How to Fight a San Francisco Parking Ticket
You fight a San Francisco parking ticket through a clear three-step process. Start with an initial protest within 21 days of the ticket date. Do not pay the ticket if you plan to fight it. This holds penalties until you get a decision.
Step 1: Submit Initial Protest (First Review)
Act fast. You have 21 days from the ticket issue date or first courtesy notice. Reviews take up to 90 days. Submit online at the SFMTA protest portal or mail to SFMTA Customer Service Center, ATTN: Citation Review, 11 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Gather strong evidence:
- Photos of the sign, meter, or violation spot.
- Proof the ticket has errors, like wrong plate or time.
- Police report if your vehicle was stolen.
- Notes on parking rules at the time.
You can upload up to 3 documents online. Handwritten SFPD tickets may take 14 days to appear in the system. Your clock starts when it shows up.
| Protest Method | Details | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Enter citation number, upload 3 docs | 21 days |
| Send ticket + evidence to 11 S Van Ness Ave | 21 days | |
| In Person | SFMTA Customer Service Center | 21 days |
If denied, move to step 2.
Step 2: Request Administrative Hearing (Second-Level Protest)
You get 25 calendar days from the denial letter date. Contact a hearing officer under California Vehicle Code §40215. Pay a deposit equal to the fine amount. Waivers apply for:
- Low-income drivers (check income limits).
- Fines over $200.
- Compliance tickets like missing plates.
Present testimony and evidence. Decisions come in 2-3 weeks by email or mail. Win? Get a refund if you paid early. Lose? Appeal to court.
Step 3: Superior Court De Novo Hearing
File within 30 days of the hearing decision. Mail your decision letter, $25 fee per ticket (refundable if you win), and evidence. Make checks payable to San Francisco Superior Court. Go to Hall of Justice, Room 101, 850 Bryant Street for forms.
Key Tips for Success
- Check your ticket status online anytime.
- Track deadlines strictly. Miss them, and you owe the fine plus late fees.
- For 94103 zip code, rules match citywide SFMTA process.
- Sidekick tracks your parking costs and alerts you to local rules. It helps many drivers avoid tickets and spot savings in vehicle ownership.
Skip payments during protests. Late fees add up fast, and unpaid tickets hit DMV holds. As of February 2026, SFMTA processes protests monthly with real driver data. Fight smart, and half of contested tickets get reduced or dismissed based on owner reports.