How to Contest a Parking Ticket in Dallas

Parking citations in Dallas are contested at the City's Parking Adjudication Office, part of Municipal Court and Detention Services. Every citation has an administrative hearing date printed on it, and you must contest on or before the close of business on that date. For mailed requests, the postmark date counts as the date received, and mailing certified is recommended though not required.

You can contest in person at 2014 Main Street on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., request a virtual hearing through the City's online citation portal, or mail a request to the Parking Adjudication Office. Mailed requests must include the City's required form, your proof and a return address. In person, the process usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. Photos of signs and curbs, receipts and permits are helpful.

While a mailed request is pending, the citation is placed on hold, and the hearing officer's decision usually takes six to eight weeks. If you lose, you can appeal in person to the Dallas Municipal Court within 30 calendar days of the order, with a petition form and a 15 dollar fee. A separate petition can ask the court to waive late fees.