Parking Citation Review and Appeal Process
Your Right to Contest a Citation
Under California Vehicle Code sections 40215 and 40230, you have the right to contest a parking citation.
If you believe the citation was issued by mistake or is not valid, you may submit a contest within 21 calendar days from the date the citation was issued.
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Level 1 - Administrative Review
If you believe your parking citation was issued in error or is not valid, you may request a Level 1 Administrative Review in one of three ways:
Online: Submit your request online. If you are not affiliated with UCR, you will need to create a guest account.
By mail or in person: Submit your request in writing by letter or by using the citation review form available at the Transportation Services office. You may mail or drop off your request at:
Transportation Services
683 Linden Street
Riverside, CA 92521By email: Email your written statement to citereview@ucr.edu.
Your request must include:
- Citation number
- Vehicle license plate number
- Campus parking permit number, if applicable
- Reason you are contesting the citation
- Any supporting documents, photos, receipts, permits, screenshots, or other information that helps explain why you are contesting the citation
If required information is missing, you will be notified. Your review cannot move forward until all required information is received.
All citation review decisions are provided in writing and sent by U.S. mail or email within 10 business days of the review date. Decisions cannot be provided or discussed by phone or in person.
If you do not receive a written response within 15 days after submitting your request, please contact our office at (951) 827-1296.
If you disagree with the Level 1 decision, you may request a Level 2 Administrative Hearing.
- Citation number
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Level 2 - Administrative Hearing
If you disagree with the Level 1 Administrative Review decision, you may request a Level 2 Administrative Hearing.
You must request a Level 2 hearing within the required appeal period. Hearings can be scheduled online through the Bookings page.
Upcoming dates: July 14, 2026 and August 11, 2026
Level 2 hearings are held in person and conducted by an outside agency. Hearing dates are listed on the scheduling page. Hearings take place in the conference room at the Environmental Health & Safety building. Parking is available in the TAPS guest parking lot.
Before requesting a Level 2 hearing, you must pay the citation in full. If the hearing decision is in your favor, your citation payment will be refunded.
You may reschedule your hearing up to 24 hours before the scheduled date and time. To reschedule, use the "Reschedule" link in your original appointment confirmation email.
If you do not attend your scheduled hearing, the Level 2 decision becomes final. Missed hearings cannot be rescheduled.
If you disagree with the Level 2 Administrative Hearing decision, you may appeal the decision in court.
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Level 3 - Judicial Appeal
If you disagree with the Level 2 Administrative Hearing decision, you may appeal the decision in court.
You must file your appeal within 30 calendar days from the date the Level 2 hearing results letter was mailed. If you do not file an appeal within 30 calendar days, the Level 2 decision becomes final.
Appeals are filed through:
Western Riverside County Judicial District
Moreno Valley Branch
13800 Heacock Street, Suite D201
Moreno Valley, CA 92553The court charges a filing fee for each citation appeal. If the court rules in your favor, the filing fee will be refunded. You will also receive a refund for any parking penalties dismissed by the court.