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Parking Citations



Car with a parking ticket on windsheild

Parking Citations Office Location and Hours 

Mailing Address:

Multnomah County Circuit Court
Parking Citation Office
P.O. Box 78
Portland, OR 97207

Quick Links:

Today's Parking Trials




​ The court is working to create online options for responding to Parking Citations.  The first of these forms can be found below.  We will add more as they become available.  Please note the following information when using the online forms linked below: 
  • When submitting these forms, supporting documentation may 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. 

 

Parking Fine Reduction Request


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Use the Parking Fine Reduction Request form to plead No Contest, waive your right to a trial, and request a fine reduction.  Your fine will not be reduced to $0.  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 ‘Plead Not Guilty – Request a Hearing’, below.
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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 

 

You can also Plead No Contest, send a statement in the form of a written explanation in the comment box of the Parking Fine Reduction Request form.  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.
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Thank you for understanding that these common situations are not eligible for a fine reduction: 

  • You did not realize you were parking in a zone that required payment 
  • You were only parked unlawfully for a few minutes and did not pay at all 
  • You did not pay for enough time and were late getting back to your car 
  • Citations weren't given to any other cars parked in the same area 

If none of the above responses fit your situation, and/or you feel the fine should be waived in full, you will need a court date. Please see ‘Plead Not Guilty – Request a Hearing’, below.​

Plead Not Guilty – Request a Hearing

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If you do not feel you are guilty of the violation the officer charged you with, you may request a court trial. To request a court trial, you must plead not guilty. A court clerk will set a court hearing, so the judge may hear from both you and the issuing officer. Parking Hearings are currently conducted by video. You can usually appear by video using a computer or smartphone. If you are unable to appear by video on your own, you can come to the Courthouse and appear in person. The court will provide you with equipment to attend your hearing and staff will help you log in. Please note: the judge, officer, and court clerk may still be appearing by video.

If you are unable to appear for a trial, but still want to plead not guilty, you have the option of a Trial by Declaration​. A trial by Declaration is a sworn statement you submit on your behalf. The Court must receive your Declaration at least one week before your hearing​. The judge will read your declaration at the trial in place of live testimony.

To request a hearing, submit the Online Parking Hearing Request Form. Please submit this form within 60 days from the date of your citation. When you submit your request, you must provide an updated USPS mailing address. If possible, please submit an email address as well. The court may use either your mailing address or email address to notify you about your case.

Please Note: you should submit exhibits closer to your trial date. You will receive information on how to file exhibits along with your hearing notice.

**If you do not receive your trial notice within 90 days of requesting the trial, contact the court to check the status of your request.  You can call the Parking Department at 971-274-0590​, or email questions to MUL.Parking.Hearings@ojd.state.or.us . **​

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Motion for Relief from Default Judgment​

If you failed to appear on your parking violation and the court entered a judgment against you, this judgment is considered a “Default Judgment."

Oregon allows you to request that the failure to appear judgment be set aside. The way to do this is  by filing a Motion for Relief from Failure to Appear Judgment.  There are requirements when filing  this motion.

You have one year from the date a case closes to file a Motion for Relief from Failure to Appear Judgment.  A motion filed more than one year after the judgment has been entered, shall not be granted unless a judge finds that good cause for the delay has been shown.

The balance on the case must be paid in full when filing a motion. Payments may be made on-line at www.courts.oregon.gov/multnomah.  A judge may waive this requirement due to hardship, when supporting documentation is provided.  *Please note, even if a judge waives the requirement for the balance on the case to be paid in full in order to file the motion, collection action will continue on any outstanding balance unless a payment agreement is established and the terms of that agreement are being met.

 
Please read before continuing:
 
When filing a Motion for Relief from Failure to Appear Judgment online, the form is divided into 2 parts.  The first portion should be used to explain to the judge why you did not address the citation in a timely manner. This is what the judge will use to decide whether to grant the motion.  'If' the judge does grant the motion, the next portion of the form, is where you explain what you would like the judge to do with this citation (reduce, schedule a hearing, etc.).  Keep in mind the judge may not grant your specific request. 

