Parking Tickets in Los Angeles: The Essentials
The City of Los Angeles issues millions of parking citations every year, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the city's general fund. From street sweeping to preferential parking zones and expired meters, the LADOT (Los Angeles Department of Transportation) is highly active in enforcement. However, California state law (CVC 40215) provides a three-step process for contesting any parking ticket.
Common LA Parking Violations and Defenses
Street Sweeping (LAMC 80.69.2)
The most common parking violation in LA. You must move your car during specified times for street cleaning.
- Defense: If the signs were missing, unreadable, or obscured by trees.
- Holiday Suspension: Check the @LADOTparking Twitter/X account or LADOT website—street sweeping is often suspended on major holidays.
Preferential Parking Zones (LAMC 80.58)
Parking without a valid permit in a residential zone.
- Defense: If you were a visitor with a temporary permit or if the signage marking the zone was missing at the end of the block where you parked.
Expired Meter (LAMC 88.00)
Parking at a meter after the time has run out or during prohibited hours.
- Defense: "Broken meter" is a valid defense only if you report the broken meter to the city immediately (call 1-866-561-9742).
How to Contest a Los Angeles Parking Citation
Step 1: Initial Review (Administrative Review)
You have 21 days from the citation date to request an Initial Review.
- Online: Use the LADOTparking.org portal. This is the fastest and most common method.
- By Mail: Send your citation and evidence to:
Parking Violations Bureau, P.O. Box 30247, Los Angeles, CA 90030. - In Person: Visit an LADOT Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) office (locations in Downtown, Mid-Wilshire, Van Nuys, and West LA).
- Decision: You will receive a decision by mail within 3-4 weeks. If dismissed, the case is closed.
Step 2: Administrative Hearing
If your Initial Review is denied, you can request an Administrative Hearing.
- You must request this within 21 days of the Initial Review decision date.
- Payment Required: You must pay the full amount of the citation before the hearing (this is required by state law).
- Format: You can choose an in-person hearing with a Hearing Officer or a "Hearing by Mail."
- Evidence: This is your chance to present all your photos, statements, and documentation.
Step 3: Superior Court Appeal
If the Hearing Officer finds you liable, your final step is an appeal in Superior Court.
- You have 30 days from the date of the Hearing Officer's decision to file a "Notice of Appeal."
- You must pay a $25 filing fee to the court (refunded if you win).
- A judge will review the case. This is a "de novo" hearing, meaning the judge starts from scratch.
Parking Citation Payment Plans (CAPP)
If you cannot afford to pay your LA parking tickets, the city offers a Community Assistance Parking Program (CAPP) that allows eligible individuals to perform community service in lieu of payment.
Los Angeles Parking Ticket Checklist
- Check for Errors: Does the citation have the correct license plate, state, and vehicle make? Any major error can lead to a dismissal.
- Take Photos: Always take photos of the signs and your car's position relative to the curb or meter.
- Check the Signs: Are there multiple signs on the same pole? Sometimes conflicting signs can be a valid defense.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the 21st day. Submit your contest as soon as possible to avoid late fees.
- Keep Records: Save your contest confirmation number and any evidence you submitted.
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