Peruvian Court Invalidates Municipal Parking Fines

Peruvian Court Strikes Down Municipal Parking Ordinances LIMA, PERU – A recent ruling by Peru's Constitutional Tribunal has invalidated municipal ordinances that permitted the fining and towing of illegally parked vehicles. The decision, which stems from a February 2024 case, has significant implications for drivers and municipalities across the country. The Tribunal specifically cited La Victoria municipality's ordinance 375-2021 as an example of an unconstitutional measure. The ruling emphasizes that traffic regulation and the imposition of related penalties fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Communications. This means that local municipalities lack the authority to create their own sets of rules and associated fines for parking violations. "This decision sets an important precedent," said a legal expert interviewed for this report. "It clarifies the limits of municipal power in traffic enforcement and protects drivers from potentially unfair or inconsistent penalties." The ruling is expected to lead to changes in how municipalities manage parking in Peru, ensuring greater consistency and fairness in traffic enforcement. The decision serves as a reminder for drivers to be aware of national traffic regulations and for municipalities to adhere to the established legal framework.