Disputing a Ticket to the NYC Parking Violations Bureau

You can dispute a parking ticket at the NYC Parking Violations Bureau (NYCPVB) if you believe the ticket was unfairly issued or hope to reduce the fine. You must request the hearing within 30 days of receiving the ticket. The NYC Parking Violations Bureau will now accept requests for hearings by mail, in person or online.

Requesting a Hearing

Parking tickets can be expensive, and they are also recorded. When you believe you have received a parking ticket unfairly, for reasons beyond your control or simply hope to reduce the fine, it is possible to dispute the ticket and the fine. The two primary reasons people dispute their parking tickets are:

• The ticket is defective and was not written according to the law
• The parking meter is missing or broken

The first step is requesting a hearing with the NYC Parking Violations Bureau within 30 days of receiving the ticket. The 30 day deadline is important to meet, because your parking fine will not incur penalties if you have requested a hearing.

To ask for a hearing, you must submit the Request for Hearing After Judgment form. That can be done in 3 ways.

• Mail the form to the NYCPVB
• Appear in person and deliver the form
• Submit the form online

If you do not file the form within 30 days of receiving the parking ticket, you may be charged penalties if the judge does not remove the fine.

The Process

After submitting your request for a hearing, the New York City Department of Finance will make a settlement offer or uphold the full fine. You are notified of the decision by email and mail. At that point you can accept or reject the offer. If you reject the offer and decide you want a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge, the decision will still be issued by email and mail.

There is also a Reduced Fine Program. This allows you to ask for a reduction in the fine without disputing the ticket. If the request is approved, you must waive your right to a hearing and an appeal.

If you do not agree with the decision of the judge, you can appeal by filing the Application for Appeal within 30 days of notification.

Consult an Attorney

If you do not understand the process, get advice from an attorney. An attorney can advise you on the details of the process and how to prepare your answer to the issuance of the ticket and the fine or how to appeal.