DC Traffic Law Resources

• Contesting Ticket
• You must only claim one of the following defenses if you deny the violation:
• You were not the owner or lessee of the vehicle on the date that the ticket was issued.
• The vehicle or vehicle tags were stolen on or before the date the ticket was issued.
• The relevant meter was broken through no fault of your own.
• The relevant sign was missing or obscured.
• The stipulated facts on the ticket are inconsistent or do not support the violation.
• The vehicle experienced sudden mechanical failure.
• The driver or passenger of the vehicle required immediate medical attention (proof of medical attention required).
• You should provide evidence to support your defense.
• By Mail:
• Your request must be received within 60 calendar days of the ticket issue date.
• However if you do not contest or pay within 30 calendar days, a penalty equal to the fine will be added.
• Complete the back of the ticket and mark "deny."
• Complete the Mail Adjudication Form*, summarizing your defense. Submit the form and any evidence, such as photographs or receipts, which you think might help your case.
• Send to: DMV Adjudication Services, Attn: Mail Adjudication, PO Box 37135, Washington, DC 20013.
• You will be notified in writing of the hearing examiner's decision within six months.


• DMV Locations


• Mail Adjudication Form


• To Schedule a Hearing for a Minor Moving or Photo Enforcement Violation


• Fine doubles if no reply in 30 days.