Ottawa’s new yellow parking tickets come with new rules

29-Jul-2026

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Starting on July 28, drivers who receive a parking ticket in Ottawa will have more time to pay it off, to request a review and to avoid late fees, following a series of changes being introduced by the city.

Coun. Riley Brockington, chair of the city’s emergency preparedness and protective services committee, told CBC News the move comes "in anticipation of a surge of commuters in September."

The most noticeable change is that the tickets will now be printed on yellow paper instead of white. Brockington says that will make them easier to spot on a vehicle’s windshield.

The city is also extending payment deadlines. Drivers will now have 15 days, up from seven, to pay the reduced early payment amount. If the ticket is not paid within that time, a reminder notice will be sent and the regular fine will apply, along with a $16 "registered owner lookup fee."

The deadline to pay the normal fine before a late fee is added will increase to 45 days from 30. After that, the city will add the $25 late fee and issue a second reminder notice.

Unpaid tickets will now be considered in default after 76 days, up from 61. After that, drivers may be blocked from renewing their licence plate until they settle the outstanding fines and fees.