Click here to file a Motion for Relief from Default Judgment​ electronically. ​

Parking Case Change of Address

When updating your mailing address on a Parking case you will need the citation number, if you do not have the citation number you can find it using the Online Records Search.  Your address will be updated as of the date your Change of Address form is filed with the court. Please note this form will be used to update the provided case record.  It is possible that the address updated on this case MAY affect other cases you have with the court. To ensure accurate records you will need to submit a separate update for each case.

This form is only used to update your mailing address on your court case, it will not update DMV records.  To update your address with DMV go here.​

Click here to file a change of address​ electronically. ​​






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OJD Courts ePay

The quickest way to pay your citation is by using the courts online payment system. When paying online please:

  • Have your citation # ready.
  • Wait at least two business days from the citation issue date before making an online payment.
  • By using OJD Courts ePay to make a payment, you will be entering a plea of no contest. This means you cannot request a trial or ask that your fine be reduced. If you wish to plead not guilty or guilty with an explanation, do not use OJD Courts ePay. For more information on these options see Responding to a Parking Citation below.
  • If your vehicle has been towed or booted (immobilized), you MUST appear in person at the Multnomah County Central Courthouse to pay and obtain a release for the vehicle. Please see Towed/Booted Vehicles below for additional information.

Pay by Mail

When paying by mail, send a check or money order (do not send cash) payable to ‘State of Oregon’, include with your payment the citation or case number as well as the license plate number of the cited vehicle. Mail payment to the mailing address listed at the top of this page.

Pay in Person

You can also pay in person in the Customer Service Area on the Second Floor of the Multnomah County Central Courthouse.​

Other Options

If you wish to plead not guilty or guilty with an explanation see Responding to​ a Parking Citation below for more information on how to pay.

Default Judgment

If you do not make a full payment 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 respond after Default Judgment​, see Failure to Appear or Right to appeal below for more information ​.



Plead no contest with an explanation

To plead no contest w​ith an explanation, complete and submit the Response to Parking Citation Form ​– and check either response B, C or D. You should 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. Explanations written on your payment, citation, or on the envelope will not be accepted. 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.

 

OR

Plead not guilty

If you do not feel you are guilty of the violation you are charged with, you must plead not guilty and request a court hearing, so the judge may hear from both you and the issuing officer.  In most instances Parking hearings are conducted remotely, meaning you would be appearing by video or phone. To request a hearing, complete the Response to Parking Citation Form and check response E. You can submit the form by mail, to the mailing address listed at the top of this page, OR by appearing at the Multnomah County Circuit Court within 60 days from the date your citation was issued. You must provide an updated email and physical mailing address with your request, as the court will notify you of your trial by mail and send further instructions via email​. Once the court has received your request, we will schedule your trial, and mail a trial notice to the address we have on file. This notice will have the date, time, and location of your trial.

**If you do not receive your trial notice within 60 days of requesting the trial, contact the court to check the status of your request. If you are unable to appear for a trial but still want to plead not guilty, you have the option of a Trial by Declaration; this is a sworn statement you present on your behalf.**

 

OR

Response to Parking Citation Form

Use the Response to Parking Citation Form when contesting a citation or resolving a citation by mail. Outlined below are the responses listed on the form for paying in full or contesting a citation.

You want to resolve your ticket and pay the full amount of the fine. Choose response A on the form.

In the following scenarios, you may be eligible for a fine reduction:
  • You are sending in proof that you paid for your parking at the time of the citation. For example, the receipt fell off the window. Choose response B on the form.
  • 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 didn’t have them/it displayed properly at the time of citation. Choose response C on the form.
  • You were cited for an offense that you have since fixed. You must enclose proof. For example, my license plate was not properly mounted, or my permit or registration tags had expired, etc. Choose response D on the form.
Common situations not eligible for fine reductions:
  • You did not realize you were parking in a zone that required payment.
  • You were only parked unlawfully for a few minutes and did not pay at all.
  • You did not pay for enough time and were late getting back to your car.
  • Citations weren’t given to any other cars parked in the same area.

If none of the above responses fit your situation, and/or you feel the fine should be waived in full, you will need a court date. Choose response E on the form.

