equipment malfunctionUnited States · Tacoma / Pierce CountyDifficulty: Easy
Tacoma ParkMobile / Meter Malfunction Dismissal
Tacoma uses ParkMobile and IPS smart meters. TMC 11.05.480 and Tacoma Municipal Court rules permit dismissal where the driver demonstrates that the meter or pay-by-phone app malfunctioned. The Tacoma Police Department parking enforcement also requires officers to log meter status; a 'bag over meter' or 'OFF' display is an absolute defense.
Legal basis
TMC 11.05.480; Tacoma Municipal Court Local Rules; RCW 46.63.060
Sample appeal wording
Tacoma Municipal Court — Contested Notice [#] Grounds: meter malfunction. 1. On [DATE/TIME] at [LOCATION] meter [#] displayed [SCREEN] — see Exhibit A photograph. 2. ParkMobile transaction failed at [TIME] with error '[CODE]' — Exhibit B. 3. Under TMC 11.05.480 a non-functioning meter cannot give rise to a 'failure to pay' infraction. Dismissal requested. [NAME] / [DATE]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
Beat It writes this argument automatically
Scan your PCN — our AI checks if this ground applies to your specific ticket, drafts a properly-cited appeal letter, and submits it to the council on your behalf. Only pay if you win.
Scan my ticketSources
- Tacoma Municipal Code 11.05
- Tacoma Municipal Court — https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/municipal_court