How to Contest a Parking Ticket in Columbus

Parking tickets in Columbus are handled by the city's Division of Mobility & Parking Services. To dispute a ticket you request a hearing, which is heard by a third-party Hearing Officer. The city says a ticket that is not paid or contested within 30 days picks up a $10 penalty, so act well before that point.

You can request a hearing online through the city's citation portal, by mail to 2700 Impound Lot Road, or in person at that address during business hours. Hearings can be held in person, by phone, by WebEx video, or in writing without you present. Send photos of signs and meters, receipts or permits to parkingappeals@columbus.gov at least two business days before your hearing.

All further action on the ticket is suspended until after your hearing, so late penalties should not grow while you wait. Phone, video and in-person hearings are live and recorded. If you choose a written hearing you give up the right to appear, and the decision is mailed to you. Either way, you can appeal an unfavorable decision to the Franklin County Municipal Court within 15 days.