 

Please note:

Default Judgment

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 Failure to Appear.
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​You can use the Court’s Online Records Search-Smart Search to review your case, however sometimes it can be a little difficult to understand how to read the information or even how to find what you are looking for. Here are some helpful instructions for frequently asked questions. ​

I need my Parking Case Number to make an online Payment or File documents with the court

You can use the Online Records Search-Smart Search  to find your case number with the name of the registered owner of the vehicle.  
If you only have the citation number on your ticket or the vehicle’s license plate number, follow the instructions here​ to find your case number.

Is my Case Closed?

You can use the Online Records Search-Smart Search  to find out if your case is Open or Closed. To review how to read the status of your Parking case and options available to you follow the instructions here.

What is the status of my Mail Plea or Hearing Request?

You can use the Online Records Search-Smart Search  to check on the status of your plea or hearing request, follow the instructions he​re.

Is there an Order to Tow/Immobilize on my Vehicle?

Please keep in mind that an order to Tow/Immobilize a vehicle can b​​e signed by a judge at any time and it may take up to a week to be entered onto your case(s). 
You can use the Online Records Search-Smart Search  to check to see if an Order to Tow has been entered on your vehicle, follow the instructions here.

Has the court received the Documentation that I submitted?

You can use the Online Records Search-Smart Search ​ to check if the court has received any documentation that you have submitted on your case, follow the instructions here.


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​If you received a citation for failure to display current registration (City of Portland, 16.20.120(L)) and want the matter reviewed, you must submit each of the following within 60 days of the citation issue date:

If you do not have each of these items, you may submit a letter of explanation along with any supporting documentation you do have.

You can submit your documents by mail, to the mailing address listed at the top of this page, submit electronically by visiting Responding to a Parking Citation Online and choosing the correct form  ,OR appear in-person at the Multnomah County Central Courthouse. You must provide an updated mailing address for notification of judgment or case outcome. Faxes are not accepted. All documents or requests must be received by the court within 60 days of the citation issue.

For questions regarding your registration, contact your local Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) office or visit their website for vehicle registration information.​​

​If you received notice of a citation for a vehicle that was sold, repossessed, or transferred to another person before the citation issue date and would like the matter reviewed, you MUST submit copy of the notice received and one of the following:

  • Copy of the Bill of Sale MUST:
    • reference the vehicle by license plate or Vehicle Identification Number, AND
    • include the date of sale, AND
    • have both the buyer’s and seller’s signatures;
  • Copy of the Vehicle Certificate of Title MUST:
    • Include both front and back of document, AND
    • include the date of sale, AND
    • have the buyer’s signature;
  • Copy of document from charity that took possession of vehicle MUST:
    • Be on company letterhead; AND
    • Reference the vehicle by license plate or VIN, AND
    • Include the date the vehicle was picked up/received by charity; AND
    • Have the signature of an authorized representative of the company;
  • Letter from insurance company MUST:
    • Be on company letterhead; AND
    • Describe the vehicle, including the license plate or VIN; AND
    • Include date of cancellation; AND
    • Also state that the reason insurance was cancelled was due to the sale/transfer of ownership of the vehicle;
  • Copy of Divorce Decree, ONLY if finalized before citation(s) issued – only pages required are:
    • Caption page of Final Order of Judgment, AND
    • Page that clearly identifies the vehicle, and which party it is awarded to, AND
    • Page that is signed and dated by the Judge prior to the citation issue date;
  • Proof of Repossession MUST:
    • Reference the vehicle by license plate or VIN, AND
    • State the date that it was surrendered, AND
    • Have the signature of an authorized representative of the company that took possession of the vehicle.

All documents MUST include vehicle license plate or VIN, and also state the date the vehicle was sold or transferred.

THE JUDGE WILL ONLY ACCEPT LETTERS WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO REVIEW FOR DISMISSAL

Please review the required documentation noted above carefully. The court will only request documentation once. You can check the status of your case(s) by doing an Online Records Search.

The court must receive all documents within 60 days of the date of the notice. You may fax these documents to the Parking Citation Office at 503-276-0994​. *Note: the court does not respond to faxes*. It is the responsibility of the sender to follow up with the Parking Citation Office; they will need to make sure documents have been received, are clear and complete. Faxed documents should include a current mailing address, so the court can contact you if more information is required.

If you cannot provide the above documents, you can still use the Response to Parking Citation Form to submit your explanation and documents to a judge for a possible reduction of the fine amount or to request a trial.

