How to Contest a Parking Ticket in Seattle
Parking tickets in Seattle are handled by the Seattle Municipal Court. To dispute one, you must ask for a hearing within 30 days if the ticket was placed on your car or handed to you, or within 33 days if it was mailed to you. You can choose a contested hearing if you believe you did not break the rule.
You can request a hearing with the court's online form, by checking the hearing box on the back of the ticket and mailing it to PO Box 34987 or bringing it to 600 5th Avenue, or by calling 206-684-5600. You can also contest in writing. Upload photos and documents to the court's Public Portal or email them to CourtCalendar.SMC@seattle.gov.
A contested hearing begins with a pre-hearing settlement conference, which you may skip in favor of a trial. If you choose a mitigation hearing instead, you accept the violation and explain the circumstances. Decisions from mitigation hearings and written statements are final, so decide which path fits before you file. Written decisions usually arrive within ten business days.
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Seattle: common questions
How long do I have to contest a parking ticket in Seattle?
You must ask for a hearing within 30 days if the ticket was issued to you or placed on your car, or within 33 days if it was mailed to you. Requests can be made online, by mail, in person at 600 5th Avenue, or by phone.
What is the difference between a mitigation and a contested hearing in Seattle?
A mitigation hearing is for when you agree you broke the rule but want to explain your situation. A contested hearing is for when you believe you did not break the rule, and it starts with a pre-hearing settlement conference. Mitigation decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Can I contest a Seattle parking ticket without going to court?
Yes. The court accepts written statements with evidence through its Public Portal, by email, by mail or by fax. Keep in mind that a decision on a written statement is final, so you cannot appeal it later.
How do I send evidence to the Seattle Municipal Court?
Upload photos and documents to the court's Public Portal or email them to CourtCalendar.SMC@seattle.gov, along with your ticket number. Dated photos of the signs, curb and where you parked, plus any receipts or permits, are the most useful.
Compare nearby cities
| City | Agency | Deadline | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Seattle Municipal Court | 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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