Parking Citation Appeals

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Policy Number:
UW-6117
Old Policy Number:
TS-52
Responsible Office:
Transportation Services

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

This policy defines how a University of Wisconsin–Madison parking citation may be appealed when someone who receives a citation believes they should not have received the citation, or when extenuating circumstances resulted in the issuance of a citation. 

Definitions:
Bond
A security deposit in the amount of the citation which must be submitted with some appeals.
Dismissed citation
A citation that is reduced to a warning after review.
Impounding a vehicle
Holding a vehicle until payment is received.
Second level appeal
An additional review of a citation that was upheld after the first appeal for the appellant to present new or additional evidence.
Upheld citation
A citation that is upheld after administrative review has determined the citation has merit and should be paid.
Valid appeal
An appeal meeting the requirements of this policy.
Voided citation
citation determined to be without merit after administrative review.
Scope:

Faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Policy:
  1. Appeal requirements:
    1. Citation appeals must be submitted online at UW-Madison Transportation Services or by completing the appeal form available at any UW-Madison Transportation Services office or via email at customerservice@fpm.wisc.edu.
    2. A bond payment (in the amount of the citation) must be submitted online
    3. Citation customers with a valid Wiscard/UW Health ID or affiliate ID may submit the appeal without bond payment.
    4. All appeals must be received no later than 10 calendar days after the date the citation was issued to qualify as a valid appeal.
    5. An appeal received after 10 calendar days is late and the citation will be upheld.
  2. An administrative review of a citation will be completed within 30 days of receipt of a valid appeal. If the citation is dismissed, the bond amount will be returned. If the citation is upheld, the bond amount will be forfeited as payment of the citation. UW-Madison Transportation Services staff will communicate the result of an administrative review via mail and email, depending on information provided by the customer during the administrative review request.
  3. Citation customers may submit an appeal for a second level review if their first appeal is upheld after administrative review. Second level appeal paperwork will be sent via USPS with the original appeal decision. A request for a second level review will be accepted if it is received within 10 days of the administrative review decision. All second level appeals must include additional evidence not included in the first appeal. All second level appeals must include the bond payment. 
  4. Restrictions
    1. Citations will be upheld if any of the following reasons are the basis for the appeal: 
      • Couldn’t find a legal parking space.
      • Didn’t know policies or regulations.
      • Didn’t see posted restrictions.
      • Couldn’t find a convenient parking space.
      • Had four-way flashers on.
      • Didn’t have money or change or was unable to process mobile payment/pay-by-phone.
      • Didn’t have enough time to park properly.
      • Just “dropping off” or “standing” for a short time.
      • Will never do it again.
      • Left a note. Notes of any sort are not allowed as a valid basis for an appeal. 
Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Citation appeals located at UW-Madison Transportation Services website

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Assistant Vice Chancellor of UW-Madison Transportation Services
Policy Manager:
Director of Transportation Operations
Contact:
Assistant Director of Parking Services -- David Berland, david.berland@wisc.edu, (608) 263-6667
Effective Date:
03-01-2004
Revised Dates:

03-01-2007, 05-01-2011, 03-01-2012, 12-01-2017, 05-19-2022, 08-02-2023

Retrieved:
06-14-2025 12:48:58