How to Fight a Parking Ticket in Aurora, CO

The no-parking sign was absent, missing from the block, obstructed by a tree or another sign, or so faded as to be illegible at the time of the violation.

Legal basis:

A motorist cannot be held responsible for violating a regulation that was not properly posted. Signage must be installed and maintained according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Required evidence:

• Photograph of the sign (or lack thereof) taken on or near the violation date
• Wide-angle photo showing the full block face
• Timestamp metadata from the photo

The parking meter was visibly broken, displayed an error, accepted payment but failed to register it, or was not functioning at the time the vehicle was parked.

Legal basis:

Vehicle operators are not required to seek alternative parking when a meter malfunctions. The city bears responsibility for maintaining meter equipment.

Required evidence:

• Photograph of the meter display showing the error or malfunction
• Receipt or bank statement showing payment attempt if applicable
• Timestamp from the photograph

Two or more signs on the block face or pole provided contradictory parking rules, making it impossible to determine the lawful parking restriction.

Legal basis:

Contradictory signs create an ambiguity that must be resolved in the motorist's favor. Enforcement cannot stand when the regulation is unclear.

Required evidence:

• Photograph clearly showing both conflicting signs in the same frame
• Photograph showing the distance between the signs

The ticket contains a material error in the vehicle description — wrong license plate number, incorrect state, wrong vehicle make, model, or color.

Legal basis:

A ticket with a materially incorrect vehicle description is legally defective. The issuing officer must accurately identify the vehicle for the citation to be valid.

Required evidence:

• Copy of vehicle registration showing correct plate and description
• Photograph of the vehicle's actual license plate

The vehicle was parked in violation because of an unforeseen medical emergency affecting the driver or a passenger that required immediate attention.

Legal basis:

Most municipal codes recognize medical necessity as an affirmative defense to a parking violation. The emergency must be genuine and documented.

Required evidence:

• Hospital or emergency room discharge paperwork showing date and time
• Doctor's note or urgent care visit documentation
• Any emergency services record

Aurora City Code provides that failure to pay or dispute a citation within 20 days of issuance results in the fine doubling. If the city delayed mailing the notice such that the motorist received it after the 20-day window, the doubled fine is improperly assessed.

Legal basis:

Aurora City Code § 134-427 et seq. ties the doubling penalty to the 20-day window. A motorist who never had the opportunity to dispute within that window due to delayed notice cannot be penalized for the delay.

Required evidence:

• Postmark date on the mailed notice
• Date of the alleged violation
• Proof the notice was received after the 20-day window

If the Aurora Parking Magistrate denies a dispute, the motorist may request a formal Parking Trial before Aurora Municipal Court within 10 days of the magistrate hearing date, in person at 14999 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012.

Legal basis:

Aurora City Code § 134-430 provides the right to a formal hearing to challenge the validity of a parking violation. The trial court provides a full de novo review.

Required evidence:

• Copy of the Parking Magistrate's decision
• Timely in-person request for trial (within 10 days)
• All evidence supporting dismissal