Notice of Parking Citation Appeals Rights

Document Updated: April 4, 2008

According to California Vehicle Code (CVC) 40215 and 40230, you have the following rights when appealing a parking violation.

Level 1 - The Administrative Review

California State University Sacramento is required to perform an administrative review of a contested parking citation if the appeal is made within 21 calendar days of the issuance of the citation or within 14 calendar days of the mailing of the notice of delinquent parking violation. A written explanation prepared by you, stating why you should not be charged with the cited parking violation shall be reviewed and evaluated by California State University, Sacramento. Once a decision has been rendered, you will be notified in writing.

Below you will have the option to file an appeal online or, if you prefer, print the appeal form and submit it through U.S. mail.

Submit and appeal online
Level 1 Appeal Form

Level 2 - The Appeals Hearing

If you are not satisfied with the results of the Level 1, Administrative Review, you may pursue the matter by requesting an Appeal Hearing. Sacramento State is required to perform an Appeal Hearing if an Appeal Hearing is requested and turned in within 21 calendar days of the mailing of the results of the Administrative Review. You may request a mail-in or in-person Appeals Hearing. Requests for an appeals hearing are required to be made in writing by completing a Request For Appeal Hearing Form. Your request for an Appeal Hearing must be accompanied by payment in full of the amount due for the citation. (Reference CVC 40215.b. for complete details).

An in-person hearing will be scheduled only when specifically requested. A hearing examiner will review the written information provided, your testimony and that of any witnesses and evidence provided which is relevant to your case. A decision is then rendered.

In lieu of an in-person hearing, a written Appeal Hearing may also be conducted. A hearing by written declaration will be performed after full payment of the penalty is received. A hearing examiner shall review the written declaration and render a decision based on the information submitted.

The decision of the hearing examiner may be delivered personally to you or by first class mail. If you are found "not liable", the penalty paid for the citation will be refunded in full.

Level 3 - Judicial Appeal

If you are not satisfied with the Appeals Hearing decision, you may further appeal your case to a court of law (Carol Miller Justice Center, (916) 875-7800) within 30 calendar days from the mailing of the Level 2 Appeal Hearing liable notice. The court charges a filing fee to process the appeal. If the court rules in your favor, California State University, Sacramento will be required to refund your filing fee plus any parking penalties that the court may dismiss.

If a notice of appeal is not filed with the court within the 30 calendar day limit the decision rendered by California State University, Sacramento shall become final.

If you have questions regarding the appeals process, please call the Sacramento State Parking Citation Appeals Office at (916) 278-5160.