Mississauga bans lawn parking, fines $150 for cars and $375 for heavy vehicles

Mississauga City Council approved a by-law on Sept. 29, 2026 that bans vehicles from parking, standing or stopping on residential lawns, gardens and other landscaped soft areas not meant for vehicle parking. The by-law took effect that same day, Sept. 29.

Fines are $150 for standard motor vehicles and $375 for heavy and recreational vehicles. Council also approved amendments to the Administrative Penalty By-law 0282-2013 so lawn parking violations can go through the city's Administrative Penalty System, or APS, which handles penalties outside court.

The city will begin with an initial focus on education and outreach before moving to full enforcement and issuing penalties. Parking Enforcement Officers can investigate complaints and issue penalty notices directly through the APS, and notices go to the registered vehicle owner.

Between January 2023 and August 2026, the city's Enforcement team received more than 1,500 lawn parking complaints. Moving these violations from the Zoning By-law to the APS will streamline enforcement and reduce the need for court proceedings, according to the city.

Parking on lawns and landscaped areas can damage green space, private property and public infrastructure. The new by-law gives the City a more efficient and consistent approach to address resident concerns while helping protect the safety, character and appearance of Mississauga neighbourhoods.Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Community Services

The city says parking on lawns and landscaped soft areas can compact soil, reduce green space and increase stormwater runoff. It can also damage curbs, sidewalks, boulevards and other city infrastructure when vehicles drive over them, and can block pedestrian access.

You can report a lawn parking violation by calling 311. Vehicle owners who receive a penalty notice and want to dispute it can do so through the APS dispute resolution process.

The by-law and associated administrative penalties took effect Sept. 29.