Parking citations

You have 21 calendar days from the citation issue date to contest a citation. If no request is received, the registered owner will be mailed a Notice of Illegal Parking that allows an additional 14 calendar days to request an administrative review.

Late submissions will not be processed. These time limits are established by California Vehicle Code section 40215.

Citation review steps must be completed in order and within the required time limits. You cannot skip ahead to another step.

Step 1: Administrative review

To request an administrative review, choose one of these options:

• Complete the Request for Administrative Review online form (opens in a new tab). You can upload a copy of your citation and supporting documents with your request.
• Use the online parking citation system (opens in a new tab). This third-party system may not be fully accessible. If you need assistance contesting a citation, contact the City of Lakewood at 562-866-9771, ext. 2621, or ADACoordinator@lakewoodca.gov.
• Mail a written request for administrative review with a copy of the citation and any supporting documentation to:
  City of Lakewood Parking Division
  P.O. Box 220
  Lakewood, CA 90714

There is no fee to contest a citation at this level.

The citation will be reviewed by City of Lakewood Parking Administration staff. Based on the written information you provide, the City will determine whether there is sufficient evidence that the violation did not occur, the registered owner or driver was not responsible, or extenuating circumstances prevented compliance.

You will be notified of the results by mail within 90 days. Be sure to include a complete return address, including any apartment or suite number and ZIP code.

If the citation is dismissed, the matter is resolved. If the citation is upheld, the fine must be paid before you can request an administrative hearing.

Step 2: Administrative hearing

If you do not agree with the administrative review decision, you may request an administrative hearing. An administrative hearing is conducted by an independent certified hearing examiner. You may submit a written declaration for the hearing officer to review, or you may attend the hearing in person.

Before a hearing can be scheduled, the full citation amount must be paid and the request must be received within 21 calendar days after the administrative review decision is mailed. If you are found not liable, the penalty will be refunded.

To request a hearing, visit City Hall in person or call the Parking Division at 562-866-9771, ext. 2621.

Include any written materials you want considered. An administrative hearing will be held within 90 calendar days after your request is received. Hearings are scheduled on the fourth Thursday of each month. You will be notified by mail of the hearing date and time.

Please note that the parking enforcement officer will not appear at the hearing, as provided by California Vehicle Code section 40215.

Step 3: Los Angeles Superior Court appeal

If you are not satisfied with the administrative hearing decision, you may appeal to the Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

You are responsible for paying the $25 filing fee to the Superior Court. If the Court finds you not liable, the filing fee and citation penalty will be refunded.

Include a clear explanation of the facts supporting your request for review, along with any relevant documentation.

Supporting documentation may include photographs, receipts, vehicle registration information, a disabled placard, or official police theft and recovery reports.

Make sure all documents are legible and complete. You may want to send copies, as supporting documentation will not be returned.

No. There is no fee to request an administrative review. The results of the administrative review will be mailed to the address you provide. If the citation is upheld, payment will be due within 21 days. If the citation is dismissed, no payment will be due.

If you wish to continue contesting the citation after the administrative review, full payment of the citation amount is required before an administrative hearing can be scheduled, as required by California Vehicle Code section 40215.

A payment plan is available to low-income customers if a request for indigence determination is submitted within 60 days of the citation issue date or within 10 days of the hearing decision, whichever is later.

For more information, call 562-866-9771, ext. 2621.