Where to Pay Your Los Angeles Parking Ticket
You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket through the city's Department of Transportation (LADOT) online system, by mail, in person, or by phone. The fastest method is online at ladot.lacity.gov/pay-citation, where you can pay with a credit or debit card when ready. You will need your citation number, which appears on the ticket itself, and the amount due.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket, call the LADOT citation line at (323) 529-3700, or visit a payment location in person. Payment by phone requires your citation number and a credit or debit card. In-person payment locations are scattered across Los Angeles; the main office is at 100 South Main Street, but LADOT maintains a list of all payment centers on their website.
The payment important date is typically 21 days from the ticket date. If you do not pay by that date, the city may add penalties, report the violation to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, or place a hold on your vehicle registration.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through ladot.lacity.gov/pay-citation is the fastest option and requires only your citation number and a credit or debit card.
- You have 21 days from the ticket date to pay before additional penalties are added and your registration may be affected.
- Payment by mail, phone, or in person are available if you cannot pay online, though processing takes longer.
- If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it through LADOT's citation review process before paying.
What Information You Need to Pay
Gather your citation number before you attempt to pay, as it is required for every payment method. The citation number is printed on the front of your parking ticket and is usually a seven or eight-digit code. You will also need the amount due, which is also listed on the ticket itself.
If you are paying by mail or in person with a check, write the citation number on the check or money order. If you are paying by phone or online, have the citation number ready when you begin the transaction. Keep your receipt or confirmation number after payment, as proof that you paid on time.
Contesting a Ticket Before You Pay
If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly—for example, if you had a valid permit, the sign was obscured, or the meter was broken—you can request a citation review instead of paying when ready. You must submit your request within 21 days of the ticket date. You can do this online at ladot.lacity.gov, by mail, or in person at an LADOT office.
When you contest a ticket, include a written explanation of why you believe it was issued in error, along with any supporting evidence such as photographs, permit documentation, or witness statements. LADOT will review your request and either dismiss the citation, reduce the fine, or uphold it. This process typically takes two to four weeks. If you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer.
Do not ignore the ticket while waiting for a review decision. If your contest is denied and you have not paid, you will owe the full amount plus any late penalties that have accrued.
Payment Methods and Processing Times
| Payment Method | Processing Time | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Online (ladot.lacity.gov/pay-citation) | when ready | Citation number, credit or debit card |
| Phone (323) 529-3700 | when ready | Citation number, credit or debit card |
| Mail (check or money order) | 5 to 10 business days | Check or money order, citation number written on it |
| In person at LADOT office | Same day | Citation number, cash, check, or card |
Online and phone payments are recorded when ready, so your payment is confirmed the same day. Mail payments take longer to process because LADOT must receive and log the check. If you are close to the 21-day important date, mail is not a safe option; use online, phone, or in-person payment instead.
What Happens if You Miss the Payment important date
If you do not pay within 21 days, LADOT will add a penalty to your bill, typically doubling the original fine amount. The city will also report the unpaid violation to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. You will not be able to renew your registration until the ticket is paid.
If the ticket remains unpaid for several months, the city may refer it to a collection agency or pursue other enforcement actions. The longer you wait, the more expensive the debt becomes. If you are having difficulty paying, contact LADOT directly to discuss payment plans or hardship options; some situations may may have access to for reduced fines or extended payment terms.
Parking Ticket Fees and Fine Amounts
Parking ticket fines in Los Angeles vary depending on the violation. Common violations and their base fines include expired meter (typically $63 to $73), no parking zone ($73 to $93), street cleaning violation ($65 to $75), and disabled parking violation ($250 to $1,000). The exact amount depends on the specific code section cited and whether you have prior violations.
The amount due is printed on your ticket. If you pay within 21 days, you pay only the base fine. If you pay after 21 days, a penalty is added. Some violations, such as parking in a disabled space without a valid permit, carry significantly higher fines and may result in additional consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a parking ticket online if I don't have the citation number?
No, the citation number is required to pay online. If you have lost your ticket, contact LADOT at (323) 529-3700 with your license plate number and the approximate date and location of the ticket. They can look up the citation number for you.
What if I paid the ticket but still see it on my record?
Online and phone payments are recorded when ready, but mail payments take five to ten business days to process. If you paid by mail and it has been less than two weeks, wait a few more days and check again. If more than two weeks have passed, contact LADOT with your receipt to verify payment was received.
Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount right now?
LADOT does not automatically offer payment plans, but you can contact them at (323) 529-3700 to discuss your situation. In some cases, they may work with you on payment arrangements or refer you to resources if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Will paying the ticket affect my driving record or insurance?
Parking tickets do not appear on your driving record and do not affect your car insurance rates. However, if you do not pay and the city reports it to the DMV, it can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration.
What if I believe the ticket was issued in a disabled parking space I was legally using?
Submit a citation review request within 21 days with a copy of your valid disabled parking permit. Include photographs if possible. LADOT will review your documentation and dismiss the ticket if your permit was valid at the time of the violation.