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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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