DALLAS — The city of Dallas will begin placing windshield “barnacles” on vehicles with three or more unpaid parking citations in the same calendar year starting Monday, as officials introduce a new way to enforce delinquent parking tickets.
The city’s Department of Transportation and Public Works will use self-release immobilizers that attach to a vehicle’s windshield. Drivers must pay all outstanding parking citations and a $100 immobilization fee to remove the device.
Drivers will have 24 hours to settle the required fees and remove the barnacle. Vehicles that still have the device after that period may be towed.
Drivers also must authorize a $300 refundable credit card hold. The city typically releases the hold within three business days after the driver returns the device. Drivers will lose the deposit if they fail to return it.
The city will offer payment plans. After completing payment, drivers will receive a unique code to unlock the immobilizer.
Drivers must return the device to a drop box at 320 E. Jefferson Blvd.
The city will provide a notice explaining why officials placed the device on the vehicle. The immobilizer cannot attach to vehicles with damaged or unusually shaped windshields.
Officials said the program aims to reduce towing and help motorists regain access to their vehicles more quickly.
The city said the number of vehicles with three or more unpaid parking tickets increases by about 150 to 300 vehicles each year, prompting officials to seek a more efficient enforcement method.
Officials warned drivers against tampering with the device. The barnacle can sound a siren when someone attempts to remove it improperly and can trigger an alarm if the vehicle moves.
Tampering with a barnacle or another immobilization device can result in an additional $500 fine, according to the city.
