Chattanooga Parking Authority launches parking amnesty
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Chattanooga Parking Authority (CPA), the parking enforcement affiliate of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), has announced the launch of its Amnesty and Community Support Programs for individuals with outstanding parking citations in Chattanooga.
The programs are available now through September 30, 2026.
According to CARTA, they hope to provide multiple options for resolving unpaid CPA citations before enforcement begins on October 1, 2026.
“We’re giving people time and options before a single boot goes on a car. That’s intentional. These programs offer a clear path to resolve their outstanding citations at a significant discount, get financial assistance if needed, or even support the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. When parking spaces turn over the way they should, downtown Chattanooga merchants win. That’s what parking enforcement is meant to do.”
– Scott Wilson, CARTA Chief of Staff said.
CARTA says before anything else, residents should know: the vast majority of people with a CPA parking ticket or two have nothing to worry about.
They say booting applies only to drivers with three or more unpaid citations that have been outstanding for more than 60 days. If you have one or two tickets, or if your tickets are recent, you are not subject to enforcement under this program, CARTA says.
THREE WAYS TO RESOLVE YOUR OUTSTANDING CITATIONS
If you do have three or more CPA tickets outstanding for more than 60 days, the following programs are available through September 30, 2026.
Programs cannot be combined — choose the option that works best for you.
1. Discount Period (June 1 – September 30, 2026)
Individuals who pay their outstanding CPA balance in full — or enroll in a payment plan — during this window can receive a discount based on when they act:
35% off — Pay your full outstanding balance by June 30, 2026
25% off — Pay your full outstanding balance by August 31, 2026
10% off — Enroll in a 6-month payment plan by August 31, 2026
Discounts cannot be combined. Participants must select one option.
2. Hardship Program (Available Now – September 30, 2026)
For individuals facing financial difficulty, the Hardship Program offers a 90% reduction of the total outstanding balance and an extended payment plan of up to 12 months.
Individuals are automatically eligible with documentation of:
Section 8 housing
SSI or SSDI (Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance)
SNAP or WIC
Individuals with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may also qualify through income verification.
The Hardship Program cannot be combined with the Discount Period or Food for Fines Program.
3. Food for Fines Program (June 1 – September 30, 2026)
The Food for Fines Program lets participants reduce their outstanding balance by making a monetary donation to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank — and doubles the impact.
Every $1 donated = $2 credit toward your outstanding balance
Up to 25% of your total outstanding balance may be resolved through this program
Monetary donations only — no food items accepted
The Food for Fines Program cannot be combined with the Discount Period or Hardship Program.
HOW TO APPLY
Information about all three programs, eligibility details, and application links are available at chattanoogaparking.org. Residents with questions or complaints may also contact the Chattanooga Parking Authority at (423) 648-4031 or visit 1362 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.
CARTA says to check whether you have outstanding CPA citations, visit parkchattanooga-tn.com and search by license plate number. If you have used more than one license plate since 2019, search each plate separately. If your name is assigned to a plate, you are responsible for any tickets associated with it.
BOOTING RULES — EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2026
Beginning October 1, 2026, vehicles may be immobilized (booted) only when a driver has three or more unpaid citations that have been outstanding for more than 60 days.
If a vehicle is booted, the driver must pay the applicable boot removal fee of up to $75, plus a minimum of 25% of the total outstanding balance, and enter into a payment plan for the remainder.
No vehicles will be booted before October 1.
