Challenging an out of time penalty charge notice
Guide for professionals
The challenge is accepted or rejected
The authority will review the application and decide whether to accept or reject the out of time challenge.
The TEC receives the application
The traffic enforcement centre informs the issuing authority of the challenge.
The issuing authority has 19 days to accept or reject the challenge. It must suspend enforcement action pending its decision.
The authority issues a decision
The authority issues its decision to accept or reject the challenge.
| Issuing authority decision | What the decision means | What happens to enforcement |
|---|---|---|
| Authority accepts challenge | Authority can reissue the PCN or notice to owner | Action withdrawn |
| Authority rejects challenge | TEC decides whether to accept challenge | Suspended pending decision |
| No response after 19 days | TEC cancels order for recovery | Action withdrawn |
If the challenge is accepted
The order of recovery is withdrawn, and enforcement action must stop.
The issuing authority can:
cancel the PCN if the client paid in full
issue a new notice to owner, so the client will have 28 days to pay
refer the case to an independent tribunal
The London tribunals decide appeals of PCNs issued by London boroughs and Transport for London.
The traffic penalty tribunal decides appeals of PCNs issued outside London.
If the challenge is rejected
A court officer decides challenges that have been rejected by the issuing authority.
| Court officer decision | What the decision means | What happens to enforcement action |
|---|---|---|
| Court officer accepts appeal | TEC cancels order for recovery and informs issuing authority | Action withdrawn |
| Court officer rejects appeal | Issuing authority and client informed, no reasons are required to be given | Action continues |
Last updated: 23 February 2026
