How to Contest a Parking Ticket in San Diego
San Diego parking citations are reviewed by the City's Parking Administration through three levels of appeal, which must be taken in order. The first level is an administrative review. Under state law, your request must be postmarked within 21 calendar days of the date the citation was issued, or within 14 calendar days of the mailing of a Notice of Delinquent Parking Violation.
You can submit the administrative review online or mail a brief written request to PO Box 129038. Include the citation number, plate number and state, and a clear copy of the citation. Statements, photos, diagrams, maps and receipts can all be submitted, so keep copies for your records. The City notes that not seeing a sign, or a short time in violation, does not support dismissal.
No payment is required for the review. If it is denied, you can request a hearing within 21 calendar days of the results being mailed, but you must deposit the citation fees, refunded if the citation is dismissed. The hearing officer's decision can be appealed to the Superior Court for a 25 dollar filing fee, and the court's decision is final.
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San Diego: common questions
How long do I have to appeal a San Diego parking ticket?
Your administrative review request must be postmarked within 21 calendar days of the date the citation was issued, or within 14 calendar days of the mailing of a Notice of Delinquent Parking Violation. Each later step also has a strict deadline.
Do I need a special form to appeal in San Diego?
No particular form is required for a mailed request. Keep it brief, include the citation number, license plate number and state, and attach a clear copy of the citation and your evidence. The City suggests keeping copies of everything you send for your own records.
Do I have to pay before a San Diego hearing?
Not for the administrative review. For the administrative hearing, state law requires depositing the citation fees when you request it. If the hearing officer dismisses the citation, Parking Administration refunds the deposit.
What reasons usually do not work in San Diego?
The City lists reasons that generally do not support dismissal, including being in violation for only a minute, not knowing the rule, not seeing the sign or curb markings, thinking the fine is too high, or never having had a ticket before.
Compare nearby cities
| City | Agency | Deadline | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | City of San Diego Parking Administration | 21 days | Yes |
| Los Angeles | City of Los Angeles Parking Violations Bureau | 21 days | Yes |
| San Francisco | San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency | 21 days | Yes |
| San Jose | City of San Jose Office of Parking Violations | 21 days | Yes |
| Austin | Austin Municipal Court | See ticket | Yes |
| Boston | City of Boston Office of the Parking Clerk | 21 days | Yes |
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