Preparing an Appeal

The Office of Citation Appeals Administration encourages those who believe they were parked legally at the time a citation was issued to submit a written appeal. Successful appeals clearly demonstrate the citation was issued in error and often includes supporting documentation.

In California, the burden of proving that a parking citation was issued in error or should otherwise be dismissed falls upon the appellant. To prepare a successful appeal, you must determine whether you have a solid case.

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)).

The Office of Citation Appeals Administration only accepts written appeals because we must keep a hard copy on file for auditing purposes. See the Parking Citation Appeal Process to find your options for submitting a first level appeal.

Before you submit an appeal, ensure it includes statements, documents and/or photographs that clearly support at least one of these arguments:

The violation did not occur
The registered owner was not responsible for the violation
Extenuating circumstances make dismissal of the violation appropriate

When preparing your appeal, making the following claims for dismissal may cause your appeal to be denied:

Didn’t know the parking rules and regulations
Didn’t know a parking permit was required
Thought my permit was valid
Accidentally parked in the wrong space
No place else to park; lot was full
Parked for just a few minutes to…
Just picking someone up
Running late for…
Didn’t see the sign; signage wasn’t clear
Someone else had my car
Told it was ok to park there
Left a note on my car; left the emergency lights flashing
Nobody else got a ticket

Common Situations

Online Appeal Isn't Working

If you are unable to find your citation online or you cannot submit your appeal online, you can download and complete the Citation Appeal Form (PDF) and submit it person at the Gilman Service Center or mail it to:

UC San Diego
Office of Citation Appeals Administration
9500 Gilman Drive #0042
La Jolla, CA 92093-0042

Cited for Failure to Display Disabled Person Placard

When you submit your written appeal, include a copy of your DMV Disabled Person placard receipt confirming that you are the placard owner.

Unable to Find a Handwritten Citation in Your Online Account

You must respond to your citation within 21 calendar days from the date it was issued. With a handwritten citation, you have 21 calendar days from the date the citation is manually entered into the system.

It can take up to four weeks before a handwritten citation appears in your account. We advise that you check your account at least once a week or call the Office of Citation Appeals Administration, (858) 534-4356, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Unable to Find Your Citation Appeal Online

You can "View Your Citations," "View Your Appeals," and "View Your Letters" online at My Account. If you can’t see this information, contact the Office of Citation Appeals Administration, (858) 534-4356, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Need help?

If you need assistance, contact us:

Phone: (858) 534-4223, 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. weekdays
Email: Office of Citation Administration