Contesting a Citation
In accordance with California Vehicle Codes (CVC) 40215 and 40230, you have the following rights when contesting a citation. If you receive a citation that you believe is not legitimate or justified, you have the option to contest the citation within 21 calendar days from the date the citation was issued.
There are three progressive levels to contesting a citation. Here is a flow chart of the process. Please read these instructions carefully. If you are contesting a citation, do not pay the fine unless instructed to do so. Once paid, citations are no longer eligible for administrative review. Payment will cancel the review request.
A campus department representative may contest a citation on behalf of an invited campus guest. The representative assumes responsibility for notifying the guest of the final administrative review decision.
If you have a valid annual parking permit, we will dismiss one citation for failing to properly display your permit per year. You must submit an administrative review request to receive this courtesy dismissal.
Level 1 - Administrative Review
The following information is required when filing an administrative review. Incomplete or missing information will result in the rejection of your request.
- Citation number
- Date of citation issuance
- Vehicle license plate number
- Campus parking permit number, if applicable
- Your first and last name
- Your postal mailing address and email address, including four digit campus mail code for campus addresses
- Reason for contesting the citation
There are three ways to file a level 1 administrative review:
- ONLINE APPEAL: If you are an off-campus appellant, you will need to create a guest account. If your address exceeds the number of characters allowed in the address field, please file your administrative review request using one of the other options listed below.
- By Mail: Citations may be contested in writing either by letter or by using the form available at the Parking and Transportation customer services office at 1995 University Avenue, Suite # 110, Berkeley, CA 94704. Written correspondence and completed forms may be dropped off or mailed to Citation Services, 1995 University Avenue, Suite # 110, Berkeley, CA 94704.
- By e-mail: You may e-mail your written testimony to ucappeal@berkeley.edu within 21 days from the date the citation was issued. You must include the following information:
- Citation number
- Date citation was issued
- Vehicle license plate number
- Campus parking permit number, if applicable
- Your first and last name
- Your U.S. postal mailing address and email address, if applicable. For campus addresses include the 4-digit campus mail code.
- The reason you are contesting the citation
If the citation review request does not include all of the above information, please re-submit your review request and include the missing information.
You will be notified if all of the information is not received and your appeal will not proceed without it. All citation review decisions are communicated in writing and sent by U.S. mail or email within fourteen business days of the review date. Citation reviews cannot be given or discussed by phone or in person. If you do not receive a written response fifteen days after you submit your request, please contact our office at (510) 643-7701, option 2, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., except on campus holidays.
If you are dissatisfied with the results of your decition, you must pay your citation by the date indicated in the administrative review letter to avoid late fees.
Level 2 - Administrative Hearing
If you are not satisfied with the administrative review (Level 1) decision, you may request an administrative hearing (Level 2).
Unlike Level 1, you must pay your citation in full prior to filing for a Level 2 hearing. If you win your hearing your citation payment will be refunded.
If a request for a Level 2 hearing is not filed by the date indicated in the administrative review decision letter (postmark date accepted), the Level 1 decision will be upheld and become final.
For further information call (510) 643-7701, option 2, or download and complete the Level 2 Request Form.
Administrative hearings are held in person or by review of written testimony and are not conducted by email, phone, or online.
Requests should be sent to:
Citation Services
Parking & Transportation
1995 University Avenue, Suite # 110,
Berkeley, CA 94704.
In-person hearings are scheduled based on the availability of the hearing examiner. A written onfirmation of the date and time of your hearing will be sent to you. Failure to appear for a hearing will result in the Level 1 decision being upheld. Hearings may be re-scheduled one time only by contacting citation services at (510) 643-7701, option 2, at least two business days prior to the appointment date.
Level 3 - Judicial Appeal
If you are not safisfied with the Level 2 administrative hearing decision you may further appeal your case through a court of law within thirty calendar days from the date of the mailing of the Level 2 administrative hearing results letter.
If a notice of appeal is not filed with the court within thirty calendar days, the Level 2 administrative review decision will become final.
The court charges a $25.00 filing fee per citation to process appeals. If the court rules in your favor, we will refund your filing fee, plus any parking penalties that the court dismisses.
To file your Level 3 appeal, contact:
Alameda County Superior Court
1225 Fallon Street
Oakland, CA 94612-4219
(510) 891-6003