How to Contest a Parking Ticket in Washington, DC

Parking tickets in Washington, DC are contested through DC DMV Adjudication Services, where a hearing examiner decides whether you pay, or whether the ticket is reduced or dismissed. To avoid additional penalties, DMV must receive your request within 30 calendar days of the ticket. If you are found liable after that, a penalty equal to the fine can be added.

You can contest online or by mail to Adjudication Services at PO Box 37135. Include your statement and your evidence, such as photos, police reports or registration documents, because the hearing examiner decides based on what you submit. Tickets are dismissed only when one of the seven defenses in DC law applies, such as missing or obscured signs, a broken meter, wrong facts on the ticket, or a sudden breakdown or medical emergency.

Do not pay the ticket if you want to contest it: once a ticket is paid, it cannot be contested or refunded. The hearing examiner mails the decision to the owner's address on record with DMV. If you disagree, you can request reconsideration within 30 calendar days and then appeal to the Appeals Board, which requires paying the amount due plus a $10 fee.