, and take action. Being informed is your best defense against unfair citations.
For more consumer protection tips and expert insights, visit TrustDALE.com—because knowing your rights can save you money and stress!
