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.
If you want to contest a ticket, do not pay the fine and/or penalty. You cannot contest a ticket once you have paid the fine and/or penalty.
If you want to print a copy of a parking ticket, click the link below:
If you want to request a reduced fine (i.e., dismissal of the penalty or dismissal of the entire ticket), submit a written explanation, and any documentation or evidence that supports your request, to the DC DMV at the link below:
or by mail at the address below:
DMV Adjudication Services
Attn: Mail Adjudication
P.O. Box 37135
Washington, DC 20013
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. The Motion to Vacate form is available at the link below:
To contest a ticket, more information is provided through the links provided in the box to the left.