Los Angeles, CA
Deadlines checkedTickets here come from LADOT. You can contest online, by phone or by mail.
The steps, in order
Free initial review
21 days from the date on the ticket. If you missed it, a later notice opens 14 more days.
Administrative hearing
21 days from the decision on the step before.
Superior Court appeal
30 days from the decision on the step before. This is the last step.
The initial review is online, by phone or by mail, not in person. A hearing needs the fine paid first unless you qualify for a low-income waiver.
Source: California Vehicle Code 40215 and 40230, the same for every California city. Checked 2026-11-12. Rules change, so read your own notice too.
Low income?
You can ask to contest without paying first (Vehicle Code 40215) and to pay in installments (Vehicle Code 40220).