Keeper cost notice for a parking violation: do you as keeper have to pay?

For parking violations (stationary traffic), the driver is hit with the warning or regular fine. If the driver cannot be identified, however, a cost notice for the proceedings can be imposed on the keeper. This is not a penalty but a bearing of costs, and is tied to conditions.

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Your chances of getting your money back

If the driver is not identified for a parking violation, the procedural costs can be imposed on the keeper (keeper cost notice). The actual fine for the violation, however, is still borne only by the (unknown) driver.

You can proceed against the cost notice. A requirement is, among other things, that the authority investigated promptly and heard you. In case of procedural errors, the notice can be challenged.

What you should do now

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1. Classify the notice
Clarify whether it is about a fine (against the driver) or a cost notice against you as keeper, that is a difference.
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2. Check the procedure
Did the authority hear you promptly and seriously try to identify the driver? Delays weaken the notice.
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3. Respond
In case of errors, file an appeal on time and name the flaws of the procedure.
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4. Check the amount
Check whether only the permissible procedural costs were set and not, say, the fine itself.

How to spot the scam

The fine is imposed on you even though you were not driving and are only the keeper.
The authority investigated only late and barely.
The cost amount is not comprehensible.

Frequently asked questions

Do I as keeper have to pay the fine for a parking violation?

The actual fine hits the driver. If this person cannot be identified, however, the procedural costs can be imposed on you as keeper (keeper cost notice). This is a bearing of costs, not a penalty for the violation itself.

Do I have to name the driver?

You do not have to incriminate anyone. But if the driver remains unknown, a keeper cost notice is possible. What matters is that the authority for its part investigated promptly and heard you, otherwise the notice can be challenged.

How do I fight the cost notice?

With an appeal within the deadline. Points of attack are insufficient or delayed inquiries as well as a cost amount that is not comprehensible. Also check whether the fine was wrongly set instead of only the procedural costs.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.