Learn How To Pay San Francisco Parking Citations

Understanding San Francisco Parking Citations and How They Work

A parking citation in San Francisco is a ticket issued by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) when a vehicle violates parking regulations. These violations occur when drivers park in prohibited areas, overstay meter limits, park without proper permits, or violate other posted parking signs and restrictions. Understanding what constitutes a violation is the first step toward managing citations effectively.

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The SFMTA issues approximately 1.5 million parking citations annually across San Francisco. Each citation includes specific information about the violation, including the date, time, location, violation code, and the fine amount. Citations are issued by parking control officers who photograph the vehicle and violation for documentation purposes.

Common reasons for receiving parking citations include:

• Parking in a metered space without paying or after the meter expires
• Parking in a red zone (no parking area)
• Parking in a blue zone without a disabled person placard or permit
• Parking in a commercial loading zone during restricted hours
• Parking in a street cleaning zone on scheduled cleaning days
• Parking without a valid residential permit in a permit-only area
• Exceeding posted time limits in tow-away zones
• Parking in a bus stop or transit zone

When you receive a citation, it will be either placed on your windshield or mailed to your address if the vehicle was towed or if payment information was obtained through the license plate. The citation will display a violation code that corresponds to specific San Francisco traffic codes. These codes help determine the fine amount and your options for contesting the citation.

Practical takeaway: Review your citation carefully to understand which parking regulation was violated. Check the violation code against SFMTA guidelines to understand exactly what parking restriction applied to that location and time. This information becomes important if you decide to contest the citation later.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Your Payment

San Francisco offers multiple convenient payment methods for parking citations, allowing you to choose the option that works best for your situation. The SFMTA has streamlined the payment process to make it accessible through online, phone, mail, and in-person options.

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Online payment through the SFMTA website represents the fastest and most convenient payment method. You can visit the SFMTA's official citation payment portal and enter your citation number, vehicle license plate number, and other identifying information. The online system accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards. Online payment typically processes immediately, and you receive a confirmation number that serves as proof of payment. This method is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Phone payment allows you to pay by calling the SFMTA citation payment line. When you call, you'll provide your citation information and credit or debit card details to a representative. Phone payment is available during business hours, though the exact hours may vary seasonally. This method provides live confirmation of your payment and allows you to ask questions about your citation.

Mail payment remains an option for those who prefer traditional payment methods. You can send a check or money order payable to the "City and County of San Francisco" to the SFMTA citation processing address listed on your citation. Important: include your citation number and license plate number with your payment. Mail payments require additional processing time, typically 7-10 business days after receipt before the citation is marked as paid.

In-person payment is available at SFMTA payment locations throughout San Francisco. The main office is located at 25 Van Ness Avenue, and payment windows accept cash, checks, and card payments. You can also pay at certain satellite locations. In-person payment provides immediate confirmation and allows direct conversation with staff members who can answer questions about your citation.

Payment amounts vary based on the violation type and severity. Minor violations may range from $65 to $100, while more serious violations can reach $250 or more. Late payment penalties apply if you don't pay within the specified timeframe, typically 30 days from the citation date.

Practical takeaway: Choose the payment method that best fits your schedule and preferences. Online payment offers the fastest processing and 24/7 availability. If you're unsure about the payment amount or have questions about your citation, phone or in-person payment may be better options since you can speak with someone directly.

Important Deadlines and What Happens If You Miss Them

Paying your parking citation within the required timeframe is crucial, as missing deadlines results in additional penalties and potential legal consequences. Understanding these timelines helps you avoid escalating costs and complications.

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The initial payment deadline is typically 30 days from the date the citation was issued. This date appears clearly on your citation ticket. If you choose to contest the citation rather than pay, you must submit a written objection within this same 30-day period. This deadline applies whether you received the citation on your windshield or by mail.

If you miss the 30-day deadline without paying or contesting the citation, a penalty is automatically added to your fine. This penalty typically increases the total amount due by 50 percent or more. For example, a $100 citation becomes $150 or more. At this stage, the case may be referred to the San Francisco Parking Violations Bureau for additional processing.

After 90 days without payment or response, the citation may be referred to a collection agency. At this point, the account appears on your credit report and may affect your credit score. Collection agencies add their own fees and costs to the total debt, making the final amount owed substantially higher than the original citation amount.

If the debt remains unpaid for several months, it may be referred to the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder's office for collection. This office can place a lien against your vehicle or other property. Some people attempting to renew vehicle registration discover that unpaid citations block registration renewal until the citation is paid.

Boot and tow procedures may be initiated for vehicles with multiple unpaid citations. If a vehicle accumulates five or more unpaid parking citations within a 12-month period, the SFMTA may place a wheel boot on the vehicle, immobilizing it until the owner contacts SFMTA and arranges payment of all outstanding citations plus boot fees.

Timeline summary:

• Day 1-30: Initial payment or contest period
• Day 31-90: Late payment period with increased penalties
• Day 91+: Potential referral to collection agencies and credit reporting
• Months 3-6: Possible lien placement and registration holds
• After multiple violations: Risk of vehicle impoundment and booting

Practical takeaway: Mark the 30-day deadline from your citation date on your calendar. Even if you're considering contesting the citation, submit your objection before this deadline to preserve your right to appeal. If you cannot pay by the deadline, contact SFMTA to discuss payment plan options rather than ignoring the citation.

Contesting a Citation: The Process and Your Options

If you believe your parking citation was issued in error or that circumstances warrant reconsideration, you have the right to contest it. The San Francisco citation contest process provides a formal mechanism for presenting your case and explaining why you believe the citation should not stand.

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Contesting begins by submitting a written objection to the citation within 30 days of the citation date. Your objection should clearly state the citation number, vehicle information, and the specific reason you believe the citation was improper. Common grounds for objection include:

• The parking sign was obscured or unclear, making the regulation unknowable
• You were parked legally and the citation was issued in error
• The vehicle was parked in a different location than indicated on the citation
• The posted time restriction or meter time had not yet expired
• You had a valid permit that should have exempted you from the violation
• The citation was issued to the wrong vehicle
• Mechanical failure of meters or parking equipment prevented proper payment

You can submit your objection by mail to the address listed on your citation, or