Pay the parking fine or object? How to choose
Payment deferral, paying without waiving your rights, and what happens if you do nothing.
Do you have to pay first?
In principle you must pay a parking-tax assessment within the stated term. But if you object, you can request a payment deferral — then you do not have to pay while your objection is pending. State that request directly in your objection.
If you are proven right, the assessment is annulled and you pay nothing. See the step-by-step to object.
You can pay and still object
Would you rather pay right away to avoid hassle or a surcharge? You can — and you keep your right to object. Paying is not an admission that the assessment is correct. If you are later proven right, you get the amount back.
For many people this is the calmest route: pay within the term and object within six weeks.
What if you do nothing?
If you do not pay and do not object, a reminder follows and the amount can grow with collection costs. Ultimately the municipality can enforce collection. So doing nothing is the most expensive option — especially if your assessment was actually unjust. Unsure whether you have a ground? Read when a scan-car assessment is wrong.
How to choose
- Think the assessment is unjust? Object and request a payment deferral. Or pay and object if you would rather avoid any risk of a surcharge.
- Sure the assessment is correct? Pay on time; objecting makes little sense then.
- Unsure? Let MijnBezwaar.nu assess it for free — send a photo and we tell you whether there is a ground.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay before I can object?
No. You can object and request a payment deferral in the same letter, so you do not have to pay while the objection is pending.
Do I lose my right to object if I pay?
No. Paying is not an admission that the assessment is correct. You can pay and still object within six weeks; if you are proven right, you get the amount back.
What if I neither pay nor object?
A reminder follows and collection costs can be added. Ultimately the municipality can enforce collection.
This information is general and not legal advice. No rights can be derived from this article.