Seattle issues nearly 200,000 parking tickets in first half of 2025
Sep 8, 2025, 12:42 PM
A parking ticket seen beneath a car's windshield. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The City of Seattle has issued nearly 200,000 parking tickets in the first half of 2025.
According to FOX 13, the city wrote up 188,770 parking tickets.
From 2022 to 2024, the City of Seattle wrote 964,577 tickets, good for 321,500 per year on average. If 2025 remains on its first-half pace, it will dwarf this average with nearly 400,000 total parking tickets issued.
RELATED STORIES
New, increased parking fines in Seattle for 2025
Since Jan. 1, Seattle residents and visitors have been paying more for parking tickets if they park in an illegal spot within the city.
Previously, most parking fines ranged from $29 to $53, depending on the type of violation. This year, new fines start at $43 and can reach as much as $78 — an approximate 33% increase in cost. The only parking tickets that exceed $78 are if a car is parked illegally in a disabled zone, has a forged parking permit, or if a “junked” car is using a city parking spot.
This is the first increase in parking citations since 2011. The full list of the citations and their attached costs can be found here.
The City of Seattle cited that the price hikes were to account for inflation and current parking rates. Seattle Police Department (SPD) parking enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing all parking regulations and violations on city property.
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
