How to Appeal a Parking Citation/Ticket
Parking citations are not criminal offenses. They are civil penalties which are the joint and several liabilities of both the owner and operator of the vehicle. Once a citation is issued, it is up to the driver or owner to respond to the facts presented on the citation. There are three (3) levels of appeal. Each step in the appeal process must be taken in order and initiated within strict timeframes. No step can be skipped in favor of jumping to another step.
Where to File an Appeal
City of San Diego
Parking Administration
1255 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Friday
Fax: (619) 685-1405
Phone: (866) 470-1308 (Toll-free)
E-mail: parking@sandiego.gov
Step 1 - Administrative Review
The first step is an Administrative Review to determine if the citation was validly issued. This allows the agency to dismiss the citation if there are facts, events or circumstances which were unknown to the issuing officer that may affect the validity of the citation. The issuing agency may also feel that extenuating circumstances make dismissal of the citation appropriate in the interest of justice. You have 30 days from the issue date of the citation or 21 days from the date on the Notice of Illegal Parking, to contest the citation by requesting an Administrative Review.
Persons appealing their citations may present anything they wish to support their position that the citation should be dismissed. This may include statements, charts, diagrams, photographs, drawings, video tapes, maps or receipts just to name a few. No special forms are necessary but please be as brief and concise as possible. It is also important that the citation number, vehicle license plate number and state be included with the request. A clear copy of the citation attached to the appeal is beneficial and may expedite processing. A decision notice will be mailed to the person appealing regardless of the outcome.
Step 2 - Administrative Hearing
If your appeal is denied at the first stage, you can present your appeal to an Administrative hearing officer. This is the second step of the appeal process. State Law requires that the fees due on the citation be deposited at the time the hearing request is made. The City will present a copy of the citation and any additional statements, photos, etc. provided by the officer in support of the citation. We encourage your attendance at the hearing in case the hearing officer has any questions. However, if you are unable to attend, the hearing officer will review all the information presented and make a decision.
When Parking Administration is notified of the hearing officer's decision, we will mail a decision notice. Should the citation be dismissed, Parking Administration will refund your fee deposit. If the decision of the hearing officer is not to your satisfaction, the decision can be appealed to Superior Court.
Step 3 - Superior Court Appeal
The Administrative hearing officer's decision can be appealed to the Superior Court. When doing so, a $25 Civil Court Filing Fee must be paid. The Court takes a fresh look at the facts surrounding the issuance of the citation, and the materials presented in support of having the citation dismissed. Once a decision has been given by the Court, there is no further appeal. The Court's decision is final. If the citation is upheld, the Court keeps the $25 Civil Court Filing Fee and Parking Administration keeps the citation fees previously deposited to satisfy the citation. However, if the citation is dismissed, Parking Administration refunds the $25 Civil Court Filing Fee and the fees deposited on the citation.
