Austin ticket parking program offers waivers for responsible drivers

AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the holiday season in full swing, many Austinites and visitors will meet up with friends, coworkers and loved ones to celebrate the festivities. But for those drinking, what happens if you realize you've over-indulged and can't drive home?

The city of Austin's Get Home Safe Ticket Waiver Program is a year-round initiative to help encourage responsible driving practices. Those who've legally parked in a city-owned paid parking space and received a parking ticket can apply for a waiver from the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department (ATPWD).

The program has been operational since about 2011 after the city extended its paid parking times to nighttime hours, said Joseph Al-Hajeri, parking enterprise manager at ATPWD.

Those who've parked legally in a city-owned paid space — not a "no parking" zone or an illegal spot — can submit the waiver within one business day after receiving the citation. That submission must include a copy of the parking citation along with proof of a safe means of getting home, such as a rideshare receipt with the date and time attached.

"Typically, [people] made a decision that I'm going to take a ride home instead of actually having to pay the meter or getting a ticket the next day," he said. "And so we came up with this to offset that and to help encourage people to take an alternative ride home."

Since the program's introduction more than a decade ago, Al-Hajeri said the city has seen an expansion in its transportation network due to more ride-hailing services coming online, helping provide more robust options for those needing a safe commute home.

"It's just making sure that people know that this is available to them," he said. "But we do want to encourage people to plan their trips ahead of time if they're going to go out and drink responsibly."

The program is one of several means of safer alternatives home; CapMetro's Night Owl buses also run from midnight to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday as supplements to pedicabs, taxicabs and rideshares.

In an effort to crack down on impaired driving, the Austin Police Department — in tandem with ATPWD's Vision Zero program — announced in October it had expanded its "No Refusal" initiative into a year-round effort. That program aims to reduce the number of severe and fatal crashes on Austin roadways, allowing APD to obtain a blood search warrant during specific hours “when an arrested driver refuses to submit to a blood alcohol test,” per APD.

Those with questions about the program can reach out to ATPWD's parking enterprise division by calling 512-974-1563 or emailing parking@austintexas.gov.