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How do I Request a Parking Fine Reduction?

How do I Request a Parking Fine Reduction?

Use the Parking Fine Reduction Request online form or the mail-in Response to Parking Citation form (see links below) to plead No Contest, waive your right to a trial, and request a fine reduction.  The court must receive the form and supporting documentation within 60 days from the date the citation was issued. If you would like to request that your ticket be dismissed altogether, see ‘How Do I Plead Not Guilty and Request a Hearing?'

 

It is quick and easy to submit your form online! 

Click this link to submit your form online: Parking Fine Reduction Request online form
Or you may download the PDF version of the mail-in Response to Parking Citation form. This form will need to be printed out and mailed or taken in person to be filed with the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

 

In the following scenarios, you may be eligible for a fine reduction:

  • I had paid for parking at the time of the citation: You are sending in proof you paid for your parking at the time of the citation. For example, the receipt fell off the window. Choose response B on the mail-in form OR fill out the online form (see links to forms above).
  •  I was in compliance at the time the citation was issued: You are sending in documentation which shows you were in compliance at the time the citation was issued. For example, you were in possession of updated registration tags, valid permit, etc., but did not have them/it displayed properly at the time of citation. Choose response C on the mail-in form OR fill out the online form (see links to forms above).
  •  I fixed the issue after the citation was issued: You must enclose proof the offense you were cited for has been fixed. For example, my license plate was not properly mounted, or my permit or registration tags had expired, etc. Choose response D on the mail-in form OR fill out the online form (see links to forms above).
 
Please note the following information when using the online forms linked above to request a Parking Fine Reduction: 
  • When submitting these forms, supporting documentation must be required. Your documentation must be submitted in PDF, JPG, or PNG formats. 
  • Your form will be considered filed on the day it is received by the court. 
  • It can take up to 24 hours for the form to be officially received by the court. 
  • Once your request is received, it may take up to three months for processing.  Check the status of your request by using Online Records Search.






You were charged with: 

You submit the required document(s) listed here: 

Reduced Fine 

Improper Display of Meter Receipt 

Valid meter receipt 

 $15 

No Meter Receipt 

Valid meter receipt, OR valid Parking Kitty/Pay-by-Plate transaction (used incorrect license plate) 

 $15 

Failure to Display Current Registration
(0-90 days expired) 

Current registration documentation and photos of each plate displaying valid registration stickers 

 $20 

Failure to Display Current Registration
(91+ days expired) 

Current registration documentation and photos of each plate displaying valid registration stickers 

 $30 

No Front / Rear Plate 

Photos of properly mounted plate(s) 

 $20 

Overtime Meter 

Valid Parking Kitty transaction or Smart Meter receipt with incorrect space # only 

 $15 



Plead no contest with an explanation

Online: You can also plead No Contest by submitting a statement in the form of a written explanation in the comment box of the Parking Fine Reduction Request form.  You will need to attach a picture of the citation. Be sure to submit any necessary documentation within 60 days from the date the citation was issued. *If you need a copy of your pay-by-plate receipt, you can try this page provided by the City of Portland to look up your parking receipt.

By Mail: To plead No Contest with an explanation by mail, complete and submit the Response to Parking Citation Form – and check either response B, C, or D. Include any documents you would like the judge to review with your response form. The court must receive the form and supporting documentation within 60 days from the date the citation was issued. Your explanation is a waiver of your right to a court hearing and consent to any judgment entered. Additionally, you must provide an updated mailing address for notification of judgment or case outcome.

Please note: Due to continued budget cuts, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to process your explanation. You can track the progress of your case by doing an Online Records Search.

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If none of the above responses fit your situation, and/or you feel the ticket should be dismissed, you will need a court date. Please see ‘How do I Plead Not Guilty and Request a Hearing?'

Default Judgments

Please Note: If you do not respond or submit payment in full, the court may issue an order to tow the vehicle, enter a judgment against you, and impose a fine. This fine could be up to the maximum amount allowed by law and sent to collections with additional fees. If you are responding after Default Judgment, see “What Happens If I Fail To Appear?”

Return to Parking Citations home page.