Where to pay your Los Angeles parking ticket

You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online through the Department of Transportation (LADOT) website, by mail, in person at a payment location, or by phone. The fastest method is online at ladot.lacity.gov — you'll need your citation number, which appears on the ticket itself. Payment processing typically takes one to two business days online.

If you prefer to pay in person, LADOT has payment centers throughout the city. The main office is located at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also pay by phone at (323) 529-3700, though this method may take longer to process than online payment.

Paying by mail requires sending a check or money order along with your citation to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Include your citation number and a copy of the ticket itself. Mail payment typically takes two to three weeks to process, so use this method only if you have time before any important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through ladot.lacity.gov is the fastest method and processes within one to two business days.
  • Your citation number, printed on the parking ticket, is required for any payment method.
  • In-person payment at LADOT offices is available Monday through Friday during business hours at multiple locations across the city.
  • Paying by mail takes two to three weeks, so do not use this method if you have an upcoming court date or payment important date.
  • Late payment penalties and additional fees accumulate if you do not pay within the timeframe stated on your ticket.

What happens if you miss the payment important date

If you do not pay by the important date on your ticket, LADOT will add a late penalty to your original fine amount. The late fee is typically 10 percent of the original citation amount, though this can vary. Your ticket may also be referred to a collection agency, which can report the debt to credit bureaus and pursue collection actions against you.

A unpaid parking ticket can also result in a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. When you attempt to renew your registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the system will flag any outstanding parking violations in Los Angeles. The DMV will not process your renewal until the ticket is paid or resolved through the court.

If the debt remains unpaid for an extended period, LADOT may file a civil judgment against you, which can affect your ability to obtain credit or have wages garnished. The sooner you pay, the lower your total cost will be.

Contesting a parking ticket in Los Angeles

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying. You have 21 days from the ticket date to submit a written request for a hearing. Include your citation number, a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket is incorrect, and any supporting evidence such as photos or witness statements.

Submit your hearing request by mail to the address on the back of your ticket, or online through the LADOT website if that option is available. You will receive a hearing date by mail, typically four to eight weeks after your request. At the hearing, you can present your case to a hearing officer who will decide whether to uphold, reduce, or dismiss the ticket.

If you do not request a hearing within 21 days, you forfeit your right to contest the ticket administratively. After that point, your only option is to pay the fine or pursue a court appeal, which is a more complex and costly process.

Payment plans and reduced fines for low-income drivers

Los Angeles offers a Reduced Fine Program for drivers with limited income. If your household income falls below a certain threshold, you may be able to pay a reduced amount. The exact income limits change annually, so contact LADOT directly at (323) 529-3700 to learn the current threshold and whether you may have access to.

If you cannot pay the full fine at once, you can request a payment plan. LADOT allows you to pay in installments over several months rather than in a lump sum. Contact the department by phone or visit in person to discuss payment plan options. Setting up a plan prevents late fees from accumulating while you pay off the ticket.

To request either a reduced fine or a payment plan, you must act before the original payment important date. Once the important date passes and late fees are added, these options may no longer be available to you.

How parking tickets affect vehicle registration

An unpaid parking ticket creates a registration hold at the DMV. When you attempt to renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person, the DMV system checks for outstanding violations in Los Angeles. If a hold exists, your renewal will be denied until the ticket is paid.

This hold applies even if your registration is otherwise current and your vehicle passes smog checks. The DMV will not process any registration transaction — renewal, transfer, or duplicate — until the parking violation is resolved. You cannot drive legally with an expired registration, so an unpaid ticket can effectively prevent you from keeping your vehicle on the road.

Paying the ticket when ready removes the hold, and you can then proceed with your registration renewal. If you are unsure whether you have outstanding tickets, you can check your record through the LADOT website or by calling their office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online without a credit card?

The LADOT website accepts credit and debit cards for online payment. If you do not have a card, you can pay by check or money order by mail, or visit an in-person payment center with cash. Phone payment also typically accepts card payments only, so call ahead to confirm payment methods.

What if I lost my parking ticket and do not have the citation number?

Contact LADOT at (323) 529-3700 with your vehicle's license plate number and the approximate date and location where you received the ticket. They can look up the citation in their system and provide you with the citation number. You can then pay online or through any other method.

Do I have to pay the ticket if I parked in a spot that was not clearly marked?

This is a common reason for contesting a ticket. If you believe the parking restriction was not clearly posted or visible, you can request a hearing within 21 days of the ticket date. Present photos or evidence showing the lack of signage at your hearing. A hearing officer will decide whether the ticket should be dismissed based on your evidence.

Will paying a parking ticket affect my driving record or insurance?

A parking ticket does not appear on your driving record and does not affect your auto insurance rates. Parking violations are civil matters, not traffic violations. However, an unpaid ticket can result in collection action and credit bureau reporting, which can affect your credit score and ability to obtain loans.

How long do I have to pay before the ticket goes to collections?

LADOT typically refers unpaid tickets to collections after 60 to 90 days past the original due date, though the exact timeline can vary. Late fees begin accumulating when ready after the important date. The sooner you pay, the less you will owe in total penalties and fees.