Photograph the site when you are ticketed, if possible. Take a picture of the meter that is still valid with your phone or camera. If it is an issue of parking in a no parking zone, take a picture of your parked car for your record or proof of your parking.
Turn the ticket over to read the city or county's policy listed on the back. Each location will have different policies on how to defend a wrongfully issued ticket. You may need to dispute the ticket over the phone or through the mail; it's less common to defend the ticket in court. Make a photocopy of the ticket.
Enclose the actual ticket and photo or parking receipt and mail to the parking department. Write a note explaining you received the ticket, but paid for parking or were not parked illegally. Include information where the parking department can contact you if necessary.
Call the number listed on the ticket. Explain to the clerk the situation and why your ticket is wrongful. Often the city will look into the ticket and contact you if the ticket is still valid.
