SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio City Council unanimously passed an ordinance establishing guidelines for booting of parked cars Thursday, offering drivers more protections against hefty fines.
The ordinance, presented to the council by Police Chief William McManus, prevents companies from booting a car on the first offense, requires a one-hour courtesy before a boot is put on a car that has exceeded its allotted parking time, and establishes a $35 cap on fees to have a boot removed.
"This ordinance makes clear to San Antonians and our visitors that they can come downtown or anywhere in our city, park their car in a parking lot without the fear of their car being unreasonably booted," said Mayor Julian Castro.
Companies found violating the guidelines established in the ordinance face fines between $200 and $300 per violation.
The ordinance will be enforced by the San Antonio Police Department.
"Before the ordinance, SAPD was powerless to help anyone. Now we have that authority to step in," said McManus.
The ordinance goes into effect June 1.