How to Fight a Duplicate Parking Ticket in Toronto

# How to Fight a Duplicate Parking Ticket in Toronto

A duplicate parking ticket in Toronto 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

If you've received two parking tickets from Toronto for the same offence at the same time and place, you likely have a duplicate parking ticket. This can happen when an enforcement officer issues multiple notices by mistake, or when a ticket is duplicated during processing. Because parking tickets in Ontario carry 0 demerit points and do not affect your driving record directly, disputing one is a matter of correcting an administrative error rather than defending a moving violation. Your first step is to check the fine amounts and the notice date on each ticket, then gather evidence that proves the duplication. BeatMyTicket.ca can help you prepare a clear dispute package to present to the City of Toronto's Administrative Penalty Tribunal.

Dispute Deadline in Toronto

The standard dispute window for a Toronto parking ticket is 15 calendar days from the date of the notice. This deadline applies to both single and duplicate tickets. If you miss this initial window, the city may issue a default penalty and add late fees. Always confirm the exact deadline printed on your ticket. The City of Toronto's APS portal and your notice will show the specific "Date of Offence" and "Date of Notice" so you can calculate your filing window. For more details, visit the official fight a parking ticket in Toronto page.

What Evidence Helps

To build a strong case against a duplicate parking ticket, collect the following evidence in order of priority:

This checklist improves your chances of a successful dispute by giving the reviewer clear proof that the duplicate is a mistake.

Common Defences / Arguments

When fighting a duplicate parking ticket, focus on factual arguments that show an error, not excuses. Here are three realistic defences:

• Clear Duplicate Identifiers: If both tickets have the same date, time of offence, vehicle description, and location, you can argue that the city issued two penalties for a single parking event. Condition: You must provide copies of both tickets without any alteration. Evidence: Photocopies or photos of the original notices. Limitation: If the tickets reference different sections of the by-law (e.g., one for "no parking" and another for "parking in a prohibited zone"), they may not be true duplicates.

• Payment Already Made Before Second Ticket: If you paid the first ticket through the city's online portal or by mail before the second ticket was issued, present the payment receipt. Condition: The payment must be verifiable on the city's system. Evidence: Bank statement, online portal screenshot, or confirmation email. Limitation: The second ticket might still stand if the system wasn't updated in time; you may need to escalate to a screening review.

• Meter or App Payment Shows No Violation: If you had paid for parking that covered the full time period on both tickets, the duplication is irrelevant because the underlying offence did not occur. Condition: Your payment record must show active payment at the exact time shown on both tickets. Evidence: Payment app history, receipt from parking machine, or credit card statement. Limitation: If the tickets are for different types of violations (e.g., one for overstaying time limit, another for wrong zone), payment may not cover both.

What Not To Say

Avoid these weak arguments when disputing a duplicate parking ticket:

• "I didn't see the ticket on my windshield." The city issues tickets based on observation, not your visibility.
• "The officer was being unfair." The review process considers facts, not opinions about enforcement behaviour.
• "I only want to pay one of them." Paying both or one without a dispute may result in default if you don't follow the official process.

Stick to evidence of duplication, payment errors, or sign confusion. Emotional or accusatory language rarely helps.

Before You Pay

If you pay one of the duplicate tickets before filing a dispute, you may lose the ability to contest the other one. In some cities, including Toronto, paying a ticket is treated as an admission of liability that closes the dispute window. Always check the official City of Toronto Administrative Penalty Tribunal rules before making any payment. If you are unsure, wait until you have filed a dispute or spoken with a representative.

Step-by-Step Dispute Process

1. Check the deadline (typically 15 days from the date on the notice). Mark your calendar so you don't miss the window.
2. Collect evidence using the checklist above. Organize copies of both tickets, photos, receipts, and any supporting documents.
3. Draft your explanation in a clear, chronological summary. State that you received two notices for the same parking event and explain why the second one should be cancelled.
4. File a screening review through the City of Toronto's APS portal or by mail. Attach your evidence and explanation.
5. Wait for the screening decision. The city will review your package and either cancel the duplicate, reduce the fine, or uphold it. If you disagree with the screening result, you may be able to request a hearing.
6. Follow up if you don't receive a response within 30 days. Keep copies of everything you submit.

BeatMyTicket CTA

Preparing a clear dispute package takes time and attention to detail. BeatMyTicket.ca offers a guided platform that helps you collect the right evidence, draft a strong explanation, and submit everything directly to the City of Toronto's Administrative Penalty Tribunal. Our service is not a legal guarantee of cancellation, but it gives you a structured, evidence-first approach to correcting a duplicate parking ticket. Start your dispute now at BeatMyTicket Toronto.

FAQ Section

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*Related resources:*

• Learn how to gather evidence for any parking ticket evidence checklist.
• Understand more about duplicate parking ticket disputes.
• Visit the general Toronto parking ticket fight page for city-specific information and step-by-step guidance.