Contesting Information

California Vehicle Code Section 40215 allows for the ability to contest a parking citation, provided the citation was issued in error. The following instructions must be followed in order to contest.

1st Level – Initial Review

There is no fee to contest your citation at this level. You may request an Initial Review by following the instructions below:

1. To submit an appeal online, close this window and return to the previous window. Enter your citation number and press SEARCH. If your citation qualifies for an appeal, a CONTEST ONLINE link to the contesting form will appear to the right of the citation number.
2. You may contest the citation in writing within 21 calendar days of the issue date of your citation,
3. Indicate the reason(s) you feel your citation was issued in error,
4. Include copies of any documentation to support your claim (documents will not be returned),
5. Include your citation or reminder notice,
6. Include your full name,
7. Include your mailing address (Your decision cannot be mailed without a complete and correct address – include suite number, apartment number, zip code, etc.)
8. Mail all information to:
   City of Manhattan Beach Processing Center
   P O Box 1109
   Tustin  CA 92781-1109
9. Initial Review forms may also be obtained online by clicking here. Simply print the form, complete it and submit it to the address included on the form.
10. Initial Review forms may also be obtained and submitted in person at the Manhattan Beach Police Department, located at 420 15th Street, Manhattan Beach.

If you are found not liable during the Administrative Review process, any amount paid will be refunded.

2nd Level – Administrative Hearing

The amount of the citation must be paid in order to contest your citation at this level. You may not request an Administrative Hearing unless you have received a result of Initial Review and have been found liable.

If you are dissatisfied with the results of the Initial Review, you may request an Administrative Hearing by following the instructions below: 

1. Submit a request for an Administrative Hearing within 21 calendar days of the mailing of your Initial Review Result,
2. Indicate your preference for an Administrative Hearing in person or in writing,
3. Remit payment for the full amount due on the citation. Payment may be made online prior to your hearing request or you may submit a check or money order by mail with your request for an Administrative Hearing,
4. Include your citation or your Initial Review Result letter,
5. Include your full name,
6. Include your mailing address (results of the agency’s decision cannot be mailed without a complete and correct address – include suite number, apartment number, zip code, etc.)
7. Mail all information to:
   City of Manhattan Beach Processing Center
   P O Box 1109
   Tustin  CA 92781-1109

3rd Level – Civil Appeal

California Vehicle Code Section 40230(a) allows for the ability to file a Civil Appeal for a parking citation if you are dissatisfied with the results of your Administrative Hearing. You may not request a Civil Appeal unless you have received a Result of Administrative Hearing and have been found liable. The following instructions must be followed in order to file a Civil Appeal:

1. If your citation remains unpaid due to a previous request for a waiver of the penalty, you must pay your citation in full to the City prior to filing a Civil Appeal,
2. You may file a Civil Appeal at the South Bay Superior Court, located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA.  The Civil Appeal must be filed within 30 calendar days of the mailing of the City's final decision,
3. Upon filing a Civil Appeal, you will be required to pay a filing fee to the court.

If you are found not liable during the Civil Appeal process, any amount paid will be refunded (including the filing fee).