When dealing with the DMV it’s important to be persistent

QI had a similar situation with a Los Angeles parking citation that Tom Hampton had.

My car had never been further south than Santa Barbara and the citation listed a completely wrong color. I tried for months to get them to clear it up, with notices for an ever-increasing fine arriving.

Finally, I sent them the original fine and a letter explaining the situation. About six months later, I received a refund.

— Larry Blair

AGood for you. Persistence paid off. I was surprised that several Bay Area drivers appealed their tickets, were in similar situations as Tom and won.

QI have more words of encouragement for Tom Hampton, who wrote to you about a delinquent parking ticket Los Angeles sent him against a car that had not been near L.A. in years.

I had this exact situation. The citation was against my wife’s Camry, which had never been to L.A. since we bought it in San Jose. I went through the hoops, contesting the citation on the basis that they had described the car as a white Toyota (our Camry was gold).

The first claim is almost always rejected, I was given to understand.

The citation claimed my wife’s car was ticketed on Pico Boulevard. I was in luck as I had a ticket stub showing that I was at a movie.

I also got an affidavit from my wife’s supervisor and the secretary of the math department at San Jose City College, where she was an instructor, stating that she was at work that day.

I also sent pictures of the car with the license plate clearly shown to establish that the car was not white and not the model that was claimed.

This worked. I received a note clearing us and we eventually received our money back. So it can be done if you get your ducks in a row.

I was prepared to do the third step, which is to go before a judge in L.A. to present my case. Fortunately, I did not have to do that.

— Kim Helliwell, Nampa, Idaho

AFortunate indeed. Appeals that are denied can add a 200% increase in a ticket.

QThe California Vehicle Code lists a three-step process initial review (within 21 days of the violation), an administrative review (another 21 days after the initial review), and finally an appeal (within 30 days of the administrative review.)

If you pay the fine without requesting an initial review within the 21 days, then you forfeit the right for further reviews or appeals.

— Eustice Haney

ASo be prompt, follow the steps listed, provide good documentation, and don’t give up on an appeal.

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