How to Contest a Parking Ticket in Portland
Parking tickets written by the Portland Bureau of Transportation are decided by the Multnomah County Circuit Court, not the city. You have until 5 p.m. on the 30th day after the date on the citation to act, and you must choose one option: pay, contest in writing, or request a court hearing. After that, the ticket becomes delinquent.
To contest in writing, mail a separate explanation with your supporting documents in the yellow citation envelope to the court's Parking Citation Office at P.O. Box 78. Before you do, you can view the enforcement photos for your ticket on the city's citation photo site using your citation number, the citation date and your plate. Photos can take up to three days to appear.
A written explanation waives your right to a hearing and means you accept the court's judgment. If you want to appear, request a hearing online, by mail, or at the Multnomah County Central Courthouse, 1200 SW First Avenue. Delinquent tickets can lead to higher fines, collections, and a warrant for booting or towing your vehicle.
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Portland: common questions
How long do I have to contest a parking ticket in Portland?
You must act before 5 p.m. on the 30th day after the date on the citation. Choose only one option: pay, contest in writing, or request a court hearing. If you do nothing, the ticket becomes delinquent and can lead to higher fines and other penalties.
Who decides Portland parking ticket disputes?
The Multnomah County Circuit Court. The Portland Bureau of Transportation writes the tickets, but written explanations and hearing requests go to the court's Parking Citation Office at P.O. Box 78, Portland, OR 97207, or to the courthouse in person.
Should I contest in writing or request a hearing in Portland?
A written explanation is quicker and does not require you to appear, but it waives your right to a court hearing and you accept the judgment. If you want the chance to explain your case in person, request a hearing instead within the same 30 days.
Can I see photos of my Portland parking violation?
Yes. The city posts enforcement photos online, which you can find with your citation number, the citation date and your plate number. Photos can take up to three days to appear, and they are useful for checking what the officer recorded.
Compare nearby cities
| City | Agency | Deadline | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | Multnomah County Circuit Court, Parking Citation Office | 30 days | Yes |
| Austin | Austin Municipal Court | See ticket | Yes |
| Boston | City of Boston Office of the Parking Clerk | 21 days | Yes |
| Charlotte | City of Charlotte Park It Program | See ticket | Yes |
| Chicago | City of Chicago Department of Finance | See ticket | Yes |
| Columbus | City of Columbus Division of Mobility & Parking Services | See ticket | Yes |
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