Columbia Contesting a parking ticket ordinance (§ 14-306)
Chapter 14: Motor Vehicles and Traffic · Article V. Stopping, Standing and Parking
In short: To contest a parking ticket, send the municipal prosecutor a written statement within 15 days of issuance with the ticket, your name and address, and your reason, using a separate statement for each ticket. The prosecutor must answer within 10 business days, granting or denying the request.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
A parking ticket may be contested by submitting a written statement to the municipal prosecutor within fifteen
(15) days of issuance identifying the ticket and stating the reason that the alleged violation should not be prosecuted. The statement shall contain the name and address of the person contesting the ticket. A separate statement shall be required for each ticket being contested. A written response shall be made to the person contesting the ticket within ten (10) business days of receiving the statement contesting the parking ticket. The response shall state whether the prosecutor is granting or denying the request.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 14-306
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.