Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ATME — the app that lets any driver reach any other driver, anonymously and instantly.
Getting Started
ATME is a free app that lets any driver message any other driver using just a license plate number. Every message is anonymous — the recipient never knows who sent it.
It also includes an AI-powered parking assistant that gives you real-time parking tips and directions, and Fight a Ticket — which generates an appeal letter for your parking citation in minutes.
It takes about 30 seconds: download the app, enter your email and license plate, verify your email with a 6-digit code. No phone number, no real name, no personal info required.
Yes, completely free. Messaging, parking tips, hazard reporting, and Fight a Ticket are all free. No subscriptions, no hidden fees, no ads.
Yes. Recipients need to be registered on ATME. This is intentional — everyone on the platform has opted in. If someone isn't registered, the app will let you know.
The more people in your area who join, the more useful it gets. Share it with your neighbors.
ATME works anywhere for messaging. The Parking AI and Fight a Ticket features have deepest coverage in Washington DC, Baltimore, New York City, London, and Manchester, with more cities added regularly.
Parking AI
Parking AI is a built-in assistant that helps you find parking wherever you are. Just tap "Can I park here?" and get nearby options with real prices, one-tap directions, local rules, and tips from other drivers.
The AI combines publicly available parking information, municipal data, and community-contributed tips. It uses your current location to find the most relevant options nearby.
We work hard to keep data current, but prices and availability can change. Always check posted signs and meters when you arrive. Parking AI gives you the best available information — not a guarantee.
Fight a Ticket
Fight a Ticket helps you contest a parking citation. Enter your ticket details, tell us what happened, and ATME generates a ready-to-submit appeal letter based on the official legal framework for your city — in under 3 minutes.
Available for Washington DC, Baltimore, New York City, London, and Manchester.
No. Appeal letters generated by ATME are AI-produced informational documents only. ATME is not a law firm and is not your legal representative. Always review the letter carefully before submitting and verify current rules independently.
That said, the letters are based on the actual statutes and valid legal defenses that apply in each city.
Six steps, about 3 minutes:
- Step 1: Enter your ticket details — citation number, date, fine amount, city
- Step 2: Tell us about the sign or meter situation
- Step 3: Choose your defense from valid legal grounds for your city
- Step 4: Add any supporting details
- Step 5: See your case evaluation — strength rating, dismissal rate, evidence to gather
- Step 6: Generate your letter — emailed to you instantly, ready to submit
ATME cannot guarantee any outcome. Success depends on the specific facts of your case, the evidence you provide, and the adjudicator's decision.
What we can tell you: appeals are worth filing. At Westminster London, 47% of appeals that reach the independent tribunal are successful. In DC, a properly filed appeal with strong grounds regularly results in dismissal.
Do not pay while your appeal is pending. In most jurisdictions, paying a parking ticket — even partially — permanently closes your right to appeal. Verify this rule for your specific city before taking any action.
Current deadlines by city:
- Washington DC: 60 days to contest (file within 30 days by mail to avoid additional penalties)
- Baltimore: 45 days
- New York City: 30 days to avoid late penalties
- Westminster / London: 28 days informal challenge (file within 14 days to keep 50% discount)
- Manchester: 28 days (14 days to keep 50% discount)
Deadlines change. Always verify the current deadline on your ticket or the official city website. Missing a deadline can result in increased fines or loss of appeal rights.
ATME emails you the letter immediately after generation. You then submit it yourself — ATME does not file on your behalf. Submission by city:
- DC: dmv.dc.gov or mail to PO Box 37135, Washington DC 20013
- Baltimore: cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/pftr
- NYC: nyc.gov/finance, by mail, or via the Pay or Dispute app
- Westminster: appeals.westminster.gov.uk or parkingappeals@westminster.gov.uk
- Manchester: manchester.tarantoportal.com
Yes. Ticket details you enter are used only to generate your letter and are never shared with any government authority or third party. ATME does not file on your behalf.
Ticket data is retained for 90 days so you can retrieve your letter, then permanently deleted. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Privacy & Safety
Completely. When someone sends you a message, you see only the message content. No name, no email, no plate number, no profile. The sender is invisible — and the same applies when you send.
Note: We may cooperate with law enforcement in cases involving serious crimes or safety threats, as required by law.
No. If someone enters your plate, all they can do is send you a message. They cannot see your name, email, location, or even confirm whether you're registered.
We've built multiple layers of protection:
- Rate limiting: Maximum 5 messages per hour, 20 per day
- Blocking: One tap to permanently block any sender
- Reporting: Flag inappropriate messages for our team
- Bans: Repeat violators are permanently removed
The minimum needed to make the app work: email address, license plate, and messages you send and receive. If you use Fight a Ticket, ticket details are collected and retained for 90 days then deleted. We don't collect your name, phone number, or home address. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Messaging
ATME has preset categories: safety alerts (lights on, door open, flat tyre), ticket prevention (meter expiring, street cleaning, tow zone), and blocking notifications. You can also write custom messages for anything else.
Instantly. Messages arrive as push notifications the moment you hit send.
Yes. Conversations stay anonymous in both directions. Each thread supports up to 10 replies to keep things focused.
Messages automatically expire after 7 days and are permanently deleted from our servers. You can also manually delete any message at any time.
Yes — 5 messages per hour, 20 per day, 10 replies per thread, and a 24-hour cooldown before sending the same message to the same plate again. More than enough for normal use.
Account
Currently each account is linked to one plate. If you switch vehicles, update your plate in Profile settings. Multi-vehicle support is on the roadmap.
Update your license plate in Profile settings. To change your email, contact team@atme.is.
Open the app → Profile → Delete Account → Confirm. All your data — including messages and any Fight a Ticket letters — is permanently removed immediately. This can't be undone.
You can also request deletion through our Privacy Policy page or by emailing team@atme.is.
Yes. We partner with universities, municipalities, apartment complexes, and other organizations. If you're interested, reach out at team@atme.is.