Syracuse, N.Y. — An underwhelming response so far to Syracuse’s first parking ticket amnesty program in five years has prompted the city to extend the opportunity into 2026.
The November offer to forgive penalties accrued for unpaid parking tickets now runs through Jan. 2, after the Syracuse Common Council approved an extension on Monday.
“A little holiday gift, I guess,” Councilor Pat Hogan said during a study session before the voting meeting.
Councilors in October approved a proposed amnesty program from the city’s finance department that was to run throughout November. Officials said amnesty can generate a revenue boost for the city budget while giving some financial relief to vehicle owners with past due parking tickets.
But so far, out of more than 140,000 unpaid tickets dating back to 1997, the city has processed only about 1,100 tickets for amnesty benefits. That has brought in $50,000 in original fines and state surcharges, with about $41,000 in late penalties waived.
When Syracuse last offered parking ticket amnesty in 2020, it processed about 34,000 tickets and generated about $1 million in fine revenue
The 2020 program was the first amnesty program offered in 17 years, so the demand may have been greater. In addition, the city spent money that year to mail every person with unpaid tickets a notice. This time, officials have relied on news media coverage and social media to spread word about the program.
Under amnesty, late payment penalties are waived when base fines are paid. Penalties are added after 20 days, 30 days and 90 days. A base fine of $25 that also includes a $15 New York state surcharge can accrue up to $95 in penalties.
Here are the options to pay parking tickets under the current amnesty program:
- Email ParkingAmnesty@syr.gov or visit the City Payment Center at City Hall to find out how many outstanding tickets they have and what the discounted cost to clear each ticket is. The payment center is located at Room 122, 233 E. Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
- Make payments in person, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Drop payments off at the secure drop box at City Hall located to the right of the Market Street entrance.
- Mail payments to the City Payment Center at City Hall.
- Visit syr.gov/parkingamnesty to access the portal to pay the tickets off online.
Drivers with current payment plans for unpaid tickets must secure amnesty by visiting in person. Mail and drop box payments can be made with a check or money order, but cash is also accepted at the drop box. Ticket or license plate number must be written on each check or included with each money order or cash payment.
