Denver's Parking Peculiarities: A Citizen's Guide to Reporting Rogue Rides
Ah, Denver parking. A delightful dance between meters, meters that inexplicably don't work, and that one neighbor who thinks their minivan is a permanent resident of the fire lane. But fear not, fellow citizen! Because sometimes, a rogue parker needs a gentle nudge from the long arm of the law (or at least a parking ticket). This handy guide will equip you with the knowledge to banish those badly behaved vehicles from your neighborhood.
How Do I Report An Illegally Parked Car In Denver |
When to Report a Parking Violation: Not all scofflaws are created equal
Not every parking infraction is a five-alarm fire. A car exceeding the meter limit by a few minutes? Let it slide. But if a vehicle is blocking your driveway, chilling in a disabled parking spot without a permit, or parked like a pretzel in a no-parking zone, then it's time to take action!
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Here are some surefire signs it's time to report:
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
- The Parkaholic: This car hasn't budged in longer than a forgotten gym membership.
- The Space Hog: This vehicle thinks it owns two parking spots (rude!).
- The Daredevil: This car decided the sidewalk/bike lane/literally anything but a designated parking spot was prime real estate.
- The Imposter: This car is parked in a zone designated for residents only, and you haven't seen it around before (looking at you, cousin Greg, with your borrowed friend's car).
Remember: If you're unsure whether a car is parked illegally, it's always best to err on the side of caution and report it.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How to Report a Parking Violation: Weapons of Mass Citation (Well, Not Exactly)
There are a few ways to vanquish those villainous vehicles, depending on your preferred method of parking justice.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
Dial M for Meter Maid (or Parking Enforcement): Pick up the phone and dial 720-913-1600 to speak to a live parking enforcement officer. Be prepared to describe the vehicle's location and the nature of the violation.
The 311 App: There's an App for That (of Course There Is): This handy app allows you to report a variety of non-emergency issues, including parking violations. Just download the app, select "parking," and fill out the details. Easy as pie!
Channel Your Inner Superhero with PocketGov: This website is another way to report parking violations online. Just visit
and follow the prompts.https://www.denvergov.org/Online-Services-Hub
Pro Tip: When reporting a violation, the more details you provide, the better. This includes the make, model, and license plate number of the car, the location of the violation (including the nearest intersection), and a description of the offense.
FAQ: You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers (Quick Ones)
How do I report an abandoned car? If a car hasn't moved in more than 72 hours, you can report it as abandoned by calling the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 720-865-0471.
What if the parking meter is broken? You can still report a car parked at a broken meter if it's been there longer than the allotted time. Just be sure to mention the broken meter in your report.
Will I get in trouble for reporting a parking violation? Absolutely not! In fact, you're helping to keep Denver's streets safe and navigable for everyone.
What if I see a car parked illegally but it's blocking traffic or creating a hazard? In this case, call the Denver Police Department's non-emergency line at 720-913-2000.
Is there a bat-signal for parking violations? Sadly, no. But with the power of 311 and PocketGov, you're practically a parking enforcement vigilante already!