A judge has ruled that the city of San Diego illegally collected millions of dollars in parking violation late fees and penalties over the course of about three years

The ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit involving parking citations issued within San Diego city limits between Feb. 22, 2022, and March 31, 2025. According to the ruling, the city owes plaintiffs more than $16 million.

The lawsuit alleges the city failed to follow requirements in the California Vehicle Code when issuing notices for parking citations. Under state law, the city must mail an initial notice giving recipients 14 days to pay a parking ticket without penalty.

A judge found that the city instead sent notices with late fees already added, according to the lawsuit.

The city of San Diego denies the allegations. The city has not responded to the judge’s ruling nor NBC 7's request for comment in time for publication.

The city’s website still states: "The court has not determined whether plaintiff or the city are correct. There is no money available now and no guarantee that there will be."

https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/city-san-diego-illegally-collected-millions-parking-ticket-late-fees-judge/4031282/?break=nbc673&_osource=newltr_station_Hdlines_knsd