Contest a Parking Citation

To Contest a Parking Citation

 (Except registration, equipment, or disabled placard violations)

1. Online (preferred)
You may contest your citation online within 21 calendar days of the citation date or 14 days from the late notice:

  • Visit https://www.pticket.com/montebello
  • Enter your citation number (and/or license plate) and press SEARCH
  • If your citation qualifies, click the CONTEST ONLINE link and complete the form, including your explanation and any supporting documents

We are transitioning to a new system. If your citation is not in the pticket system, please check back in a few weeks. No new penalties or delinquent fees will be applied during this transition. We apologize for any inconvenience.

2. By Mail

If you are unable to use the online system, you may contest your citation in writing by mail. Your written contest must be mailed and postmarked within:

  • 21 calendar days of the citation issue date, or
  • 14 days from the late notice

Contests postmarked after these deadlines will not be accepted and will result in the loss of your appeal rights.

Do NOT send payment with your contest.
You will not be held liable for payment until a decision has been made.

Mail all correspondence to:

City of Montebello

P.O. Box 2081

Tustin, CA 92781-2081

Your mailed contest should include all of the following:

  • A clear explanation of the reason(s) you believe your citation was issued in error
  • Copies of any supporting documentation to support your claim (documents will not be returned)
  • Your citation or reminder notice
  • Your full name
  • Your complete mailing address (your decision cannot be mailed without a complete and correct address – include suite number, apartment number, ZIP code, etc.)

Processing Time & Next Steps

  • Please allow 8–10 weeks to receive a written decision regarding your contest.
  • If your contest is upheld (the citation is found valid), you will have 21 days from the notice date to either:
    • continue the appeal process (request an Administrative Hearing), or
    • pay the fine amount due,
      following the directions in the notice you receive.
  • If your contest is approved (the citation is dismissed), no payment will be required (and any amount paid will be refunded as applicable).

Failure to pay or continue the appeal within the time allowed may result in penalty fees and/or a DMV registration hold.

For more information, please see:

*PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS IS ONLY FOR PARKING CITATIONS NOT TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS OR RED LIGHTS CAMERAS. PLEASE CONTACT THE PD RECORDS BUREAU (323)-887-1225 ABOUT ANY TRAFFIC OR RED LIGHT CAMERA VIOLATIONS.*