Parking fines rise in downtown Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Parking and traffic violations fines are going up in downtown Portland.

Parking fines were raised by $10.

The Multnomah County Circuit Court also approved a new violation and fine for the vehicle lane on the new transit mall, officials said Wednesday.

Parking or stopping the transit mall lane could get drivers a $245 fine. Making a right turn across the bus/light rail lanes is a $250 violation.

The increases take effect on Nov. 30.

Also:
Parking at a fire hydrant will increase from $100 to $150;
Blocking a handicapped access ramp will increase from $150 to $210;
Parking in a disabled zone without a valid permit will increase from $190 to $450:
Unlawful use of a disabled parking permit will increase from $450 to $720;

Overtime parking will not increase until January 4, 2010, out of consideration for the holidays, officials said. The overtime parking fine will remain at $24 through the holidays and on January 4, 2010, will be increased to $34.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation said they hoped the hikes would help decrease rising parking violations, cover costs of service, and maintain schedules. The increases are expected to net the City approximately $500,000 more after court fees.

 “We do not put fines in place to make money,” Transportation Bureau Director Susan D. Keil said. “We put fines in place to change behavior. Our goal is to have fine amounts sufficient to cause some deterrence from ignoring the law.” 
 
The last increase in fines for parking violations was in July 2006.