Meter off street parking ticket?

Question

I recently parked in a new parking lot to me and the sign basically said park then call and pay for how long you have been there. I parked and looked at the other meters where I was parked and there were cars parked in them and the meter said expired. So I thought you just call when you get back and pay for how long you had been there. I was there for maybe 3 hours. When I got back I call the number and it said please enter the number to activate your space. Then I though oh no I had to call the number also when I parked. I looked on my windshield and I had a 50 dollar ticket. I looked at the meter and in small print it says "park, call number to activate" it was in small print and I could hardly read it. Should I just pay the 50 dollars or could I fight this?

Answer 1

it would probably just be cheaper to pay it

Answer 2

Its a parking ticket.  If there is a court date, go and explain it to the judge.  If there is no court date, but a phone number, call and get a court date, then go and explain it to the judge.  Don't fight the ticket, you won't win.  But do plead guilty with an explanation, the judge might lesson the fine.

Answer 3

take a picture of the parking space and the meter, especially the small print then go to traffic court and explain it to the judge. the judge may dismiss the ticket or reduce it.