This summer, starting July 1st, the City of Bangor, Maine, launched a parking ticket amnesty program allowing overdue fines to be paid without late fees. The program came ahead of the introduction of The Barnacle, a new windshield-mounted enforcement device designed to replace traditional boots. By the end of the month, more than $9,000 in unpaid parking tickets were resolved, demonstrating the success of a program built on fairness and equity.[1][2]

A CLEAN SLATE: THE AMNESTY PROGRAM
Recognizing that past violations can snowball into burdensome penalties, Bangor’s July amnesty initiative allowed residents with violations over 30 days old to pay only the original fine, waiving late fees and doubled penalties.[2] To ensure residents knew about the opportunity, the city launched a broad publicity campaign that included announcements on local TV and radio stations, social media posts, updates on the city’s website, and signage in municipal garages and downtown areas. This outreach helped spread the word quickly, encouraging compliance, giving people a fresh start, and generating strong community engagement.[3]

THE NEXT CHAPTER IN PARKING COMPLIANCE
With the amnesty program wrapping up, Bangor prepared to roll out Barnacle devices for ongoing enforcement. Replacing the traditional wheel boot, the Barnacle attaches to a vehicle’s windshield, making it immediately visible and unsafe to drive until resolved. Drivers receive clear instructions for fast, convenient payment and self-removal.[2][4]

“The beginning of August, we are launching what’s called the Barnacle, and the Barnacle is what used to be the boot on a car. So instead of on a tire, it’s going to be on the windshield. And so we wanted people to kind of get their ducks in a row in terms of parking so that they don’t have to receive the Barnacle and we wanted to kind of have that time to be able to explain what the Barnacle is,” said Biguita Hernandez-Smith, Economic Development Officer for the City of Bangor.[3]

This approach ensures compliance while minimizing disruption, damage, and wait times.

PARTNERSHIPS DRIVING SUCCESS 
Bangor’s Business & Economic Development Committee emphasized that this success comes from strong collaboration across departments—from finance to code enforcement. Pairing digital tools like the ParkMobile app, a fair forgiveness program, and Barnacle enforcement is helping the city deliver on its promise to make downtown parking easier, more accessible, and more efficient.[5]

SETTING A MODEL FOR OTHER CITIES
Bangor’s early results show how cities can pair community-friendly initiatives with innovative enforcement tools to boost compliance and trust. By recovering thousands in unpaid tickets while giving drivers a path to catch up, Bangor is setting an example for other municipalities facing similar challenges.

Watch the Full News Story [6]

Sources:

  1. Bangor Daily News (September 5, 2025). “Bangor recouped $9K in unpaid parking tickets after threatening to use the ‘Barnacle’.” Bangor Daily News. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  2. News Center Maine Staff (July 10, 2025). “Drivers can take advantage of Bangor parking ticket amnesty before the city deploys the ‘barnacle’.” News Center Maine. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  3. WABI Staff (July 8, 2025). “Bangor to grant amnesty in July for parking violation fees.” WABI (local news). Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  4. WGME Staff (July 10, 2025). “‘Barnacle’ parking enforcement is coming to Bangor.” WGME 13 News. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  5. Bangor Mike Staff (July 14, 2025). “July 7, 2025 Bangor City Council Committee Meetings.” Bangor Mike. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  6. Bangor Mike Staff (July 8, 2025). “Bangor to Grant Amnesty in July for Parking Violation Fees.” WABI TV5 News. Retrieved September 16, 2025.