A Simple Mistake That Could Cost You $75—or More
Imagine this: You park your car in what appears to be a standard paid lot. You walk up to the kiosk, enter your license plate number, pay the required fee, and place your receipt where instructed. You go about your day, confident that you've done everything right—only to return and find your car booted.
That's exactly what happened to Philip Albury, an Atlanta driver who recently found himself trapped in a frustrating parking dispute. And he’s not alone. Across the city, drivers are falling victim to unclear payment instructions that result in hefty fines, booting fees, and time-consuming appeals. So, what’s going on? And how can you protect yourself?
The Parking Kiosk Trap: What Drivers Need to Know
When Philip parked in a paid lot, he followed what most of us would consider common sense: he paid for his spot, received a receipt, and went about his business. But when he returned, his car—and several others—had been booted.
Confused, he called the number listed on the boot notice. The response was shocking. The parking operator immediately recognized his vehicle and admitted he had paid, but it didn’t matter. Why? Because the machine required him to enter his full license plate number, including letters, which wasn’t clear from the kiosk instructions.
Many modern parking kiosks require users to press the same button multiple times to cycle through numbers and letters, much like old-school flip phones. But if that’s not explicitly stated—or if the instructions are too small to read—drivers like Philip end up unknowingly entering only part of their plate number. The result? Their payment isn’t recognized, and they get booted.
“I can’t imagine how many people get booted because it’s not clear what to do,” Philip said.
And when TrustDALE visited the parking lot, other drivers were just as confused.
The Costly Reality of Parking Lot Scams
Unfortunately, predatory parking enforcement is nothing new. In cities like Atlanta, drivers regularly face:
- Unclear signage – Some lots bury key instructions in fine print or place payment details in hard-to-spot locations.
- Confusing payment systems – Kiosks with counterintuitive interfaces or outdated technology leave drivers guessing.
- Aggressive enforcement – Even if you pay, minor mistakes (like an incomplete plate number) can lead to booting or towing.
And the worst part? Even if you appeal, getting a refund is often an uphill battle.
Philip refused to let his $75 booting fee slide. With TrustDALE’s help, he disputed the charge, providing proof of payment. After a lengthy process, he finally got his money back. But most drivers don’t have the time—or patience—to fight back.
How to Avoid Getting Booted or Ticketed Unfairly
The best way to protect yourself from these unfair parking charges? Stay hyper-aware when parking in private lots. Here are a few key tips:
- Read the signage carefully – Before leaving your vehicle, check for posted instructions on how to pay and what information is required.
- Double-check your license plate entry – If a kiosk asks for your plate number, ensure you’re entering all characters, including any letters. Look for instructions on how to input letters if they aren’t immediately obvious.
- Take a photo of your payment receipt – A quick snapshot of your receipt (and even the kiosk screen) can serve as proof if you ever need to dispute a charge.
- Avoid parking in confusing lots – If the instructions aren’t clear, or you see others struggling to figure out the payment system, it’s a red flag. Consider finding another lot.
- Know your rights – If you do get booted or ticketed unfairly, don’t just accept the charge. Contact the parking company and dispute it immediately.
The Bottom Line: Pay Attention, or Pay the Price
For Philip, this frustrating experience ended in a win—he got his money back. But for countless others, confusing parking kiosks continue to drain money from unsuspecting drivers.
The next time you park in a private lot, take an extra moment to read the instructions, double-check your payment, and document everything. A little diligence could save you from a costly headache.
And if you believe you’ve been unfairly ticketed or booted, don’t stay silent—fight back. Because when it comes to consumer rights, standing up for yourself can make all the difference.
Have you had a similar parking dispute? Share your experience in the comments below!