Provincial Offences Court frequently asked questions

Provincial Offences

How many days do I have to respond once I receive a Provincial Offences ticket?

Please read and follow the instructions provided on the back of the blue ticket (Offence Notice). Within 15 days, you must choose one of the following options:

  1. Plea of guilty – payment out of court
  2. Plea of Guilty – Submissions as to penalty
  3. Trial option

What if I need more time to pay a Provincial Offences fine?

If you need more time to pay a fine, visit the Court Office noted on the back of your ticket and complete the Extension of Time to Pay form. Completed forms are to be filed with the Court Office. It will then be submitted to a Justice of the Peace for decision. You will then be required to contact the office to determine whether the extension is granted or not.

Why are there two amounts on my ticket?

One amount is the set fine and the second is the total payable. The total payable consists of the set fine, court costs and the victim fine surcharge.

Court costs are an amount to be paid by the defendant for the service of the offence notice and/or summons and upon conviction of an offence. The costs are authorized by Section 60 of the Provincial Offences Act and the amount is set by Regulation.

The Victim Fine Surcharge is imposed by the Provincial Government and is added to every fine imposed under the Provincial Offences Act. The amount of the Victim Fine Surcharge varies based on the amount of the set fine. Proceeds from the surcharge are used to maintain and expand provincial services to victims of crime.

Will I be able to pay a parking ticket at the Provincial Offences Court?

Yes, parking infractions can be paid in person at 59 Carden Street, or in person at City Hall at 1 Carden Street. Parking infractions can also be paid online at guelph.ca/parking.

Parking payments may also be accepted by phone at 1-877-678-8465 or through the online Parking Ticket Payment System.

Where do I appeal?

Appeal Forms and Information can be obtained from any Ontario Court of Justice Provincial Offences (Provincial Offences Court) or Criminal Court Office.

How can I find out more information about filing appeals?

The Ministry of the Attorney General has developed a Guide to Appeals in Provincial Offences Cases, providing general information about court process for appeals under the Provincial Offences Act.

How do I request an extension of time to pay for my Offence Notice (ticket)?

Information and forms are available on our payment extensions page.

How do I sign my documents if they require a signature?

The Ontario Court of Justice will accept electronically signed document where a signature is required.  An electronic signature consists of electronic information that identifies the signatory and the date and place of signing.  For example, you may type your name as the signature.

What services are available online?

Administrative Penalty System

About the Administrative Penalty System

What is the purpose of the APS by-law?

The purpose of the APS by-law is to establish an Administrative Penalties System (APS) for parking violations in the City of Guelph. This system aims to promote compliance with the City’s by-laws by imposing administrative penalties for violations.

 What are Administrative Penalties?

Administrative penalties are financial penalties imposed by the City for non-compliance with designated by-laws. These penalties are not punitive in nature but are intended to encourage compliance with the City’s by-laws.

Which by-laws are covered under APS?

The by-laws covered under this system are currently related to parking offences. Camera-based charges are expected to be included by late 2025.

Where can I review the by-laws and policies covered under APS?

How are penalties issued?

Penalties are issued by an officer who has reason to believe that a person has violated a designated by-law. The officer will issue a penalty notice to the person once the violation has been confirmed.

Who is authorized to issue penalty notices in Guelph?

In Guelph private parking contractors, bylaw officers, and police officers can issue penalty notices for parking violations.

What information is included in a Penalty Notice?

A penalty notice includes the person’s name, the date of the violation, the penalty notice number, the name and signature of the issuing officer, the short form wording for the violation, the location of the violation, the amount of the administrative penalty, the due date for payment, payment options, and information on how to request a review of the penalty.

What is the difference between a penalty notice and a parking ticket?

A penalty notice will now be issued for an offence in violation of the “Parking By-law” rather than a parking ticket. A penalty notice looks similar to a “ticket,” but requires payment of a penalty instead of a fine and the process to dispute a penalty are different (you don’t need to go to court), as set out in the notice. The penalty notice is issued by a municipal law enforcement officer when a violation of the Parking By-law has been committed.

Payment under APS

What happens if a penalty is not paid on time?

If you do not pay a penalty notice within 30 days of the date on the penalty notice, an administrative fee will be added. Late payments will also be subject to a late payment fee.

What are the fees for unpaid penalty notice?

If you do not pay your penalty notice within the 30 day time limit, the following fees will be applied:

  • $11.00 MTO Fee added on the 31st day.
  • $25.00 Late Fee added on the 45th day.
  • Plate Denial Notice will be sent, giving you 15 days to pay from the date of the letter.
  • $22.00 Default Fee added on the 75th day, and the case is sent to DFCC for plate denial.

