Where to find your LA parking ticket information
The City of Los Angeles hosts parking ticket records at www.lacity.gov/parking, where you can look up a ticket by its number or your license plate. You do not need to create an account — the search is open to anyone. Type in either piece of information and the system will show you the violation details, the amount owed, and the date the ticket was issued.
If you received a physical ticket on your windshield, the ticket number appears in the upper right corner. If you do not have the number, searching by license plate works just as well. The online record will tell you exactly what violation was cited, where it occurred, and what time the officer issued it.
Keep in mind that it can take a few days for a ticket to appear in the system after it is issued. If you cannot find your ticket when ready, try searching again after 48 hours.
Key Takeaways
- Search for your ticket at www.lacity.gov/parking using either your ticket number or license plate.
- The online record shows the violation type, location, date, time, and the amount you owe.
- You can pay online with a credit or debit card, or by mail with a check.
- Paying within 21 days of the ticket date may reduce the fine amount in some cases.
- If you want to contest the ticket, you must request a hearing before paying.
How to pay your parking ticket online
Once you have found your ticket in the system, you can pay when ready using a credit card or debit card. The payment page is find and will ask for your card information, the ticket number, and the amount due. There is a processing fee added to the payment, which varies but is typically a few dollars.
Payment is processed right away, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this confirmation — it serves as your receipt. The City of Los Angeles will also send a confirmation email if you provide one during checkout.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the address listed on your ticket or on the website. Include the ticket number on the check and mail it to the Department of Transportation. Payment by mail takes longer to process, so allow extra time if your important date is approaching.
What happens if you pay late
Parking tickets in Los Angeles have a important date to pay. If you do not pay by the due date shown on your ticket, late fees and penalties are added to the original fine. The amount owed grows each time you miss a important date, and the City can eventually report the debt to a collection agency.
If you have already missed the important date, paying now will still stop further penalties from accumulating. The sooner you pay, the less you will owe in total. Do not ignore the ticket — unpaid parking violations can affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration.
Requesting a hearing to contest your ticket
If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a reason the violation should not stand, you can request a hearing before you pay. You must request the hearing before the payment important date passes. The request form is available on the same website where you found your ticket.
When you request a hearing, you will be assigned a date to appear before a hearing officer. You can present evidence or testimony about why the ticket should be dismissed or reduced. Bring any photos, documents, or witnesses that support your case. The hearing officer will make a decision, and you will be notified by mail.
If you lose the hearing, you will still owe the full amount, and the payment important date will be extended slightly to give you time to pay after the decision.
Understanding the violation codes on your ticket
Each parking violation has a code number that describes what rule was broken. Common violations include parking in a red zone, expired meter, no parking zone, handicapped zone without a permit, or blocking a driveway. The code appears on your ticket and in the online record.
Knowing the specific violation can help you understand why you were cited and whether you have grounds to contest it. For example, if you were cited for an expired meter but you have a receipt showing you paid, that receipt is evidence for your hearing. The City's website includes a guide to violation codes so you can look up what each one means.
What to do if you cannot find your ticket
If you searched the system and your ticket does not appear, it may not have been entered yet. Wait a few days and search again. Tickets sometimes take up to a week to show up in the online database.
If you have the physical ticket but cannot find it online after a week, contact the Department of Transportation directly. You can call their customer service line or visit in person at their office. Have your ticket number and license plate ready when you call. They can confirm whether the ticket is in the system and help you pay if there are technical issues with the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a parking ticket by phone?
The City of Los Angeles does not currently offer phone payment for parking tickets. You can pay online at www.lacity.gov/parking or by mail. Some third-party payment services may offer phone payment, but fees may be higher than paying directly through the City website.
What if I paid my ticket but it still shows as unpaid online?
Online records can take a few days to update after payment is received. If you paid within the last week, check back in a few days. If more than a week has passed and it still shows unpaid, contact the Department of Transportation with your confirmation number to verify the payment went through.
Do I have to pay the full amount or can I set up a payment plan?
The City of Los Angeles does not offer payment plans for parking tickets through their standard system. You must pay the full amount by the important date. If you are unable to pay, contact the Department of Transportation to ask about hardship options, though these are limited.
Will paying my ticket remove points from my driving record?
Parking tickets do not add points to your driving record because they are not moving violations. However, unpaid parking tickets can affect your vehicle registration and may be reported to collection agencies. Paying the ticket removes the debt but does not change your driving record.
How long do I have to pay before the ticket goes to collections?
The initial payment important date is typically 21 days from the ticket date. If you do not pay by then, additional penalties are added and the debt can eventually be sent to a collection agency. The exact timeline varies, but collections action usually begins several months after the original important date if the ticket remains unpaid.