Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I send my parking citation in for an Administrative Review?

The Traffic Services Coordinator, who is a lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Department, will review your statement and will obtain a statement from the officer who wrote the citation, if necessary.  In making a decision, both statements are considered, as is proof submitted by either party, such as photographs.  The lieutenant assigned to conduct these reviews is well versed in both traffic and the Vehicle Code.

Why was I issued a citation for handicap parking when I have a valid handicap placard?

The requirements for disabled parking zones as specified in the Vehicle Code are very stringent.  The placard must be displayed on the rear view mirror.  There are no exceptions for parking in a disabled zone without a valid placard.  Parking in crosshatched areas adjacent to disabled zones is strictly prohibited even if you have a placard.

I had a sign advertising my car for sale and received a citation.  Why?

San Diego County Code 72.123 prohibits signs larger than 8 ½” x 11”.  Signs must be placed only in side windows and not in the front or back.  If your vehicle is parked on private property, you must have written consent from the owner of the property to leave your vehicle parked for sale.

No one told me I could not park my car out on the street for long periods.

San Diego County Code 72.122 prohibits parking a vehicle in excess of 72 hours on the street.  The purpose behind this section is to insure public streets do not become storage lots for vehicles.  Your car must be moved every 72 hours.

I am a County employee and I received a parking citation while parked in two-hour public parking at the County Administrative Center.

There is limited public parking at the County Administration Center (CAC).  To insure persons with business at the CAC have available parking, the maximum parking time is restricted to two hours.  If you are a County employee with a valid parking sticker, you are required to park in employee parking.

I did not realize I parked in a bus zone.  The curb was not red.

Vehicle Code Section 22500(i) specifies a bus zone is identified by a red curb OR a posted sign.

I am trying to get my car registered, but in the meantime, I received a citation for not having current tabs.  What can I do to keep from getting more citations?

After explaining your situation, you can ask the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue you a Temporary Operating Permit. (SEE PROOF OF CORRECTION)

I received parking citations which states proof of correction is required.  What does that mean?

You must have your parking citation signed on the reverse side indicating the violation was corrected.  Any police officer, deputy sheriff or California Highway Patrol officer can sign it.  In Sheriff’s jurisdiction, you can go to any of the Sheriff’s Stations, substations or offices.  In compliance with Government Code Section 26746.1, there is a $15 fee for this service.   Once a signature has been obtained reflecting proof of correction was made, the penalty shall be reduced to ten dollars ($10).  The citation along with a check for ten dollars should be mailed to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department-Traffic Division, P.O. Box 939062, San Diego, Ca  92193-9062. 

For questions not covered above, you may telephone 858-974-2099 or e-mail Lt. Mike Cea at michael.cea@sdsheriff.org.