Pasadena Introduces SmartBoot Technology to Recover Unpaid Parking Violations

Car boots of old will be replaced with SmartBoots in Pasadena. – Courtesy photo

New program will be aimed at vehicles with five or more unpaid parking tickets

By Staff

The City of Pasadena has entered into an agreement with PayLock, LLC to provide SmartBoot technology in an effort to recover unpaid parking violations throughout the city. The City’s scofflaw program enforces the State of California motor vehicle code, aimed at the most serious parking violators who have five or more unpaid parking tickets.

“While the California Vehicle Code allows us to impound vehicles with five or more unpaid parking citations, we wanted to find a way to collect these unpaid citations that was less punitive,” said Jon Hamblen, the City’s parking manager. “Instead of having to come to our office and then to a tow yard, motorists can now simply call Paylock, make a payment and have access to their vehicle in minutes.”

When Parking Enforcement officers identify a vehicle eligible for impounding, a SmartBoot is placed on the vehicle. Once all fines and fees are paid, the registered owner of the vehicle is given a six-digit code to release the SmartBoot. Motorists may pay outstanding violations 24-hours a day, seven days a week by calling a multi-lingual, live-operator customer Help Center or on any mobile device. In most cases, the process takes less than 10 minutes. Cash payments are made at 221 E. Walnut St., Suite 199, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Under the current system, vehicles with five or more parking violations are towed to one of three impound lots. Going forward, an identified vehicle will have a SmartBoot immobilization device attached by a Pasadena Department of Transportation officer. The SmartBoot weighs approximately 16 pounds and has an electronic keypad that may be unlocked by the motorist after payment is made. Once removed, the motorist returns the boot to a specified return location. If a motorist chooses not to remove the boot on their own, an officer will be dispatched to assist.

PayLock introduced self-release booting in 2004. Since then, the company has partnered with more than 20 municipalities on parking enforcement solutions. To date, the company has processed more than one million self-release booting transactions, helping cities recover badly-needed vehicle debt.

Motorists with five or more parking violations are encouraged to pay outstanding tickets at the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation, located at 221 E Walnut St., #199. For more information, call the Department of Transportation at (626) 744-4360.