I just received a Notice of Delinquent Parking violation for expired tag in the mail. This is when I became aware of the expired tag citation. The citation was issued on 7/18/11 in Los Angeles when my family and I were visiting Disneyland. The enforcement officer did not leave a citation on my windshield at that time. My vehicle did not have a expired tag and I called the parking department and was told to either pay $10.00 and submit current registration to correct or contest the citation. I was wondering is it even worth my time to contest the citation and if they find it not in my favor then I will have to pay the full amount $25.00. What would you M. do if you were in my situation? I would like to contest the citation because it was wrongfully issued to me and it was a mistake on the enforcement officer. I plan to subit proof of current registration and payment to DMV if I do go ahead and contest it. But I also feel that contesting the citation will not be in my favor. Any adive is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I can contest by writing a letter. The citation stated it was for expired tag and I was told by the person over the phone that the enforcement officer stated that I did not have my sticker on my plate. I am not guilty of this ticket...that's why I want to contest it. My registration was paid before it was due and sticker was immediately placed on the license plate when it arrived in the mail. I can prove that registration was paid before the citation was issued but it would be difficult to prove that the sticker was placed on license plate.
If you contest the citation, can it all be done by mail? If you have all the documentation proving that you were "not guilty", then you should contest it.
I would contest that just on principle. I think a lot of cities are giving out parking tickets, red light tickets (the automated kind) and all kinds of other tickets in the hopes that people won't protest, and will instead just pay it. It's BS. Don't let them get away with it.
I would, but I would rather pay the $10 and be done with it than wait in line for hours at court. How much is your time worth?
My son got a citation for having the wrong tags on his car. Apparently someone got a parking ticket and the cop wrote down the wrong license number, which happened to be my son's license number. The person paid the parking ticket, which was on his car, but when the ticket was entered into the system it was flagged because it was the wrong make and model. So that generated another ticket that was sent to our home.
We called the city, explained that those plates have never not been on my son't car. That he was in school at the time the ticket was written. He went to school out of town. They apologized and took it off his license.
What I think happened was they wrote the ticket up for expired tags but wrote the number down wrong. Someone out there got a freebie.
Oh in my son's case, because of how the system works he got the $25 that the other person paid for the parking ticket refunded to him. So we made money off the mistake. :p
I'm an insurance agent in AZ and if it were me I would just pay the $10 and be done with it. Good luck.
if you get your money back when you contest it - great...if not - just pay it and be done with it. the hassle will be more than the $25!!!
I agree with Shane B. thoughts. If you are guilty, just pay the fine. If you aren't, then contest it. You will win and won't regret not contesting it.
I've received an expired tag citation when I actually did have an expired tag. I renewed my tags and sent in a copy of my registration and they did "excuse" the ticket. I actually had to send in the full amount which was refunded once they received my current registration.
Yes, I'd send in the registration and the $10. They may refund the $10 but if not you've at least saved $15 minus postage. It is highly unlikely that they won't accept your explanation. You will get at least $15 back.
BTW they may have left a citation but it blew off or I've even heard of pranksters removing the citation.
I would contest it. You have proof that your registration was valid. It can't hurt to try. I would!
I would just pay the $10.
I'm confused.
If your tag was NOT expired and you can submit proof of that, why would they not find in your favor if you contest it?
Look at your vehicle registration. It should say right on there what fees you paid and what date.
Now, if you paid your registration in May (for instance) and two months later were still driving around without the new tag on, it sounds logical that you'd get a fine for not having the current sticker as opposed to not having a currently registered vehicle. Those are two different things.
Just my opinion.
I don't understand how an officer could make such a mistake. Either the tag on the vehicle was expired or it wasn't. My police officer can make mistakes but this is one that I can't see happening. If you had the tag on the vehicle and you can prove it then fight it. How would that not fall in your favor? If you can't then pay the fine.
Think of it this way. Is all the time and energy you will spend worth $10? What could you be doing instead of contesting? If it were me, I'd pay the $10 instead of wasting my time. If it were more money, I'd definitely contest it.
I am always the one to fight these things, but sometimes, making copies, sending things certified mail, etc. is not worth it. If you are in the mood for justice of course fight it. sometimes we are just wanting calm...
Can you contest in writing? Or do you have to actually show up? If you have to BE there, I'd pay the $10 and be done with it.
Contest it. You have proof.
This is one way that they get money... these sorts of tickets issuing fines. Most people decide that they're not worth paying and just send in the money. Or they assume that they won't get a judgment in their favor. They get thousands and thousands of dollars a week/month this way.
I got a speeding ticket and the officer put the wrong speed down. I saw what the speed was on my GPS. He then knocked 10 MPH down on the ticket. My daughter was toilet training at the time and had to pee, had to IMMEDIATELY and it was either rush to get to the store we were going to or let her soak herself and her plush car seat. I ended up getting pulled over and she did wet herself anyway. I was totally in the wrong, I knew I was speeding and the officer felt bad for me and told me to contest it. I did and told the prosecutor what the situation was. She knocked my fine down from something like $379 to $116. Because I was honest and she had toilet trained kids before.
Anyway, you have the proof from the time of the ticket that the ticket was given in error. You have the proof that you are current with your registration. They should find in your favor.
What? You're lucky it's just $10! How much time and $ will you spend on this?
An expired tag is an expired tag. Update your tag pay the $10 and move on.
Contest it and you risk far more $ plus the value of your time. No brained for me.
We take pride in keeping our cars up to date with inspections, registrations, insurance and upkeep.
