Fighting Parma: Contesting Camera Tickets

If you've received a camera ticket in Parma, you may be wondering what to do about it. Camera tickets are civil matters that carry a monetary fine and are under the jurisdiction of Municipal Courts. While some people choose to pay the fine and accept liability, others may choose to contest the ticket or file a transfer of liability if they were not the driver. Understanding your rights and options when receiving a camera ticket is important, and there are specific procedures to follow depending on the course of action you choose to take.

Contest the ticket in writing within 30 days of receiving it

If you wish to contest a camera ticket in Parma, you must submit a written request within 30 days of receiving the citation. This can be done by filling out the Motion to Contest Camera Ticket form, which can be found on the Parma Municipal Court website. The form can be submitted in person during regular business hours, by US mail, by fax, or by email.

The written request should include the specific reasons why you are contesting the ticket. For example, you may argue that there were no signs posted indicating a school zone or that the time on the ticket is incorrect. It is important to provide as much detail as possible to support your claim.

Once the written request is received, the Court will schedule an Initial Appearance to address any questions or concerns related to the citation. If the case cannot be resolved at this appearance, an evidentiary hearing will be scheduled for both parties to present evidence.

It is important to note that if you choose to contest the ticket, you are waiving your right to pay the civil penalty and accept liability. If you are found liable after the evidentiary hearing, you will be responsible for paying any civil fines and/or costs imposed by the Court.

Additionally, if you fail to appear at any scheduled Court appearances or hearings, you will automatically be found liable for the violation and will be required to pay any associated fines and costs.

Pay the fine and accept liability

If you have received a camera ticket in Parma, you have a few options. One option is to pay the fine and accept liability. This option can be taken if you want to admit liability and waive your opportunity to contest the citation. This will result in a civil penalty/monetary fine, but no conviction or points will be recorded on your driving record. Late fees may be added to your waiver amount if the fine is not paid within 30 days of receiving the citation. Payments can be made in person at the Court during regular business hours, mailed to the Parma Municipal Court address, or made online on the Court's website.

It is important to note that traffic camera/photo enforcement violations are civil matters that are under the sole jurisdiction of Municipal Courts. These violations are no longer resolved through administrative hearings at Mayor's Court per Ohio Revised Code and Court rulings issued by the Supreme Court of Ohio. The laws governing traffic camera/photo enforcement violations can be found in Ohio Revised Code sections 4511.092 through 4511.099.

If you choose to pay the fine and accept liability, be sure to follow the instructions provided on your citation for making the payment. Additionally, keep in mind that the rights and options of individuals who receive a camera citation/notice of liability are outlined in Ohio Revised Code section 4511.098.

While paying the fine and accepting liability may be a straightforward option, it is always a good idea to understand your rights and explore all your options before making a decision.

File a transfer of liability if the vehicle was stolen

If you receive a camera ticket/notice of liability in Parma, you have several options. One of these options is to file a transfer of liability, particularly if you were not the driver or if your vehicle or license plates were stolen.

To file a transfer of liability because your vehicle or license plates were stolen, you must, within 30 days of receiving the citation, provide the Court with a notarized affidavit executed by the registered owner stating that, at the time of the violation, the vehicle or license plates were stolen. This affidavit must be accompanied by a copy of the police report regarding the stolen vehicle or license plates.

The transfer of liability form is attached to the citation. If the Court receives a timely filed and properly completed affidavit, the transfer of liability will be reassigned to the proper party, and a new citation may be sent to the designated party by the City/Village.

All documents can be filed with the Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours, by US mail, by faxing to (440) 887-7481, or by email at clerk@parmamunicourt.net.

Ignore the ticket and risk further consequences

If you choose to ignore a camera ticket in Parma, you may face further consequences and increased fines. Camera tickets are considered civil matters and carry a civil penalty or monetary fine. While these violations are not reported to the Ohio BMV and will not result in points on your driving record, ignoring the ticket can lead to late fees and additional penalties.

If you do not pay the fine or contest the citation within the specified timeframe, typically 30 days after receiving the citation, you may be subject to further legal action. This could include the ticket being sent to collections, which can negatively impact your credit score. Additionally, failing to appear at any scheduled court appearances or hearings related to the citation will result in a finding of liability, and you will be responsible for paying any associated civil fines and costs.

It is important to note that the consequences of ignoring a camera ticket may vary depending on individual circumstances and local laws. Some people have shared their experiences online, stating that they ignored similar tickets without facing any negative repercussions, while others have received court summons or had their credit affected.

Before making a decision, it is advisable to carefully review the information provided by the Parma Municipal Court, understand your rights and options, and consider seeking legal advice if necessary. While it may be tempting to ignore the ticket, doing so carries risks and may result in more significant consequences in the future.

Avoid Parma altogether

If you want to avoid getting a camera ticket in Parma, the simplest solution is to avoid Parma altogether. This is a strategy suggested by some locals on Reddit.

Parma is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, located on the southern edge of Cleveland. It is the seventh-largest city in the state of Ohio and the largest suburb. The city has a population of around 81,000 people, and it is known for its diverse ethnic villages, such as Polish Village and Ukrainian Village, and its safety.

Parma has a lot to offer in terms of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The city has a large shopping district called "The Shoppes at Parma," with major stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods, J.C. Penney, and Walmart. There are also plenty of restaurants offering various cuisines, including Korean, Polish, and Taino. Additionally, there are outdoor activities, such as bowling, laser tag, and escape rooms, as well as indoor options like axe-throwing centres.

However, if you want to avoid the possibility of getting a camera ticket, you might want to skip visiting Parma and explore other nearby areas instead. You could consider visiting other cities in Cuyahoga County, such as Cleveland, Brooklyn, Seven Hills, or Broadview Heights. These cities offer their own unique attractions and experiences without the worry of camera tickets.

By choosing to avoid Parma altogether, you can eliminate the risk of receiving a camera ticket and explore alternative destinations in the area.

Frequently asked questions