Can San Diego Drivers Get Ticketed for Parking at a Broken Meter? 

Anybody who drives in San Diego has likely encountered this common municipal dilemma. 

You’re hunting for precious street parking when you finally see a break in the bumpers: An open spot. But the meter isn’t taking your card or coins.

When technology fails, can you park with impunity? After all, you did try to pay.

City staff told me that if all payment methods fail, drivers should not receive a ticket for parking at a broken meter.

All parking meters take multiple forms of payment, including card, tap-to-pay, coins and the city’s ParkSmarter app. If none of these work, you get a free pass.

But if any of these payment methods are working, then you can still be cited for parking at a broken meter. 

“If the coin slot is jammed, but the meter can still accept credit cards, you must pay the meter,” city staff said. “Similarly, if coin and credit card are unavailable, the ParkSmarter app is a valid payment method and would need to be used. If a customer does not wish to use that method, or cannot for some reason, they should move to another meter.”

If you do decide to park at a broken meter, it may be smart to document any payment complications you encountered in case you’re mistakenly ticketed. If you’re cited and have proof that the meter wasn’t working, you can file an appeal online to potentially have your citation waived.

A meter violation will usually cost $53.50, according to city staff, which includes an $11 state-mandated fee.

When in doubt, the safest move is always to move your car to a working meter or non-metered spot.

Broken parking meters can be reported by calling 619-744-1705, or through a report via the Get Tt Done app. You will need to note the parking meter number in your report, which can be found on the street side of the meter or on the bottom of the display screen.