What are the consequences of not paying an Administrative Penalty?

If an administrative penalty is not paid within 30 days of the date of service of the penalty notice, the penalty and any applicable administrative fees are deemed to be affirmed and payable. The person will also be liable to pay a late payment fee.

Can an Administrative Penalty be added to the tax roll?

Yes, if an administrative penalty is not paid within 30 days, it may be added to the tax roll of a property located in the City. This means that the penalty will become a debt to the City and can be collected in the same manner as property taxes.

Do penalty notices cost more than traditional parking tickets?

No, the penalty amounts are equivalent to the set parking fines that used to apply. Note that if an individual does not pay the penalty within the 30-day time limit, an administrative fee and late-payment fees will be added. There are also additional fees for individuals who request an in-person screening review or hearing and do not show up.

What if I cannot afford to pay the penalty notice?

Financial hardship may be considered when reviewed and the penalty may be reduced with additional time to pay. You can ask for an extension of time to pay when you submit the screening review request.

Screening review

Can penalties be reviewed or appealed?

Yes, a person who has been issued a penalty notice can request a review of the penalty by a Screening Officer. If the person wants to establish an error with the decision of the Screening Officer, they can request a hearing with a Hearing Officer. Decisions made by the Hearing Officer are final and binding.

How are penalties enforced?

Penalties are a debt to the City and may be added to the tax roll of a property located in the City if not paid within 30 days. The City may also initiate other proceedings or seek other remedies permitted by law to collect fees and to prevent the continuation or repetition of the violation.

What is the process for requesting a Screening Review?

A person who has been issued a penalty notice can request a Screening Review by submitting a request online. The request must be made within 30 days of being issued the penalty notice.

What if I missed the deadline to schedule a screening?

If you missed the deadline to schedule a screening, there is an extension of time to Request Screening between days 30-60 from the issue date.

What happens during a Screening Review?

During a Screening Review, the Screening Officer will review the penalty notice and any submissions made by the person who received the notice. The Screening Officer may confirm, cancel, or reduce the amount of the administrative penalty and will provide their decision via email.

What if I am not satisfied with the result of a screening?

If the matter is still in dispute after the screening review, a Hearing Officer can provide a final decision.

What is the role of a Hearing Officer?

A Hearing Officer conducts hearings to review the decisions made by Screening Officers. The Hearing Officer has the authority to confirm, cancel, or reduce the amount of the administrative penalty.

How are hearings conducted?

Hearings can be conducted by ZOOM, or by other electronic means that allow participants to hear one another. You will receive a ZOOM link once your request for a hearing is submitted.

What happens if a person fails to appear for a hearing?

If a person fails to appear for a hearing, they may be charged a Hearing Non-Appearance Fee as per the by-law. The Hearing Officer may proceed with the hearing in the person’s absence and make a decision based on the available information.

What do I do if I get a penalty notice by mistake?

If you believe you got a penalty notice by mistake you can contact parking enforcement:

Can I authorize someone else to act on my behalf?

Yes, you will be required to complete the Client/Agent authorization form and submit it to the Screening Officer.

Does it cost anything to request a screening or hearing?

No. Note that a $75.00 fee will be applied to anyone who fails to attend their scheduled Screening Review meeting. A $100.00 fee will be applied to anyone who fails to attend their scheduled Hearing Review meeting.

Additional Questions

I lost my penalty notice, what do I do?

You can request your penalty notice number or copy of the penalty notice by contacting our court services team: [email protected] or call 519-826-0762.

What do I do if I have an Accessible Parking Permit and receive a penalty notice?

If your permit was displayed properly you can speak to Bylaw Operations to establish if the Penalty Notice was issued in error.  You can also request a screening review and provide your evidence and explanation on the request.

What if I cannot access the internet to pay or request a review for a penalty notice?

In person Screening Requests can be made at ServiceGuelph or court counters by completing a Screening Request Form. For accessibility concerns, please contact the City’s Information and Access Coordinator at 519-822-1260 extension 2349, or email [email protected] for accessibility support.

What if I experience technical issues paying a penalty notice, submitting a review request or attending a hearing?

Please contact court services for assistance by calling 519-826-0762 or emailing [email protected].

What if I do not have internet access to attend a virtual hearing?

Individuals who require accommodation can contact the City’s Information and Access Coordinator at 519-822-1260 extension 2349, or email [email protected].

How do I submit a complaint about the APS system?

Please review our APS policy – public complaints for more information.