How can I contest a parking ticket?

You may contest a parking ticket by mail or by appearing at a walk-in hearing within 60 calendar days of the ticket issue date. If you do not contest or pay your ticket within 30 calendar days of receiving the ticket, a penalty equal to the fine will be added, and you may lose your opportunity to have a hearing. If the ticket is more than 60 days old, you may submit a Motion to Vacate Judgment* to determine whether you may still contest the ticket. However, your Motion to Vacate Judgment must be received within 120 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued.

District of Columbia Law provides for these Answers to violations:

• Admit = Payment of the fine
• Admit with explanation = Admit the violation and submit written explanation.
• Deny = Submit your written defense by mail or present your defense at a walk-in, unscheduled hearing.

• You were not the owner or lessee of the vehicle on the date that the ticket was issued.
• The vehicle or vehicle tags were stolen on or before the date the ticket was issued.
• The relevant meter was broken through no fault of your own
• The relevant sign was missing or obscured
• The stipulated facts on the ticket are inconsistent or do not support the violation.
• The vehicle experienced sudden mechanical failure
• The driver or passenger of the vehicle required immediate medical attention (proof of medical attention required)

By Mail

• Your request must be received within 60 calendar days of the ticket issue date.
• However if you do not contest or pay within 30 calendar days, a penalty equal to the fine will be added.
• Complete the back of the ticket and mark "deny."
• Complete the Mail Adjudication Form*, summarizing your defense. Submit the form and any evidence, such as photographs or receipts, which you think might help your case.
• Send to: DMV Adjudication Services, Attn: Mail Adjudication, PO Box 37135, Washington, DC 20013.
• You will be notified in writing of the hearing examiner's decision within six months.

Schedule a Hearing

Walk-in Hearing - Parking Tickets only

• Hearings for parking tickets are available on a walk-in basis at Adjudication Services.
• To be eligible for a walk-in hearing, you must be the registered vehicle owner, or have Power of Attorney* signed by the registered owner authorizing you to act on his/her behalf.

Note: If you contest a ticket and are found liable for the violation, you may appeal to the Traffic Adjudication Appeals Board.