How SFMTA citations work and where to pay them

An SFMTA citation is a parking or traffic ticket issued by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. You can pay it online through the SFMTA website, by mail, in person at an SFMTA payment location, or by phone. The fastest method is online at sfmta.com — you'll need your citation number, which appears on the ticket itself.

The citation number is a seven-digit code printed at the top of your ticket. If you've lost the physical ticket, you can look up your citation through the SFMTA's online system using your license plate number and the date you received it. Payment is due within 30 days of the citation date to avoid late fees and additional penalties.

SFMTA handles most parking violations, street cleaning violations, and some traffic infractions in San Francisco. If your citation is from the California Highway Patrol or another agency, the payment process will be different — your ticket will show which agency issued it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay SFMTA citations online at sfmta.com, by mail, by phone, or in person, and the online method is fastest.
  • Payment is due within 30 days of the citation date; paying late adds fees and may affect your vehicle registration.
  • You need your citation number to pay online, which is printed on the ticket or can be found by searching your license plate on the SFMTA website.
  • If you disagree with the citation, you can request a hearing before paying, though you must do so within 21 days.
  • Unpaid SFMTA citations can prevent vehicle registration renewal and may result in a hold on your driving record.

Paying online through the SFMTA website

The SFMTA's online payment system at sfmta.com is open 24 hours and processes payments when ready. Go to the "Pay a Citation" section, enter your citation number, and follow the prompts. You'll see the violation type, the fine amount, and any late fees that have accrued. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

If you don't have your physical ticket, use the "Look Up a Citation" tool on the same website. Enter your license plate number and the approximate date you received the citation. The system will display all citations associated with that plate, and you can pay any of them directly from the search results.

Online payment typically shows as processed within minutes, and you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this confirmation for your records — it serves as proof of payment if there are any disputes later.

Paying by mail or in person

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the full amount shown on your citation and send it to the address printed on the back of the ticket. Include the citation number and your name on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — typically 10 to 14 business days — so send it well before the 30-day important date.

SFMTA payment locations are open during business hours at several San Francisco addresses. The main office is at 25 Van Ness Avenue, but satellite payment windows operate at other city locations. Call the SFMTA at 311 (or 415-701-2311 from outside San Francisco) to confirm hours and locations before you go.

In-person payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a receipt on the spot. Bring your citation and a valid form of payment — cash, check, credit card, or debit card.

Paying by phone

You can pay an SFMTA citation by calling 311 in San Francisco or 415-701-2311 from outside the city. Have your citation number and a credit or debit card ready. A representative will confirm the violation details, process your payment, and provide a confirmation number over the phone.

Phone payments are available during SFMTA business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon may be faster.

What happens if you don't pay on time

If you don't pay within 30 days of the citation date, the SFMTA adds a late fee to your balance. The amount varies depending on the original fine, but late fees typically range from $25 to $100 or more. After 60 days without payment, the citation may be referred to a collection agency, and your debt can appear on your credit report.

Unpaid SFMTA citations also create a hold on your vehicle registration. When you try to renew your registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the system will flag any outstanding San Francisco citations and block renewal until they are paid. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the citation is resolved.

If a citation remains unpaid for an extended period, the SFMTA may report it to the state, which can suspend your driver's license. Paying the citation as soon as possible prevents these escalating consequences.

Contesting a citation before you pay

If you believe the citation was issued in error, you can request a hearing instead of paying when ready. You must submit a written request within 21 days of the citation date. The request should explain why you disagree with the citation and include any supporting evidence — photos, witness statements, or documentation of circumstances.

Send your hearing request to the address on the back of your citation or submit it online through the SFMTA website. The SFMTA will schedule a hearing, usually within 30 to 60 days. An administrative hearing officer will review your case and the officer's report, then issue a decision.

If the hearing officer rules in your favor, the citation is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the decision goes against you, you'll be ordered to pay the fine. Requesting a hearing does not waive your obligation to pay if you lose — it straightforward delays payment while your case is reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay an SFMTA citation with a payment plan?

The SFMTA does not offer standard payment plans for citations. However, if you have financial hardship, you can contact the SFMTA to discuss your situation. Call 311 or 415-701-2311 to ask about options. Some citations may be reduced or dismissed based on circumstances, but this requires a formal request and review.

What if I paid the citation but my registration is still blocked?

After you pay, allow 5 to 10 business days for the SFMTA to report the payment to the California DMV. If the hold persists after that time, contact the SFMTA with your confirmation number to verify the payment was processed. You may need to provide proof of payment to the DMV directly if there is a delay in the system update.

Do I have to pay if I was parked legally but got a citation anyway?

No — if you believe you were parked legally, request a hearing within 21 days. Bring evidence such as photos of the parking sign, proof of a valid permit, or documentation that the meter was functioning. The hearing officer will review your evidence and the officer's notes before deciding whether to dismiss the citation.

What if the citation is for a rental car I was driving?

The citation is typically issued to the vehicle's registered owner, which is the rental company. The rental company may pass the fine to you if you were the driver and violated the rental agreement. Check your rental agreement and contact the rental company to understand your responsibility. You may need to pay the rental company rather than the SFMTA directly.

Can I look up old citations I haven't paid yet?

Yes — use the SFMTA's citation lookup tool at sfmta.com with your license plate number. The system shows all unpaid citations associated with that plate, including the original date, fine amount, and current balance with late fees. You can pay any of them online when ready from the search results.