When you are issued a parking, photo enforcement, or minor moving violation ticket in the District of Columbia, you have three options to respond to the ticket, according to DC law: pay it, admit with an explanation, or contest it.

You can admit with an explanation to try to dismiss the fines and/or penalties. To do so, provide DC DMV with all the information and documentation that supports your reasons for admitting with an explanation. You must contest the ticket within 120 calendar days; if you do so in the first 30 calendar days, only the initial ticket fine will apply if you are found responsible. After 30 calendar days, a penalty equal to the fine will also apply. After 60 calendar days, you must file a special form, called a Motion to Vacate, to dispute the fines or penalties for your ticket.

You can also submit the Motion to Vacate online.

Do not pay the ticket if you want to admit with an explanation. Once you pay the ticket (either the original fine, the penalty or both), you no longer have the right to contest the ticket.

DC DMV cannot research any evidence for you, but you can provide any evidence, such as pictures identifying street signs, buildings, and your vehicle, police reports, and vehicle registration, that support your claims. DC DMV will consider only the evidence that you submit with your adjudication request.

DC DMV offers online or by-mail adjudication of parking or photo enforcement ticket fines and penalties.

For by-mail adjudication, mark “admit with explanation” on the back of the parking or photo enforcement ticket you received, and mail it, and the evidence you have to support your claim, to the DC DMV Adjudication Services Office at the address below:

Adjudication Services
Attn: Mail Adjudication
PO Box 37135
Washington, DC 20013

Download the mail adjudication form.