Parking Operations Division

Contesting a citation is a (3) three-step process. To contest a citation you must start with Step 1, which can be done online, by mail, over the telephone, or in-person. You MUST contest your citation within 21 calendar days of the date the citation was issued, or 14 calendar days from the date on the first overdue notice.

Step 1 - Initial Review
The process allows the individual to contest a parking citation by requesting an Initial Review. However, the violator is not present for this review. The time limit to file is within (21) twenty-one days of the issuance of the parking citation, or within fourteen (14) days after the date of the mailing of the notice of delinquent parking citation. If you do not hear back from us within 3-4 weeks, it is your responsibility to follow up on your request. To check the status of your citation call 1 (800) 214-1526.

Step 2 - Administrative Hearing
If the individual is not satisfied with the results of the Initial Review, he or she must deposit the amount of the Parking Citation and request an Administrative Hearing. The Parking Citation will be refunded if the Hearing Officer cancels the citation. The time limit to file is within twenty-one (21) days of the date of the mailing of the “Initial Review Results Notice.”

Step 3 - Appeal
If the individual is not satisfied with the results of the Administrative Hearing, they may appeal the decision to the Los Angeles Superior Court for a trial de novo. There is a $25 Court filing fee, which will be refunded if the Court rules in your favor. The time limit to file is within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the “Administrative Hearing Notice of Decision.” You must have already had an Initial Review and Administrative Hearing in order to request a Court appeal. You may not skip steps 1 and 2 of this process.