How to Fight a Driveway Blocking Ticket Parking Ticket in Ottawa

A driveway blocking ticket in Ottawa is a municipal parking penalty with 0 demerit points; the dispute deadline is typically 15 days, but you should confirm the date on your notice.

Summary

A driveway blocking ticket means the City of Ottawa issued a penalty (often an Administrative Penalty Notice or AMPS) because your vehicle was blocking a private or public driveway. This is a parking offence, not a moving violation, so it carries zero demerit points and has no direct effect on your driving record or insurance. Before paying, you should collect evidence such as photos of signage, your parking location, and any receipts. You then have a limited window—usually 15 days from the ticket date—to file a screening review with the city. Paying the ticket ends your right to dispute, so wait until you are certain you want to accept the penalty.

Dispute Deadline in Ottawa

For most Ottawa parking tickets, including driveway blocking tickets, you have 15 days from the date on the notice to request a screening review. Check the back of your ticket or the city’s parking portal for the exact deadline. If you miss the 15‑day window, the penalty becomes final and you may lose the ability to dispute. Always verify the deadline on your specific notice because exceptions or extensions are rare. You can find the official City of Ottawa APS portal and more details on our [Ottawa fight page](https://beatmyticket.ca/fight/ottawa).

What Evidence Helps

When fighting a driveway blocking ticket in Ottawa, photos are your strongest tool. Collect the following evidence:

1. Clear photos of your vehicle showing its position relative to the driveway entrance.
2. Signage photos — any parking signs, driveway markings, or lack of signage that might indicate the driveway was not properly designated.
3. Timestamped receipts if you were parked at a nearby pay‑and‑display machine or used a parking app.
4. Witness statements or a written note from the resident of the driveway if they gave you permission to park there temporarily.
5. Dash‑cam footage showing you were not actually blocking the driveway for more than a few seconds.

Common Defences / Arguments

Here are realistic arguments you can make when disputing a driveway blocking ticket:

• You were not blocking access — If your vehicle was partially or fully clear of the driveway entrance, photos can demonstrate that a car could still enter or exit. This defence works best when the driveway has a curb cut and the ticket photos show your vehicle was not covering the full width of the entrance.

• The driveway was not clearly marked — Ottawa by‑laws require driveways to have a defined curb cut or a physical entrance. If the “driveway” you were blocking is just a gap between bushes or a grass area with no curb cut, you may argue it isn’t a legal driveway.

• You had the resident’s permission — Short‑term blocking to drop off or pick up passengers is often permitted if you stay in the vehicle. If the resident asked you to park there briefly, get a written statement from them.

• Signs were missing or contradictory — If the area had no “No Stopping” or “No Parking” signs, or if parking signs allowed parking at that time, you can argue the ticket was issued in error.

Each defence requires solid evidence. The city reviewer will look for a clear explanation of why you believed your parking was allowed.

What Not To Say

Avoid these weak arguments that are unlikely to succeed:

• “I was only there for a few minutes” — Unless you were in the vehicle and could move immediately, this is not a valid legal defence.
• “I didn’t see the driveway” — Ottawa by‑laws expect drivers to be aware of all driveway entrances.
• “Everyone else parks there” — Others breaking the law does not excuse your ticket.
• “I already paid the fine” — Paying ends your dispute rights, so never pay before you decide to fight.

Stick to objective facts: clear photos, proper signage, and specific permission.

Before You Pay

Before you send any money, understand that paying the ticket closes your dispute window immediately. In Ottawa, once you pay an AMPS or parking notice, you cannot request a screening review or later challenge the ticket. If you believe you have a valid defence, do not pay until you have reviewed your evidence and considered filing a dispute. You can always pay later if the review does not go your way.

Step‑by‑Step Dispute Process

1. Check your deadline — Find the ticket date and count 15 days forward. Mark it on your calendar.
2. Collect all evidence — Take photos, gather receipts, and record witness contact information.
3. Write a clear explanation — Briefly state why you believe the ticket was issued in error. Stick to facts, not emotions.
4. Submit a screening review — Use the City of Ottawa’s online portal or mail in your request with copies of your evidence. Never send originals.
5. Wait for the screening decision — The city will review your package and issue a written decision. If you disagree, you may have a further right to a hearing review.
6. If you lose, decide whether to appeal — Some cases allow a hearing review before a third‑party adjudicator.

For detailed help preparing your dispute package, visit our [Ottawa fight page](https://beatmyticket.ca/fight/ottawa).

BeatMyTicket CTA

Let BeatMyTicket.ca help you build a stronger dispute package. We guide you through what evidence to collect, how to write your explanation, and how to submit your request properly. There are no legal guarantees, but a well‑prepared package increases your chances of a favourable outcome. Click the link above to get started with your Ottawa driveway blocking ticket.

FAQ

More Resources

• [Fight any Ottawa parking ticket](https://beatmyticket.ca/fight/ottawa) — General guide for Ottawa parking fines.
• [Parking ticket evidence checklist](https://beatmyticket.ca/blog/parking-ticket-evidence-checklist) — What to collect before you dispute.
• [Blocking driveway ticket tips](https://beatmyticket.ca/blog/blocking-driveway-parking-ticket) — Common defences and what not to say.