Contesting a Parking Ticket

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

Contesting a citation is a three-step process:

Step 1. - Administrative/Initial Review

The Administrative Review determines if the citation was properly issued.

Visit www.parkingticketpayment.com/thousandoaks to submit your appeal. You may view photos that were taken at the time of violation (if available) and attach any documents or evidence you would like to submit.

Within 30 days, the Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau will review the citation based on the written information you have provided to determine if there is sufficient proof to rule that: - the violation did not occur; the registered owner was not responsible, or extenuating circumstances prevented you from complying. An e-mail will be sent to you with the results of this review. If you are found to be “Not Liable” the citation will be dismissed. Your citation will be cancelled and you do not need to take any further action.

If you are found to be “Liable”, you may schedule an administrative hearing to be conducted by an independent hearing officer (see step 2).

Step 2. - Administrative Hearing

If you are not satisfied with the results of the Administrative/Initial Review, you may request an Administrative Hearing either in person or by written declaration. You must request an Administrative Hearing within 21 days of the date of the Administrative/Initial Review decision. After 21 days you are no longer eligible for an Administrative Hearing.

  1. Please contact the Finance Department no later than the due date identified on the results letter for the Administrative Review to arrange a hearing and schedule the date and time of the hearing.
  2. State Law Requires that you pay all fines owed on the citation before you can request an Administrative Hearing.  If the Hearing Officer finds in your favor, you will be issued a refund.  A deposit* in the amount of the citation fine is required prior to schedule the hearing. 

The Hearing typically runs no longer than 15 minutes and is held at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.  The Hearing must take place within 90 days from the date on the Notification of the Results of the Administrative Review.  Hearings are scheduled on the first Tuesday of each month.   If the Hearing Officer determines that you should not be held liable, the fine deposit will be refunded in full. 

* If you have limited assets, you may file a form to request a waiver of the deposit.  If granted, this does not forgive the citation fine if found liable by the Hearing Officer.  It only waives the requirement to place a deposit prior to scheduling the Administrative Hearing.

Step 3 - Appeal

If you are found liable by the hearing officer and wish to continue contesting the citation, you may appeal the decision at Superior Court. You must request an appeal within 30 days of the Hearing Officer's decision. You must file for the appeal in person at the Superior Court. There is a filing fee per citation required by the Court, which will be refunded to you if the commissioner rules in your favor. You will also need to present the written Administrative Hearing decision at the time the appeal is filed. The written administrative hearing decision is submitted as evidence for the court appeal.

Parking citations appeals may be filed at the address listed below:

Ventura County Superior Court Criminal Traffic Division, 
Hall of Justice Room #118
800 S. Victoria Ave. 
Ventura, CA 93009
Phone: (805) 654-2611

Please contact the Court for specific instructions on how to file an appeal. The Appeal is a hearing where the Court will review the decision of the Hearing Officer. You must complete steps 1 and 2 prior to appealing with the Superior Court.

 

Questions: Please call Finance Public Services at 805-449-2201.