How to Fight a Parking Ticket in Tulsa
You have 10 days from when you receive your citation to appeal a parking ticket in Tulsa. This tight deadline is critical: miss it and you lose your right to contest the ticket.
The Appeal Process
Step 1: Pay the Bond (Days 1-10) Submit payment equal to the ticket amount to the Tulsa Municipal Court. This payment acts as a bond, not a final penalty. If your appeal succeeds, you get the full amount back. If it fails, the bond pays your citation with no additional charges.
Step 2: Submit Your Appeal (Days 1-10) File your appeal with the Tulsa Municipal Court at 600 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103. Include a copy of your ticket and write your ticket number on your submission. You can mail your appeal or deliver it in person.
Step 3: Present Your Case The Tulsa Municipal Court will schedule a hearing. Bring any evidence supporting your appeal: photos, witness statements, proof of paid meter, or documentation showing the citation was issued in error.
Valid Reasons to Appeal
Your appeal must include substantial and valid evidence. Common grounds include:
- Meter was functioning incorrectly
- Sign was missing, obscured, or unclear
- You paid the meter before citation was issued
- Citation was issued in error (wrong location, plate number, or time)
- Parking was legally permitted at that location
Invalid reasons include opinion-based arguments or claims that the fine is too high.
What Happens Next
The Tulsa Municipal Court reviews your evidence and makes a final decision. This process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. You'll receive written notification of the outcome.
Key Deadlines to Remember
The 10-day window from citation issuance is absolute. Don't wait to gather evidence: the sooner you appeal, the more time you have to prepare your case. If you're unsure about your citation date, check the ticket itself or contact the Tulsa Municipal Court directly.
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