How do I fight a parking ticket in California?

California has a three-tier review process under Veh. Code § 40215 that you must follow in order — you cannot skip directly to court.

1. Step One — Initial Review (Free)

Request within 21 calendar days of the citation (or 14 days from a Notice of Delinquent Parking Violation).

Submit online, by mail, or in person to the issuing agency.

An officer or reviewer re-examines the citation; no in-person appearance.

Late penalties are stayed during review.

2. Step Two — Administrative Hearing

If the initial review upholds the ticket, request a hearing within 21 days of the decision.

You must deposit the full fine first (waivable for indigency under § 40220).

Hearing is before a hearing examiner — in person, by mail, or by phone.

Bring photos, witness statements, sign diagrams, placard copies, mechanic statements (broken meter).

3. Step Three — Superior Court Appeal

Appeal an adverse hearing decision to Superior Court within 30 days (§ 40230).

$25 filing fee; court reviews the administrative record.

4. Common Defenses

Signage unclear or obscured — photograph the sign from the driver's approach angle.

Disabled placard displayed and valid (§ 22511.5).

Broken meter — § 22508.5 permits parking at an inoperative meter for the posted time.

Wrong plate/vehicle on the citation.

Emergency or active loading (§ 22500).

5. Consequences of Non-Payment

After 21 days, a late penalty equal to the original fine is added.

After 60 days, a DMV registration hold prevents renewal (§ 40220).

Five or more unpaid citations can lead to vehicle immobilization (the "boot") under § 22651.7.

This is legal information, not legal advice.