Preparing an Appeal

The Citation Administration Office encourages those who believe they were parked legally at the time a citation was issued to submit an 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 Citation Administration Office accepts online (citations before 7/1/26) or written appeals. 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:

1. The violation did not occur
2. The registered owner was not responsible for the violation
3. 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 Torrey Pines Center South Suite 230C or mail it to:

UC San Diego
Citation Administration Office
10280 N. Torrey Pines Rd., Suite 230C
La Jolla, CA 92037

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 Citation or Your Appeal 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 entered into the system.

If you can’t see this information, contact the Citation Administration Office, (858) 534-4223, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.