DRIVERS with unpaid parking tickets are about to get a nasty surprise.
A new device that makes cars undriveable until fines are paid is rolling out in days.
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City officials in San Marcos – about 50 miles northeast of San Antonio – say the crackdown targets repeat offenders with three or more unpaid citations.
The Barnacle, a large yellow clamp, will soon be deployed as part of the effort to enforce payment of outstanding parking tickets.
The device sticks to a car’s windshield, blocking the driver’s view, ABC local affiliate KVUE reported.
Unlike the traditional boot, this tool lets drivers pay up and remove it themselves.
Drivers can pay fines via QR code, online, or by calling the municipal court.
Once the fines are cleared, drivers get a release code to detach the device.
The Barnacle must be returned within 24 hours to avoid extra fees.
Drivers who try to remove it or drive off without paying will trigger a loud alarm.
It can also alert police if someone tampers with it.
Parking enforcement officials say this is safer for their staff.
“People don’t like boots on their car,” city parking coordinator Samantha Deyo told KVUE.
“This takes them out of the equation and keeps our techs safe.”
“The person can pay their ticket, take it off themselves without putting the techs in danger,” Deyo added.
In 2024, officials issued between 9,000 and 10,000 citations.
Before this new method, only 38% of citations were getting paid, officials said.
What to do if you get a barnacle on your car
Stay calm – Your car won’t be able to move until you pay the fines.
Look for the orange warning sticker – You may have received one before the Barnacle was placed.
Pay your fines – Use the QR code, go online, or call the municipal court to pay.
- Scan the QR code or visit the website listed on the device.
- Click “I’ve Been Barnacled” on the website.
- Enter the 5-digit device number found on the Barnacle.
- Provide your mobile number – You’ll receive a one-time verification code via text.
- Enter the verification code on the website. Enter your payment information – A credit card payment allows for immediate release.
- Receive a 4-digit release code after payment.
- Enter the release code into the Barnacle keypad (may take up to 30 seconds to release).
- Remove the Barnacle – Gently pull it off and fold it with the yellow parts facing out.
- Return the Barnacle within 24 hours – Drop it off at one of the designated locations to get your $200 deposit refunded.
- Ensure the Barnacle is returned undamaged to receive your deposit back.
Don’t tamper with it – Trying to remove it or drive off without paying will trigger a loud alarm and may alert police.
Source: Barnacle – Institutional Planning and Operations
Since San Marcos started using warning stickers in 2023, that number has jumped to 60%.
Officials hope the Barnacle will push that number even higher.
Drivers will first get a bright orange warning sticker before the device is deployed.
If fines aren’t paid within 10 days, cars can be immobilized any time they’re found on public streets or city property.
Even if the car is parked legally, it can still be targeted.
San Marcos resident Kieran Bose says it’s a better alternative to the boot.
“Making that a ‘self-process’ actually, that is better than a boot,” he said.
The Barnacle goes into action on March 10.
Drivers can check for outstanding tickets and pay fines through the San Marcos Citation Portal.
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