Who sets the parking conviction fee in cities with population over 850,000?

• A. The state sets a fixed fee.
• B. The city council sets the amount.
• C. The judge sets the amount.
• D. No fee is allowed.

Answer: (B)

Local control of penalties is the key idea. In most municipalities, the exact amount of a parking conviction fee is set by the city through its ordinances. In cities with very large populations, the city council is the body that enacts or adjusts these fees to reflect local budgeting needs and enforcement priorities. The judge enforces penalties and imposes the sentence according to the established schedule, but does not set the fee amount. The state generally does not dictate the precise fee for a specific city, except for any overarching limits; and a scenario with no fee would require a different legal authority. So the city council is responsible for setting the parking conviction fee.