Appealing Citations

Appealing a Citation

Appealing a citation can be a multi-step process. Per California Vehicle Codes 40215 and 40230, you have the right to contest any citation you believe was issued in error.

⚠️ Important: If you plan to contest a citation, do not pay the fine yet. Paying the fine automatically cancels your right to an Administrative Review

The Three Levels of Appeal

Level 1: Administrative Review

Deadline: Must be filed within 21 calendar days of the citation date.

Required Information: You must provide the following to avoid rejection of your appeal:

  • Citation Number & Date

  • Vehicle License Plate Number

  • Your Full Name, Mailing Address, and Email

  • Campus Permit Number (if applicable)

  • A detailed reason why you are contesting the citation.

How to File:

  • By Mail or In-Person:
    • You can contest your citation in writing by mailing a letter or a completed Request Form to the address below. Forms are also available for pickup at our front desk (Suite #110). You may also drop off your paperwork in person during business hours.
      • Citation Services 1995 University Avenue, Suite #110 Berkeley, CA 94704
Online

Use the Online Appeal Portal. (Off-campus guests must create a guest account)
By Email

Send your testimony and the required info to ucappeal@berkeley.edu.

  • You must include the following information: 
    1. Your first and last name
    2. Citation number
    3. Date citation was issued
    4. Vehicle license plate number
    5. Campus parking permit number, if applicable
    6. Your U.S. postal mailing address and email address, if applicable. For campus addresses include the 4-digit campus mail code. 
    7. The reason you are contesting the citation
By Mail or In-Person

You can contest your citation in writing by mailing a letter or a completed Request Form to the address below. Forms are also available for pickup at our front desk (Suite #110). You may also drop off your paperwork in person during business hours.

    • Citation Services 1995 University Avenue, Suite #110 Berkeley, CA 94704

We will notify you if any information is missing; please note that your appeal cannot move forward until all required details are provided.

  • Timeline: You will receive a written decision via email or U.S. mail within 14 business days.

  • Status Updates: To maintain a formal record, review decisions are not discussed via phone or in person. If you haven't received a response after 15 days, please call us at (510) 643-7701 (Select "Option 2") from Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., except on campus holidays.

  • Next Steps: If your appeal is denied, you must pay the fine by the date listed in your decision letter to avoid late fees.

The "Courtesy Dismissal": If you have a valid annual permit but forgot to display it, we will dismiss one citation per year as a courtesy. You must still file a Level 1 request to receive this.

Level 2: Administrative Hearing

If you disagree with the Level 1 decision, you can request a formal hearing.

  • Payment Required: Unlike Level 1, you must pay the fine in full before requesting a hearing. If you win, you will be issued a full refund.

  • Deadline: You must file by the date listed in your Level 1 decision letter. If a request for a Level 2 hearing is not filed by the date listed, the Level 1 decision will be upheld and become final. 

  • Format: Hearings are conducted in person or via written testimony (not by phone or email).

    • In-person hearings are scheduled according to the examiner’s availability. You will receive a written confirmation once your date and time are set.

      • Rescheduling: You may reschedule your hearing one time only. You must contact us at (510) 643-7701 (Option 2) at least two business days before your appointment.

      • Failure to Appear: If you miss your scheduled hearing, the original (Level 1) decision will be upheld automatically.

  • Scheduling: You may reschedule an in-person hearing once, provided you give at least two business days' notice. Failure to appear will result in an automatic loss.

For further information call (510) 643-7701 (Select "Option 2), or download and complete the Level 2 Request Form

Requests should be sent to: 

Citation Services

Parking & Transportation

1995 University Avenue, Suite # 110, 

Berkeley, CA 94704.

Level 3: Judicial Appeal

If you are dissatisfied with the Level 2 result, you may take your case to the Alameda County Superior Court

  • Deadline: Within 30 calendar days of the Level 2 mailing date.

    • If a notice of appeal is not filed with the court within 30 calendar days, the Level 2 administrative review decision will become final. 

  • Cost: The court charges a $25.00 filing fee per citation.

  • Refunds: If the court rules in your favor, the department will refund your filing fee and the parking penalty.

Court Contact:

Alameda County Superior Court

1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612

Phone Number: (510) 891-6003

What to Expect After Filing

  • Notification: Decisions are sent via email or U.S. Mail within 14 business days.

  • Status Checks: If you haven’t heard back after 15 days, call (510) 643-7701 (Option 2).

  • Privacy: Appeal decisions cannot be discussed over the phone or in person; they must be delivered in writing.