Parking: What You Should Know
Paid parking spaces in Croatia are marked with signs. Payment is made in cash at the parking meter or via SMS, but only with a Croatian SIM card. Private companies, such as Pula Parking, are commissioned by local authorities to monitor the parking lots. Those who do not find proper parking or exceed the parking time will receive not a fine but a bill with a civil claim of about 20 euros. This bill is then placed on the windshield of the vehicle.What if I Don't Pay the Fine?
Parking enforcement companies hire Croatian law firms (sometimes even foreign ones) or debt collection agencies to identify the vehicle owner and collect the claim.How High Can the Fine for a Parking Violation Be?
The letters sent to affected vehicle owners include, in addition to the actual parking claim, high costs for lawyers or debt collection agencies as well as costs for owner identification and translation. These costs far exceed the amount of the actual parking claim. Claims can reach up to 500 euros.When Does the Fine Become Statute-Barred?
It expires after five years from the day of the parking incident. Therefore, keep your parking tickets for at least five years. Only this way can you later prove that you parked your vehicle properly.
Received a Letter - What Now?
You can, if appropriate, file an objection to a payment demand: * The parking claim was already paid on the spot or after returning home via bank transfer (attach copies of payment receipts). * The vehicle was not at the location (attach witness statements, photos, documents). * The claim is expired (more than 5 years have passed).Letters in Croatian?
If you receive an official letter from a Croatian authority, Croatian court, or law firm that is incomprehensible to you, it is best to contact a lawyer directly.If you have legal protection insurance, you should clarify in advance with your legal protection insurer whether they will cover the representation costs.
