(A) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or any person who aids, abets or assists therein, shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of an amount not less than $10, nor more than $100, for each offense or violation; provided, however, that, if, within 48 hours after a violation of Ch. 78, Schd. II, of this code of ordinances regarding limited parking, the owner or operator of a vehicle identified in a citation pays the sum of $5, no prosecution will be initiated; after 48 hours, a fine of $25 must be paid to avoid prosecution. If prosecution is initiated, a fine of up to $100 may be sought; further provided, however, that, if, within 48 hours after a violation of Ch. 78, Schd. III, of this traffic code regarding handicapped parking, the owner or operator of a vehicle identified in a citation pays the sum of $10, no prosecution will be initiated; after 48 hours, a fine of $25 must be paid to avoid prosecution. Payments of a fine may be made by enclosing the required payment in the envelope provided with the notice of violation and depositing the envelope in the fine box located at the city hall, 225 West Monroe Street, Decatur, Indiana, or may be paid in person at City Hall. All fines paid shall be deposited into the City General Fund. Failure to pay a fine within 30 days will result in prosecution being initiated. Once prosecution has been initiated, the fine shall increase to $50, plus court costs, which shall be paid into the office of the Clerk of the county to avoid a trial. If a trial is held, up to a $100 fine maybe sought, which shall be in addition to court costs.
(B) In addition to any fine which may be imposed or sought under division (A) above, any vehicle parked in violation of Ch. 78, Schd. II, of this code of ordinances regarding the parking of trailers on city parking lots or parked in violation of § 75.09 of this chapter regarding oversized vehicles may be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense, and will not be released to the owner until all fines, towing and storage costs are paid.
(Prior Code, § 77.99) (Ord. 1996-5, passed 10-1-1996; Ord. 2010-4, passed 5-18-2010)