Citations & Enforcement
- Avoiding Citations
- Pay a Citation
- Payment Relief Plan
- Appeal a Citation
- Preparing an Appeal
- Citation Penalties
The levels of the appeal process appear below. Level 1 explains how to proceed through the initial administrative review process. Levels 2 and 3 explain how to advance your appeal if the initial result is unfavorable.
You have 21 calendar days from the date the ticket is issued to submit a written appeal for a first level administrative review (CVC 40215 (a)).
Citation Appeals only accepts written and electronic appeals because we must retain appeal records to meet audit requirements.
When reviewing citation appeals, adjudicators primarily base their decisions on these two questions:
Appeals should be submitted online. Scan and upload any documentation that supports your claim. Keep your citation (ticket) and make a copy of your appeal for your records.
Until adjudicators complete their review, the citation fine is placed on hold and no additional fees are charged. You will be sent an appeal result letter within 21 days of submitting your appeal. You may also check your appeal status online or contact us at (858) 534-4223, for your appeal results. Have your citation or license plate number ready.
If your appeal results letter requests that you to submit proof of a valid permit for the day and time in question, submit a copy of your dated parking permit or ParkMobile app receipt that includes date, time and license plate number in one of these ways:
If desired, you may call (858) 534-4223, between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. weekdays to confirm receipt of your evidence.
If you disagree with the results of your appeal, you may advance your case to a second level administrative hearing, commonly referred to as a “second level appeal.” You may choose between a mail or in-person hearing.
To proceed, complete steps 1 and 2 within 21 calendar days of your level 1 results — the due date appears on your Result of Administrative Review letter:
An independent, qualified examiner conducts in-person hearings at the Student Services Center the first and third Thursday each month between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
If the hearing examiner overturns the first level decision, you will receive a full payment refund. If the hearing examiner upholds initial decision, you have the option to proceed to Level 3 – Civil Appeal.
California Vehicle Code Section 40230(a) allows you to file a civil appeal for a parking citation if you're dissatisfied with the results of your administrative hearing.
Before you can file, you must receive a Result of Administrative Hearing that shows you were found liable.
To further contest the citation, you must file a request with the San Diego Superior Court within 30 calendar days after personal delivery or within 35 days after mailing (Code Civ. Proc. §1031) of the issuing agency’s final decision.
Your request must include:
A separate request must be submitted for each parking citation. Checks or money orders are to be made payable to: Clerk of the Superior Court. Requests may be submitted by mail to, or deposited in the court’s Express Drop Box at:
San Diego Superior CourtIf the civil appeal process finds you are not liable, any amount paid will be refunded, including the $25 filing fee.
Attn: Administrative Parking Hearing Appeals
8950 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123-1187
Contact Citation Appeals, (858) 534-4223.