Parking Regulations and Fines in New Brunswick

Quick Answer

Parking fines in New Brunswick cities like Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John typically range from $25 for an expired meter to over $300 for parking in an accessible spot without a permit, with strict winter overnight bans from November to April that can result in $100 tickets and towing; you generally have 15-30 days to pay or dispute a ticket before late fees apply.

Overview of Parking Laws in New Brunswick

Parking regulations in New Brunswick are primarily governed by municipal bylaws, meaning rules and fines can differ significantly between cities, towns, and villages. The province sets a framework under the Municipalities Act, but local councils enact specific parking bylaws. Common regulations across most jurisdictions include:

• Time Limits: Restrictions on how long you can park (e.g., 1-hour, 2-hour zones).
• Metered Parking: Payment required during business hours.
• No Parking Zones: Near fire hydrants, crosswalks, driveways, and bus stops.
• Seasonal Bans: Overnight winter parking bans for snow removal.
• Permit Zones: Areas reserved for residents or specific permit holders.

Parking Fine Amounts by Violation & City

Fines are not uniform across the province. The following table compares common fines in three major cities as of 2023 (subject to change):

Source: Official city websites - Fredericton Bylaws, Moncton Parking, Saint John Parking.

Provincial vs. Municipal Authority

Understanding who makes the rules is crucial for drivers.

• Provincial Role (Government of New Brunswick):
  • Enacts the Off-Road Vehicle Act and parts of the Motor Vehicle Act that affect parking on provincial highways.
  • Issues and regulates Accessible Parking Permits under the Accessible Parking Permit Act. Fines for misuse are set by the province but enforced by municipalities.
  • Does not set standard parking fines for city streets.
• Municipal Role (City/Town Councils):
  • Create and enforce Parking Bylaws for all streets and municipally-owned lots.
  • Set their own fine schedules, enforcement hours, and payment periods.
  • Manage residential permit programs, meter rates, and seasonal bans.
  • Hire bylaw enforcement officers and manage the ticketing process.

The Ticketing & Enforcement Process

When you receive a ticket, here's what happens behind the scenes:

1. Issuance: A municipal enforcement officer places a notice on your vehicle or mails it if captured by camera. The ticket includes violation details, fine amount, due date, and dispute instructions.
2. Grace Period: Most cities offer a short "grace period" (e.g., 5-10 minutes) at expired meters as a courtesy, but this is not a legal requirement.
3. Data Entry: Ticket information is entered into the municipal database, linked to your vehicle's license plate.
4. Follow-up: If unpaid after the due date (typically 15-30 days), a late fee is automatically added (e.g., $10 in Fredericton, $15 in Moncton).
5. Escalation: Continued non-payment can lead to:
   • A "hold" placed on your vehicle registration with Service New Brunswick (SNB), preventing renewal until paid.
   • Referral to a collection agency.
   • Towing or immobilization ("booting") of the vehicle for multiple unpaid tickets.

How to Pay a Parking Ticket

Options vary by municipality but generally include:

• Online: Most cities have an online payment portal on their website. You'll need your ticket number and license plate.
• By Mail: Send a cheque or money order to the address on the ticket. Do not send cash.
• In Person: At the municipal customer service center or finance department. Some cities have drop boxes.
• By Phone: Some municipalities offer automated phone payment systems.

Example (Fredericton): Payments can be made online, in person at City Hall, or by mail to City of Fredericton, PO Box 130, Fredericton, NB E3B 4Y7. A 2.5% service fee applies to credit card payments.

How to Dispute or Appeal a Ticket

If you believe a ticket was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it. The process is administrative, not criminal.

1. Initial Review: Contact the municipal parking office before the due date. Sometimes errors (e.g., wrong license plate) can be resolved informally.
2. Formal Dispute: If unresolved, you must file a formal dispute. This usually involves:
   • Completing a form (often on the ticket's back or online).
   • Submitting a written statement and any evidence (photos, witness info, receipts).
   • Meeting a strict deadline (often 10-14 days from ticket issuance).
3. Screening Officer Review: A municipal screening officer reviews your submission. They may confirm, reduce, or cancel the ticket.
4. Hearing: If unsatisfied with the screening decision, you can request a hearing before a provincial adjudicator (a neutral third party). Their decision is final.

Winter Parking Regulations (Snow Clearing)

From November 1 to April 15 (dates may vary), overnight street parking is banned in most urban areas to allow for efficient snow clearing. Violations result in high fines and immediate towing.

• Typical Ban Hours: 12:00 AM (midnight) to 7:00 AM. Some cities extend this (e.g., 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
• Fines: Range from $80 to $100 per occurrence.
• Towing: Vehicles are towed at the owner's expense. You must contact the municipal police or bylaw office to locate your vehicle. Towing and storage fees can exceed $150.
• Exceptions: Some cities declare "snow alerts" where bans are in effect regardless of the date. Sign up for municipal alerts.

Data Point: In the 2022-2023 winter season, the City of Moncton issued over 2,100 tickets and towed 47 vehicles for winter ban violations. (Source: Moncton Public Works Report).

Accessible (Disabled) Parking Rules

New Brunswick enforces strict rules to preserve accessible parking for those who need it. Violations carry the highest fines.

• Permit Required: A valid GNB Accessible Parking Permit must be displayed visibly.
• Fine Amount: Provincial set fine is a minimum of $300 for unauthorized use of an accessible space.
• Additional Violations: Parking in the access aisle (hatched area) next to an accessible space is also a $300+ fine, even with a permit.
• Enforcement: Both police and municipal bylaw officers can issue these tickets. Public reporting is encouraged.

Residential & Visitor Permits

In densely populated neighborhoods, cities like Saint John and Fredericton use permit systems to prioritize resident parking.

• Resident Permit: Annual fee (approx. $25-$50) for unlimited street parking in a designated zone. Proof of residency (lease, utility bill) is required.
• Visitor Permit: Temporary passes for guests. These may be physical hangtags or virtual permits registered online by the resident. Limits often apply (e.g., 14 days per visitor per month).
• Costs & Process: Apply through the municipal parking office. For example, in Fredericton's "Zone F," a resident permit costs $40/year, and a book of 20 one-day visitor passes costs $10.

Consequences: Late Fees, Towing, and Booting

Unresolved parking tickets can escalate quickly.

Local Government Parking Agencies & Contacts

For the most accurate and current information, contact the relevant local authority.

• Fredericton: City of Fredericton - Parking Services. Phone: (506) 460-2020.
• Moncton: City of Moncton - Parking. Phone: (506) 856-4375.
• Saint John: City of Saint John - Parking & Traffic. Phone: (506) 658-4455.
• Provincial Permits: Service New Brunswick - Accessible Parking Permits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Official Resources

• City of Fredericton - Traffic Bylaw T-5
• City of Moncton - Bylaws
• City of Saint John - Bylaws
• New Brunswick Off-Road Vehicle Act
• Service NB: Accessible Parking Permits