UK parking contravention codes explained

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.

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 AI will identify the contravention code automatically.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Parking Mate AI 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.