San Antonio Considers First Parking Ticket Fine Increase in 15 Years

For the first time since 2009, the City of San Antonio is considering raising parking ticket fines as part of its proposed 2026 fiscal year budget. With a nearly $173 million shortfall projected over the next two years, city leaders are looking at higher fines and fees to help close the gap and continue funding essential services like police, fire, parks, and libraries.

What’s Changing?

The proposal would increase fines on the 10 most common parking violations by $20 each. City staff noted that San Antonio’s current fines are still lower compared to other Texas cities, and adjustments are overdue.

Proposed fine increases include:

• Parking meter/pay station violation: $27 → $47

• Parked facing oncoming traffic: $32 → $52

• No parking zone: $32 → $52

• Within 20′ of a crosswalk: $32 → $52

• Within 15′ of a fire hydrant: $82 → $102

• Blocking a street/driveway/sidewalk: $32 → $52

• Handicap parking violation: $227 → $247

• More than 18″ from curb/edge: $32 → $52

• Loading zone: $32 → $52

The city projects these changes will generate $438,120 in new revenue, the equivalent of about 21,905 tickets issued.

Why the Increase Now?

City Manager Erik Walsh explained during the budget presentation that many fees haven’t been adjusted in over a decade. Alongside parking tickets, the city plans to adjust food inspection fees, alarm permits, and convention center rentals while reducing or eliminating certain food permit charges to comply with state law.

The combination of increases and adjustments is expected to generate $3.7 million in the coming fiscal year, with most of that revenue coming from parking violations.

Impact on Residents & Visitors

For San Antonio drivers, this means it will be more costly to ignore meters, park too close to intersections, or block driveways. While the city hopes the increase encourages compliance, it could also impact local businesses and visitors who frequent busy areas where parking is limited.

At the same time, the additional revenue will help protect the city’s core services, including public safety and community resources.

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