Contravention Codes
Find the Contravention Code on Your Council PCN
Every council PCN has a contravention code. Find the code on your notice to understand what the council alleges, what evidence is needed, and which challenge grounds may apply.
- Council PCNs
- On-Street
- Off-Street
- Bus Lane
Contravention appeal checker
Select your PCN code and start the right appeal.
Choose the contravention printed on your council PCN. We explain what it means, what evidence matters, and how Parking Mate UK prepares the appeal letter.
Selected contravention
Code 62
Parked with one or more wheels on or over a footpath or any part of a road other than a carriageway
What this means
The council is alleging this specific contravention happened at the time and location shown on your PCN. It still has to prove the restriction, evidence, wording, timing, and process are correct.
Parking PCNs are usually challenged by checking whether the restriction was properly signed, whether the code matches what happened, and whether the council followed the correct procedure.
What we check
- Council photos and observation notes
- Signs, road markings, bay markings, or permit rules
- The PCN wording, dates, location, and contravention code
- Any exemptions, loading activity, payment record, or permit evidence
3 step appeal process
- 1Provide PCN detailsUpload your PCN and tell us what happened.
- 2We prepare your appealWe build a solicitor-grade letter based on your PCN and contravention.
- 3Submit your appealYou receive the letter and simple submission instructions.
Ready to challenge this PCN?
Start the form and upload the notice. The appeal letter is prepared around your PCN details.
Contravention Code FAQs
Common questions about parking ticket appeals and how the service works.
What is a contravention code on a parking ticket?
A contravention code is a two-digit number (or TfL reference) printed on a council penalty charge notice that identifies the specific type of parking or traffic offence alleged. Each contravention code has a defined description and falls under a specific enforcement scheme with its own rules.
Where do I find the contravention code on my PCN?
The contravention code is usually printed on the front of your penalty charge notice, often near the top or in a summary section. It appears as a two-digit number (such as 01, 05, or 82) or a TfL reference code. If you cannot find it, upload your PCN and Parking Mate UK will identify the contravention code automatically.
Can the council use the wrong contravention code on my PCN?
Yes. Councils sometimes use the wrong contravention code on a PCN. If the code does not accurately describe what happened, this is a valid ground for challenging the notice. For example, if you were issued a code for overstaying in a paid bay but you had actually paid for the correct period, the code may be wrong.
Are on-street and off-street contravention codes different?
Yes. On-street contravention codes range from 01 to 66 and cover restrictions on public roads. Off-street codes range from 70 to 96 and apply in council-managed car parks. The two ranges have different rules around signage, evidence, and enforcement procedures.
What contravention codes are used for bus lane and moving traffic offences?
Bus lane contraventions typically use codes 33 and 34. Moving traffic offences use codes 31 (box junction), 32 (failing to follow a sign), 50 (banned turn), 51 (no entry), and others in the 50s range. These are usually camera-enforced and have different evidence requirements from standard parking PCNs.
Do TfL PCNs use the same contravention codes as council PCNs?
No. TfL uses its own reference codes for the Congestion Charge (TFL-CC), ULEZ (TFL-ULEZ), and LEZ (TFL-LEZ). These are distinct from the numeric contravention codes used by local authorities for parking and traffic enforcement.
How does the contravention code affect my appeal options?
The contravention code determines which enforcement scheme applies, which in turn determines the specific rules the council must have followed. Different codes have different signage requirements, evidence standards, and procedural obligations. A challenge based on the correct code-specific rules is more likely to succeed.
What happens if my contravention code is for a higher-band offence?
Higher-band contravention codes attract a higher penalty charge. However, the higher band does not change your right to challenge. The same procedural, signage, and evidence requirements apply regardless of the penalty band. If defects are present, the ticket can be challenged at any level.
Can I challenge a PCN if I disagree with the contravention code description?
Yes. If the description of the contravention code does not match what actually happened, this is a strong ground for challenge. You can make representations to the council explaining why the code is inaccurate and, if rejected, appeal to the independent tribunal.
How does Parking Mate UK use the contravention code?
Parking Mate UK reads the contravention code from your PCN and applies the specific rules for that code. It checks whether the code matches the alleged offence, whether the required signage was in place, whether the evidence meets the standard for that code, and whether the procedural requirements were followed. This produces a code-specific defect report.
Written by Parking Mate UK | Last updated: 21 May 2026
Parking Mate UK has helped UK motorists since 2018 to challenge parking tickets, court claims and bailiff enforcement. We prepare clear, notice-specific documents so drivers can respond with the right grounds, evidence and submission instructions.
Know your contravention code? Find your page above
Or upload your notice and Parking Mate UK identifies the code automatically and checks for defects specific to your situation.