Where do I find the full list of contravention codes?

The full list of contravention codes for England (outside London) is in the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Regulations 2007, Schedule 1. London uses its own code list under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Both lists are on legislation.gov.uk.

Does a wrong contravention code automatically cancel a PCN?

Not automatically — you need to raise it in formal representations. If you can demonstrate the code does not apply to the circumstances (e.g., the restriction type does not match the location), a council and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal can cancel the PCN. However, councils sometimes argue the correct code was substantially equivalent — an adjudicator decides.

Are contravention codes the same for traffic and parking PCNs?

No. Parking PCNs use the parking contravention code set. Traffic-related PCNs (moving traffic contraventions such as bus lane, box junction, and banned turn violations) use a separate code set under different regulations. Check whether your PCN relates to parking (stationary vehicle) or a moving traffic contravention.

Contravention Code

By GetRighted Legal Research TeamLast updated July 2026

Summary

Every council-issued Penalty Charge Notice carries a two-digit contravention code identifying the specific rule the enforcement officer or camera claims was broken. The codes are set by regulations under the Traffic Management Act 2004 and the relevant Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions regulations. Common codes: 01 (parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours), 12 (parked in a residents' bay without valid permit), 16 (parked in a permit zone without displaying a valid permit), 24 (parked with payment made by fraudulent means), 40 (parked in a designated disabled person's parking place without displaying a valid badge). The code also determines whether the charge is higher (Band A) or lower (Band B).

How contravention codes determine your PCN amount

Contravention codes are grouped into Band A (more serious, higher charge) and Band B (less serious, lower charge) by the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) (Representations and Appeals) Regulations 2007. In London, Band A charges are typically £130 (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days) and Band B charges are £80 (reduced to £40). Outside London, bands are lower. The PCN must state the correct code for the alleged contravention — a wrong or inapplicable code is a ground for challenging the notice.

Why the contravention code matters for your appeal

The contravention code defines the allegation. Your formal representations must address whether the elements of that specific contravention were actually met. For example, contravention code 01 (restricted street during prescribed hours) requires the restriction to have been in force during the actual time of parking — a sign showing different hours than the PCN period is a direct challenge to the code. Code 12 (residents' bay) requires a valid Traffic Management Order designating the bay — a TMO defect defeats the contravention.

Wrong code = invalid PCN

If the enforcement officer selected the wrong contravention code for the circumstances — for example, code 01 when the bay was actually a single yellow line with different restrictions — the PCN may be invalid. The code must accurately reflect the alleged breach. Adjudicators at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal have cancelled PCNs where the contravention code was factually wrong or inapplicable.

Using the contravention code in your representations

✓Look up your specific two-digit contravention code in the relevant regulations — they are publicly available on legislation.gov.uk.
✓Identify the precise legal elements of that contravention — what must be proved for it to stand?
✓Check: was the restriction actually in force at the time? Was the signage compliant for that specific restriction type?
✓Check: was the correct code selected? If you were in a different type of restriction, the code may be wrong.
✓In Band A cases, the higher charge amplifies the financial impact — stronger incentive to challenge factual or procedural errors.

Sources

Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Regulations 2007, Schedule 1
Traffic Management Act 2004, Part 6
Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) (Representations and Appeals) Regulations 2007

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find the full list of contravention codes?: The full list of contravention codes for England (outside London) is in the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Regulations 2007, Schedule 1. London uses its own code list under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Both lists are on legislation.gov.uk.
Does a wrong contravention code automatically cancel a PCN?: Not automatically — you need to raise it in formal representations. If you can demonstrate the code does not apply to the circumstances (e.g., the restriction type does not match the location), a council and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal can cancel the PCN. However, councils sometimes argue the correct code was substantially equivalent — an adjudicator decides.
Are contravention codes the same for traffic and parking PCNs?: No. Parking PCNs use the parking contravention code set. Traffic-related PCNs (moving traffic contraventions such as bus lane, box junction, and banned turn violations) use a separate code set under different regulations. Check whether your PCN relates to parking (stationary vehicle) or a moving traffic contravention.

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