In 1997 Oregon passed a law which requires the registered owner of a vehicle to notify the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) of the sale or transfer within 10 days. If you have not notified the DMV of the sale of your vehicle, you need to contact the DMV ASAP. Advise them of the sale and ask that they note the vehicle record. The Online Notice of Vehicle Sale/Transfer Form and more information can be found on the Selling, Donating or Gifting a Vehicle page.

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If you were cited for parking in a disabled parking space, and you had a valid state issued Disabled Person Parking Permit at the time of the citation, you MUST submit each of the following:

  • Copy of the citation
  • Copy of paid parking receipt IF parked at a disabled space within a timed zone requiring payment
  • Copy of the disabled placard (FRONT AND BACK) that was valid at the time the citation was issued
  • Copy of the permit holder’s state issued ID (FRONT AND BACK)
  • Signed letter of explanation from the permit holder.
​ disabledparking.JPG 
 

If you are unable to provide the above documents, you can still submit the Response to Parking Citation Form  or electronically submit the Online Response to a Parking Citation along with your explanation and documents to a judge for a possible reduction of the fine amount or to request a trial. The court must receive all documents within 60 days of the date of the notice. Documents can be faxed to the Parking Citation Office at 503-276-0994.

*Note: the court does not respond to faxes*. It is the responsibility of the sender to follow up with the Parking Citation Office; they will need to make sure documents have been received, are clear, and complete. Faxed documents should include a current mailing address, so the court can contact you if more information is required.

Please note: If you did not have a disabled placard that was valid at the time of the citation, but have since obtained one, it is still important to send a copy of the placard (FRONT AND BACK). The judge may consider this when making a decision.


If you were cited for parking in a space reserved for wheelchair users only, and you do not have a state issued wheelchair user permit (this is different than a regular state issued disabled permit or a wounded warrior permit), you can still submit the Response to Parking Citation Form or electronically submit the Online Response to a Parking Citation, along with your explanation and documents to a judge for a possible reduction of the fine amount or to request a trial. These spaces are reserved for people who have these special types of permits. Please see Oregon DMV Disabled Person Parking Permits (Types of Permits) and/or Disabled Parking in Portland for more information.

 

Disabled parking plaquards 
 
Please note: your disabled permit does not allow you to restrict access to a handicap access aisle. However, if you were cited for either parking within or blocking this space, you can still use the Response to Parking Citation Form to submit your explanation and documents to a judge for a possible reduction of the fine amount or to request a trial.
 
More information can be found on the Oregon DMV Disabled Person Parking Permits page.
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​The Portland Bureau of Transportation issues various types of parking permits, including:

  • Zoned Area Parking Permits
  • Truck Loading Zone Permits
  • Carpool Zone Parking Permits
  • Disabled Parking Permits
  • Reserved Zone Parking Permits

If you were cited for not having a permit displayed, but have a permit that would have allowed you to park when the citation was issued, follow the procedures in Responding to a Parking Citation. Be sure to read the citation carefully before writing your explanation. Include copies of any permits involved. If the judge feels the permit is not being used correctly, or that the permit holder is confused, a trial could be ordered.

The court must receive all documents within 60 days of the date of the citation. If you have questions about permits or how to obtain a permit, contact the City of Portland, Bureau of Transportation​.

​If you received a parking citation for a vehicle that was stolen, you MUST submit:
  • Copy of the citation (if available); AND
  • Copy of the police report when you reported the vehicle stolen. You can obtain a copy from the agency you reported the matter to.
    • "Reported date" must be prior to or within 24 hours of citation issue date.
    • Report must include the license plate or vehicle identification number.

THE JUDGE WILL ONLY ACCEPT LETTERS WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION.

You can fax your documents to the Parking Citation Office at 503.276-0994. *Note: the court does not respond to faxes*. It is the responsibility of the sender to follow up with the Parking Citation Office; they will need to make sure documents have been received, are clear, and complete. Faxed documents should include a current mailing address, so the court can contact you if more information is required.

Send the above documents OR see Responding to a Parking Citation for information on requesting a hearing.

