How to Dispute a Parking Ticket

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By John Rapp
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Want to dispute a parking ticket but don't know how? Contesting parking tickets is easy. Just a few easy steps and that's it!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Check your state's rules for parking violations.

Each state has its own parking ticket laws and certain methods of dealing with how to dispute parking tickets. You will have a much better shot of beating your parking ticket if you follow your state's guidelines to properly contesting a parking ticket. Check the resources list at the end of this article for a link to each of the 50 states' government websites. Then click on your state. Search your state's government website for "traffic violations" and review your state's parking ticket laws.
Step 2

Call the phone number on the ticket and verbally contest your parking ticket.

This is the initial flag on the play that calls attention and says, "I am contesting this parking ticket!" If you believe your parking ticket was mistakenly issued, this is the time to briefly explain your case. There should be an investigator of sorts who will hear your side. If you can convince your investigator that the ticket was a mistake you may be able to have the ticket waived. Do this as soon as you can after receiving the parking ticket.
Step 3

Ask for an administrative review.

This is only if your over-the-phone investigator determines that your parking ticket was correctly given because you broke your state's parking laws. An administrative review can be done either over the phone, in writing or in person. But for the actual administrative review event you are usually required to appear in person. Bring with you any and all evidence you have that supports your side of the story and proves why the parking ticket is invalid. Pictures taken at the scene of the parking incident are very helpful, even a few quick pictures from your cell phone.
Step 4

File an appeal and request a hearing.

If the administrative review determines that the parking ticket was correctly issued, you can still file for an appeal and a hearing. The case will be brought into a courtroom and a judge will look over the case and all the evidence to determine, once and for all, whether or not you will have to pay this parking ticket.