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Parking Citation Information

citation payments 

parking violation codes

Sacramento parking codes are generally found under Title 10 and 12 of the Sacramento City Code

The City of Sacramento also has the authority to issue parking citations for violations of the California Vehicle Code 

STATE SURCHARGES

A surcharge totaling $12.50 is added to all parking citations in accordance to the California State Budget Act of 2010. This surcharge is a mandatory collection that goes directly to the State of California. Click here for a summary of this surcharge.  

What Happens After You Receive a Parking Citation?

Any photos taken at the time the citation was issued will be posted online within 24-48 hours afterwards. Exceptions such as hand-written citations, weather conditions or low camera visibility may result in photos not being available for some citations. Absence of a photo does not void a citation. Citations must be paid or contested within 21 calendar days from the date of issuance. 

A notice is sent to the registered owner's address explaining that a ticket has been issued and the date when the parking penalty becomes delinquent. The notice includes a description of the violation, the license plate number and the amount due.

If the citation is paid within 21 calendar days from the issue date of the ticket, no more action is required. The citation does not affect vehicle insurance as it is not a moving violation. If the citation is not paid, and the registered owner of the vehicle does not contest the citation, the citation becomes delinquent, and the fine is doubled after 21 calendar days of receiving the Notice of Parking violation.

If the citation remains unpaid, an additional $15 penalty will apply, and the citation may be turned over to a third-party collection agency and/or be subject to lien with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The lien will be equal to the citation fine and any accrued late fees. This will need to be paid with the vehicle registration fee. These parking fees must be paid to maintain the vehicle's registration. For downtown or midtown Sacramento area residents who need a residential permit to park near their homes, the registered vehicle(s) must be clear of any outstanding parking citations and not have any citations on contest to obtain permits.

CONTESTING CITATIONS