How do I fight a parking ticket in San Francisco?
File a protest within 21 days of the ticket date. Use the SFMTA online portal at sfmta.com. This holds your fine until they review it. Act fast because the fine doubles if you miss the deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contest Your Ticket
Follow these steps right away. Many drivers win by spotting simple errors or showing clear proof.
- Check ticket details first. Look for wrong plate numbers, car colors, or makes. These errors often cancel the ticket.
- Gather strong proof now. Take wide photos of parking signs, street markings, and your vehicle's position. Do this before you move.
- Submit online within 21 days. Go to the SFMTA contest page. Enter your citation number. Upload up to 3 photos or documents. Write a short note like: "Sign was blocked by a truck. See photo."
- Save your confirmation number. Reviews take up to 90 days. Check mail or email for the decision.
| Protest Level | Deadline | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| First (Initial Review) | 21 days from ticket | Free. Online, mail, or in-person at 11 South Van Ness Ave. Hold on fine. |
| Second (Hearing) | After first denial | Pay fine as deposit (refund if you win). Waived for low-income or big fines over $200. |
| Third (Superior Court) | 30 days from hearing denial | $25 fee per ticket. Mail or in-person. Refund if you win. |
What Happens After You Protest?
SFMTA mails or emails a decision in weeks. If denied, request a second-level hearing. You talk to a hearing officer who checks your evidence against rules. Pay the fine upfront as a deposit in most cases. Low-income drivers skip this fee. Check sfmta.com for income limits.
For hearings, go in-person at 11 South Van Ness between 8:30am-4:30pm weekdays. Or email/mail your request. If you still lose, appeal to Superior Court. Send your decision letter plus $25 fee. They review it fresh.
Common Wins and Tips
- Sign issues: Prove the sign was missing, faded, or blocked.
- Stolen car: Submit a full police report.
- Meter paid: Show receipt or app proof.
Skip paying small fines if hearings take too much time. But fight big ones. Fines grow fast if ignored, and DMV blocks renewals.
Sidekick tracks your parking costs across cities like San Francisco's 94103. See average tickets per year for drivers like you. Plan better to avoid them.
Stay under 21 days. Use the portal. Win rates climb with good photos.