PARKING CITATIONS MUST BE CONTESTED WITHIN 50 CALENDAR DAYS OF THE ISSUANCE - NO EXCEPTIONS REQUESTS MADE AFTER THIS TIME WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DENIED [CVC Section 40215(a)]

THE CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE PROVIDES FOR A THREE-STEP HEARING PROCESS.

STEP 1 Administrative Review:

To contest a parking citation a "Request for Hearing" form must be completed. It may be completed in person at the police department or substation, or the information can be taken over the phone by an employee (call 714-536-5663, 7:30a.m. - 5:30p.m. M-F). Once received, an officer will review the validity of the citation. After the investigation is complete, a notice will be sent through the mail informing you of the findings. If you are dissatisfied with the findings of the administrative review, you may proceed to Step 2.

STEP 2 Administrative Hearing:

This process must be initiated within 21 calendar days of the MAILING of the results from Step 1 and requires the full amount of the fine be posted BEFORE you can be scheduled for a hearing. Once posting the full amount of the fine, you will be given a receipt for the money and instructions for appearing, which includes the dates and times of the hearings. Further processing of the citation will be suspended until the date specified on the instructions for appearing.

In lieu of personally appearing before the hearing examiner, the Administrative Hearing can also be conducted by mail, using the Written Declaration form. This form is mailed with the results of the review from Step 1, but can also be obtained at the public counters at the Police Department. The FULL fine MUST accompany the declaration an it must be postmarked within 21 calendar days of the MAILING of the results from Step 1. No receipt will be issued when requesting a hearing by declaration.

The prepayment of fines can be waived only if the person can provide verifiable and substantial written proof of their inability to deposit the full amount due. All requests must be approved by the Traffic Bureau Sergeant or the Bureau Commander.

The hearing examiner will render a decision based on information presented at the hearing, or from information submitted on the written declaration. If you are found not liable, the fine prepaid for the citation will be refunded in about 30 working days. If the fuIl fine was not deposited before the hearing, it is due in full immediately after the hearing if you are held liable for the citation.

STEP 3 Judicial Review:

The decision of the hearing examiner is final for the administrative adjudication process. You do, however, have the right to judicial review at the municipal court. To exercise this right, a request for review must be filed in the West Justice Center, Civil Division, 8141 13th Street, Westminster, within 30 calendar days after the mailing or personal delivery of the final decision from Step 2. The court charges a $25.00 filing fee. If the court ruies in favor of the contestant. the city must refund the $25.00 filing fee in addition to any and all fines collected for the violations dismissed.