The court must receive all documents or requests within 60 days of the date of the notice​. If you are unable to provide the documents listed above, you can still submit the Response to Parking Citation Form or electronically submit the Online Response to a Parking Citation, along with your explanation and documents to a judge for a possible reduction of the fine amount or to request a trial.​

​Failure to Appear

The court may enter a judgment against a person who does not appear on a parking citation, ORS 153.820. An appearance can be made by paying the citation in full, by submitting an explanation or by requesting a hearing. For more information on appearance options see SLR 17.105.

Judgments entered under ORS 153.820 are considered failure to appear judgments. The fine imposed on the judgment is the full amount due. The judgment is owed to the State of Oregon. If the full amount due is not paid, the court may issue an order to tow the vehicle, add additional fees and send the balance to collections.

If a failure to appear judgment has been entered, the only way to have the case reviewed is to file a Motion for Relief from Failure to Appear Judgment. Click here to file a Motion for Relief from Default Judgment​ electronically. ​​

Right to Appeal

If a judge has reviewed your case and the court has entered a judgment on your parking citation, you have the right to appeal. Your appeal would be based on legal errors in the decision, orders and proceedings of the court or the sentence. This is done by filing a Notice of Appeal through the Court of Appeals​. For more information, procedures and forms for filing an appeal see Information on Filing a Notice of Appeal​.​​

​If your vehicle was immobilized (booted) or towed because an order to tow was issued for unpaid parking citations, you MUST do the following to get a release for the vehicle:

 

  • Appear in person at the Multnomah County Central Courthouse; AND
  • Be the registered owner; AND
  • Have a valid government issued photo ID; AND
  • Pay, in full, all outstanding citations with cash, a money order, a cashier’s check or credit/debit card in your name.

 

You cannot pay for a vehicle release over the phone or online. To see if you are a registered owner of a vehicle contact Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services​. After you have completed the above, the court will give you a release for the vehicle. If needed, the court will then direct you to the tow yard where the car is impounded. The tow company will also charge towing and storage fees. For more information on towing or booting vehicles see City of Portland 16.30​.

​I lost my citation and do not know my case number, what can I do?

You can use the Online Records Search to find your case number by using these helpful tips​.

I sent in my payment, but I just received a notice. What does this mean?

It can take several days for your payment to be applied to your case, and the notice may have already gone out. Read the notice carefully verify the citation number on the notice is the same as the citation number you paid, there may have been an additional citation issued. If you are concerned about your payment being received and you paid by check, the quickest way to confirm payment is to look at your checking account to see if the check has cleared.

I received notice for a parking citation that was issued to a vehicle registered to me; however I was not the driver at the time. What can I do?

Under Oregon Law, ORS 811.555 (1)(b), the registered owner is responsible for parking citations issued to a vehicle whether they were the person who parked the vehicle or not. You can Contest your Parking Citation and explain your situation to the judge. See Contesting a Parking Citation above​​.

I paid using Parking Kitty or a Pay by Plate Meter, and was valid at the time I received a citation. Can I find out if there was an issue with the electronic system?

If you received a citation for no meter receipt or overtime parking when you had properly paid through Parking Kitty or a Pay by Plate Meter, you will want to verify that the plate was entered correctly and that the correct zone was used. If so, then you can call the City of Portland helpdesk at 503-278-5410, they will be able to review the transaction records and advise you if there was an error on their part or if you will need to contest the citation through the court.

I cannot afford to pay my citation by the due date, what options do I have?

For debt that has not been referred out for collections you can set up a payment plan with our Customer Service Department ​at 971-274-0560​. The court will work with you to make the plan as manageable as possible.

Where can I learn more about parking in Portland? 

Visit the City of Portland – Bureau of Transporta​tion​ website.​​​

How can I update my mailing address on my Parking Case?


If you have moved and the address on your Parking case is no longer current, it is up to you to update the Court with a current address where you are able to receive letters or notices through the mail.  You can do this by coming into the courthouse and talking to a clerk or by submitting an online Parking Address Update form​. Have your citation number ready when using this form.  Please note this form will be used to update the provided case record.  It is possible that the address provided for this case MAY affect other cases you have with the court.  To ensure accurate records you will need to submit a separate update for each case.

This form is only used to update your mailing address on your court case, it will not update DMV records.  To update your address with DMV, go here.​