In Brief

Parking rules ensure that our streets are clear to accommodate traffic flow, emergency vehicles and snowplows. The Anti-idling by-law helps to reduce air pollution.

What You Must Know

Parking is not allowed on Town streets from 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. An exemption — temporary parking permission—is granted if residents are having driveway repairs done or visitors who need overnight parking. You must provide a description of the vehicle, the licence plate, property owner’s name, address and phone number.

All overnight exemption requests must be received before 2 a.m. Exemptions are not granted between November 1st and March 31st when street parking will interfere with snow removal.

Call the Parking Control Office at 905-477-7000, ext. 2050, to request up to 12 exemptions each year, or to leave a complaint regarding vehicles parked illegally on Town streets. At night, leave a message; the officer will not call back but will respond to the need or complaint.

Signs are posted where Pay & Display machines are in effect. Parking fees are $1 per hour with a $2 maximum; fines are $20 for an expired meter. Remember to put your Pay & Display tag on your vehicle’s dashboard. Parking is not allowed in “No parking” zones on key streets to improve traffic flow.

Regulations regarding on-street parking, and details about fines, can be found in the Living in Markham Guide and online at Parking Enforcement.

How to Pay a Parking Fine

You can pay your fine in person (cash, cheque, debit or credit card) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, ON, L3R 9W3. For cheques only (no cash), mail to this address or use the drop-off box at the Thornhill entrance.

Two other payment options include a $2.50 processing fee: for 24-hour phone service, dial 905-678-8465 (toll-free 1-877-678-8465); by internet at Pay Your Parking Ticket online.

To Dispute a Parking Ticket

Every parking ticket comes with a 15-day deadline to either pay the fine or dispute (argue) it. If you receive a parking ticket and wish to dispute it, you must appear in person at the First Attendance facility located in the Markham Civic Centre (Thornhill entrance, main level) from noon to 4:15 p.m., Monday to Friday. After discussing the matter, you may choose to take it to trial; forms will be completed to begin this process.

• If you don’t dispute the ticket and you don’t pay the fine before the 15-day deadline, a letter (notice of impending conviction) will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. You can still dispute your ticket and fine, but if you do not respond by the second due date, the matter goes to the York Regional Police and the Town is no longer involved.
  
  
• An automatic conviction will then be registered, plus court costs, and a notice sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. You can pay the set fine and court costs, or visit the Traffic Court House at 50 High Tech Road in Richmond Hill.
  
  
• If you still don’t respond by the due date, the Ministry of Transportation will be notified; you will not be able to renew your licence plate without paying the fine plus a $20 collection fee.

Anti-Idling Efforts

To reduce unnecessary vehicle emissions, air pollution and smog, the Town has implemented a by-law that limits vehicle idling to a maximum of three minutes. Idling is when the engine is running but the vehicle is not moving. After observing a vehicle idling for more than three minutes, a Markham By-law Enforcement Officer may issue a ticket for $150.

This by-law is concerned with controlling unnecessary idling, and does not restrict the practice when conditions require it—such as in cold weather or during heavy traffic situations. It does not apply to vehicles involved in emergency activity or parades, or commercial vehicles that require idling as part of their operation, or idling as part of a vehicle repair. See Noise By-law Summary for more information about idling and operating vehicles in the Town.