When is a driver most likely to receive a parking citation for "expired meter"?

A driver is most likely to receive a parking citation for "expired meter" specifically when they have paid for parking but the allocated time has lapsed. This scenario reflects a fundamental principle of parking enforcement: once the time purchased at the meter has expired, the vehicle is subject to a citation since it indicates that the driver has not paid for the ongoing duration of parking.

In other contexts, such as being parked without exception or having a special permit, the likelihood of receiving a citation for this particular violation is reduced. In cases of being parked without any restrictions, there may not be any meters to expire, thus making it irrelevant to the question. Similarly, a special permit often provides exempted parking privileges, preventing the issuance of an expired meter citation. Therefore, the clear connection to an expired meter arises when the payment has been made but the time has run out, leading to potential enforcement action.