Receiving a parking citation from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) can be a frustrating experience. Whether you were visiting a station, a county facility, or simply parked in an unincorporated area of the county, understanding how to handle these tickets is essential. These citations are distinct from those issued by the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), and they require a specific process for payment or appeal.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to manage an LASD parking ticket. We will cover the payment methods available, the steps to contest a citation if you believe it was issued in error, and what to expect when parking at various Sheriff’s Department facilities across the county. Following these steps promptly will help you avoid additional late fees and potential holds on your vehicle registration.
Identifying an LA Sheriff Parking Citation
Before you attempt to pay a ticket, ensure it was actually issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. LASD typically patrols unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and provides contract law enforcement for several specific cities. They also manage parking enforcement at county-run facilities, including jails, courthouses, and regional parks.
Check the top of your citation. It should clearly state “Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department” or have the LASD logo. If the ticket says “City of Los Angeles” or “LADOT,” you are dealing with a different agency and must use their specific payment portal. Identifying the correct agency is the first step in resolving the issue quickly.
How to Pay Your LASD Parking Ticket
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers several convenient ways to pay your parking fines. It is important to act within 21 days of the citation date to avoid penalties. Most people find the online system the most efficient, but other options are available for those who prefer traditional methods.
Online Payment Portal
The fastest way to resolve a citation is through the official online payment system. To use this service, you will need your citation number, which is located at the top of the ticket. You will also need to provide your vehicle’s license plate number.
When using the online portal, ensure you have a valid credit or debit card. The system provides an immediate confirmation of payment, which you should save or print for your records. This is particularly important if you are paying close to a deadline or if you need to clear a DMV hold.
Payment by Mail
If you prefer to pay by mail, you can send a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the payment payable to the “Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department” and write the citation number on the memo line of your check.
Use the envelope provided with the citation if available. If you lost the envelope, mail your payment to the address listed on the back of the ticket. Allow at least five to seven business days for the mail to be processed to ensure you meet the 21-day deadline.
Phone Payments
Automated phone systems are often available for those who wish to pay using a credit card but do not have internet access. The phone number is typically listed on the back of the citation. Like the online portal, you will need your citation number and license plate information ready before calling.
The Process for Contesting a Citation
If you believe a parking ticket was issued unfairly or in error, you have the right to contest it. The California Vehicle Code establishes a three-level process for appealing parking citations. You must follow these steps in order, starting with an Administrative Review.
Level 1: Administrative Review
The first step is to request an Administrative Review within 21 days of the citation date. This is a free process where a department official reviews the ticket and any evidence you provide. You can usually submit this request online or by mail.
To increase your chances of success, provide clear evidence. This might include photographs of missing or obscured signs, copies of a valid parking permit that was not seen, or proof that the vehicle had been sold before the ticket was issued. If the citation is dismissed at this stage, no further action is required.
Level 2: Administrative Hearing
If your initial request is denied, you can move to the second level: an Administrative Hearing. You must request this within 21 days of the mailing of the Level 1 decision. Unlike the first step, you are generally required to pay the full amount of the fine upfront to secure a hearing date.
During the hearing, you can present your case in person or through a written declaration. An independent hearing officer will review the facts. If the officer rules in your favor, the department will refund the fine you paid. If the ruling is against you, the fine is kept as payment.
Level 3: Civil Court
If you are still unsatisfied with the outcome, the final step is to appeal the decision in Superior Court. There is a small filing fee for this process, though it may be refunded if you win. This is a formal legal proceeding and is usually reserved for significant disputes or high-value fines.
Parking at LASD Facilities
Many people receive citations while visiting LASD facilities, such as the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, Men’s Central Jail, or local patrol stations. Parking at these locations is often highly regulated and limited due to security concerns and the high volume of official vehicles.
Visiting Jails and Custody Centers
When visiting a jail facility in downtown Los Angeles, public parking is extremely scarce. Most visitors must use private pay lots or metered street parking. Be aware that street parking around these facilities often has strict time limits and “No Parking” hours for street cleaning or security sweeps.
Always read every sign on the block before leaving your vehicle. LASD deputies and parking enforcement officers frequently patrol these areas to ensure that emergency access routes remain clear. Even a few minutes of overstaying a meter can result in a citation.
Local Sheriff Stations
Most local LASD stations have small parking lots for the public. However, these lots are often full. If you must park on the street near a station, pay close attention to curb colors. Red curbs mean no stopping, and green curbs indicate short-term parking. In many residential areas surrounding stations, you may also encounter permit-only parking zones.
Common Parking Violations to Avoid
To prevent future tickets, it is helpful to understand the most common reasons for citations in Los Angeles County. Many of these are simple oversights that can be avoided with a bit of extra attention.
- Street Sweeping: This is one of the most common violations. Always check for signs indicating specific days and times when parking is prohibited for road maintenance.
- Expired Registration: If your vehicle’s registration tags are more than six months out of date, you can be cited even while legally parked.
- Curb Markings: Ensure you are not blocking a driveway or parked in a red zone. Even a small portion of your bumper overlapping a red line can trigger a ticket.
- Disabled Spaces: Never park in a space marked for disabled access unless you have a valid placard or plate clearly displayed. The fines for this violation are significantly higher than standard parking tickets.
Consequences of Ignoring a Citation
Ignoring an LASD parking ticket will not make it go away; in fact, it will make the situation much worse. If a ticket remains unpaid after the initial 21-day period, a late fee is added, often doubling the original fine. If the ticket remains unpaid after a second notice, the penalty increases again.
Eventually, the unpaid citation is reported to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will place a hold on your vehicle registration, meaning you cannot renew your tags until all outstanding parking fines are paid. In extreme cases, a vehicle with multiple unpaid tickets can be immobilized with a “boot” or towed and impounded.
Conclusion
Managing an LA Sheriff parking citation requires prompt action and a clear understanding of the rules. Whether you choose to pay the fine through the online portal or decide to contest the ticket through an administrative review, meeting the 21-day deadline is the most important step you can take. By staying informed about parking regulations at county facilities and paying close attention to local signage, you can navigate Los Angeles County without the stress of unexpected fines. For more helpful guides on navigating local regulations and everyday challenges, explore our other articles designed to provide clear, actionable advice.