Can Bailiffs Take My Car for a Parking Fine?
Have you received a private parking fine and feel unsure about what to do next? You’ve come to the right place. Every month, over 130,000 people visit our website to understand more about fines and parking tickets.
In this article, we’ll provide clear and simple advice on:
- What happens if you don’t pay a parking fine.
- If you need to pay your parking fine.
- When and why bailiffs might be used by the council or car park operator.
- How to keep your car safe from bailiffs.
- Ways to stop bailiffs from taking your car.
We understand how annoying it can be to receive a private parking fine. Don’t worry, we have lots of helpful advice and examples to guide you through the process.
Not sure what to write in your parking appeal?
You don’t need to start with a blank page.
We’ve created a free parking ticket appeal letter template that gives you a clear structure to follow.
Free editable parking appeal letter template from MoneyNerd.
Can they seize my car?
Technically, a bailiff can seize a vehicle for an unpaid parking fine when you’re subject to a court order to pay. But they will try to get a cash payment from you first, and may target other assets before your vehicle.
We discuss more on this shortly.
Will they take it for a fine?
Although bailiffs can take your car for a parking fine, they might not do so. The total of a parking fine plus bailiff fees is often much smaller than the value of most vehicles, so they might target other assets if you don’t pay in cash.
Baliffs may prefer to seize electrical goods, such as TVs, laptops and games consoles before they attempt to clamp and seize your car. But this isn’t guaranteed.
» TAKE ACTION NOW: Get legal support from JustAnswer
Can a debt collector get my vehicle?
No, a debt collector cannot take your car or any of your assets. A private car park operator may use a debt collection agency to chase an unpaid parking fine. These companies aren’t bailiffs and don’t have any legal powers that the car park company does. It’s simply an outsourcing relationship of convenience for the car park company.
What’s Included in the Free Appeal Template
A clear structure
The template gives you a simple framework for putting your parking appeal together, so you don’t have to work out what to write from scratch.
What you’ll add
- Your parking charge details
- Why you’re appealing
- Any relevant evidence
- What you want the parking company to do
Easy to adapt
Just replace the sections in [square brackets] with the details of your own situation and edit the wording where needed.
You’ll get the template by email so you can save it, edit it and use it when you’re ready.
Free parking appeal letter template from MoneyNerd.
When can they not take it?
Bailiffs cannot seize a vehicle that is:
- Used as your home, such as a campervan
- A mobility vehicle or has a Blue Badge
- Used for work and valued below £1,350
How to stop them
Bailiffs can clamp and seize a vehicle that is on your driveway or on a public road. But they cannot enter a locked garage or other people’s property to clamp or take the vehicle. Therefore, if you want to stop a bailiff from taking your car, you could:
- Put the vehicle in a locked garage
- Ask a friend or family member to leave it on their property
You should do this if you know they’re coming to visit you, such as after receiving a Notice of Enforcement and not clearing the debt within seven days.
Ready to appeal your parking ticket?
Don’t start with a blank page.
Get our free parking ticket appeal letter template and use it as the starting point for your response.
Add the details of your parking charge, explain why you’re appealing and adapt the wording to your circumstances.
We’ll send the template straight to your email.
Free parking appeal letter template from MoneyNerd.
