Challenge a Parking Ticket

Online

Challenge your ticket online by following the step-by-step instructions found on this page. It may take up to 48 hours for your ticket to show up online.

*It may take up to two weeks for handwritten tickets to show up online. If you received a handwritten ticket, we recommend using one of the other ways to challenge your ticket.

By mail, by fax or in person

1. Complete the Contest Form or write a letter explaining why you are challenging the ticket. The letter needs to have your name, address, telephone number, current mailing address and the parking ticket citation number.
2. Return the Contest Form or letter, the original parking ticket and additional documents to the Parking Citation Assistance Center. The address, hours of operation and fax number are listed below.
3. Always keep a copy of your ticket and documents for your records.

Mailing Address:

Parking Citation Assistance Center
270 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, CA 94612

Fax: (510) 986-2699

Phone: (800) 500-6484 9:00am to 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 9:30am to 4:30pm Wednesday

In Person- Reduced Hours due to COVID-19

Come to the Parking Citation Assistance Center located in the same plaza as Oakland City Hall. The address is:

270 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (entrance facing State Building on Clay Street)
Oakland, CA 94612

For the safety of customers and staff, face coverings are required to be worn at all times while in the building and temperature will be checked by security staff in the lobby. You will be denied service if you are not wearing your face covering. Only customers will be allowed in the Parking Citation Assistance Center office with the exception that minor children may accompany their caregivers.

Services provided are: Boot Returns, Parking Citation Payments, and Parking Citation Challenges.

We accept credit or debit card, check, money order and cash. We are open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How long do I have to challenge?

21 days from issue date. The issue date is the date written on the ticket; it is not the date that you saw the ticket.

What do I need?

You need to have documents or evidence that support your case. Documents can be photos, receipts or any other evidence.

What happens after I challenge a ticket?

• We will review your ticket and and send you a letter with our decision.
• If the ticket is upheld, you will have 21 days from the date on the letter to pay your ticket or ask for an Administrative Hearing.
• If you do not agree with the final decision, you can ask for an Administrative Hearing.

Other questions?

Call (800) 500-6484. We offer assistance in English, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin.