Parking on Public Grounds Without Authorization
Parking on the grounds of a state, county, or city facility without proper authorization or permit.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
What is a Parking on Public Grounds Without Authorization ticket?
This violation is issued when you park on public property like government buildings, parks, schools, or hospitals without proper authorization. These areas often have specific parking rules set by the governing authority, and parking there without permission—even briefly—can result in a ticket.
While this is a non-moving violation with no DMV points and no impact on your insurance rates, fines can still range from $50 to $200 depending on the location and circumstances. Multiple violations could lead to higher fines or vehicle towing.
This parking violation does not add points to your driving record and will not affect your auto insurance rates.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1The location was a public ground with posted restrictions
- 2You did not have authorization to park
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A driver parks at a county park after hours when the lot is clearly signed as closed.
Ticket issued for unauthorized parking on public grounds without permit.
A parent parks in a school staff lot during pickup because the parent lot was full.
Cited for parking without authorization in a restricted area.
Someone parks at a state beach without displaying the required day-use parking pass.
Received a CVC 21113(a) citation for unauthorized parking.
Common Defenses for Parking on Public Grounds Without Authorization
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
You had authorization to park
CVC 21113(a) prohibits parking on public grounds without authorization. If you had a permit or other authorization, present it.
Location was not a regulated public ground
Challenge whether the location qualified as a "public ground" subject to this statute and whether the restriction was properly posted.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photos showing missing, obscured, or unclear signage at the location
- ✓Copy of a valid permit or parking pass you possessed at the time
- ✓Photos showing your permit was displayed in the vehicle
- ✓Witness statements confirming signage was not visible
- ✓Documentation of emergency circumstances requiring you to park there
- ✓Evidence that parking rules were not formally adopted by the agency
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Ignoring the ticket because it's 'just a parking violation' — unpaid fines escalate quickly
- ✗Assuming you can park anywhere on public property without checking for posted rules
- ✗Failing to take photos of the scene and signage immediately after receiving the ticket
- ✗Missing your deadline to contest the citation or request a hearing
- ✗Not bringing proof of a valid permit if you had one at the time
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parking on Public Grounds Without Authorization
What counts as 'public grounds' under CVC 21113(a)?▼
Public grounds include property owned or managed by government entities such as schools, parks, beaches, hospitals, courthouses, and other public facilities. Each agency can set its own parking rules for their property.
Can my car be towed for this violation?▼
Yes, depending on local rules and the severity of the violation, your vehicle may be towed in addition to receiving a citation. This is more common if you're blocking access or parked in a fire lane.
What if I had a permit but it fell off my dashboard?▼
You can contest the ticket by providing proof that you had a valid permit at the time of the citation. Include photos or a copy of the permit and explain that it was displayed but may have fallen.
How do I know if signs were properly posted?▼
Signs must be clearly visible at entrances or throughout the parking area. If you return to the location and document that signs are missing, damaged, or obscured, this evidence can support your defense.
Is this the same as a regular parking ticket?▼
It's similar but specific to public property. Regular parking tickets typically involve street parking or private lots, while CVC 21113(a) applies specifically to government-owned or managed property.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.