Appealing a Citation
Step 1: Review the Regulations First
Most parking citations are issued based on published university regulations. Before submitting an appeal, take a moment to review the location you were parked in, posted signage and
Parking and Transportation Rules and Regulations to confirm whether your situation meets the criteria for appeal.
- Parking on campus only for a few minutes
- Parking on campus to use a restroom
- Activating hazard or emergency flashers
- Dropping off or picking up an item/person
- Lack of awareness of posted signage
- Disagreement or ignorance of UCF Traffic and Parking Regulations
- Not having received citations previously for the same violation
- Observing others parked improperly
- Inability to find a permitted parking space
- Operation of the vehicle by another individual
- Being late to class, work, or an appointment
- Inability to pay the fine
- Unsupported claims of direction from a university official
- No receipt of email or text notification reminders
Submitting an appeal for any reasons above is unlikely to result in dismissal or reduction of the citation
Step 2: Determine If Your Citation May Be Eligible
Certain violations are not eligible for appeal under university regulations regardless of circumstance.
- Securing no virtual or physical permit
- Citations issued by the UCF Police Department (citation numbers beginning with the letter P)
- Violations governed by state law, including:
- Parking in fire lanes
- Parking in accessible spaces without a valid placard or plate
- Expired vehicle registration
- Displaying an incorrect or expired permit
- Parking on lawns, landscaped areas, sidewalks, or any area not designated for parking.
- Moving or removing construction or traffic control equipment (cones, bollards, ropes, chains, or signage) to park
Fees assessed for vehicle immobilization (booting) or tow relocation fees are not appealable.
If your citation falls into one of these categories, submitting an appeal will not change the outcome.
Step 3: Submit Your Appeal Only If You Meet the Criteria
If, after reviewing Steps 1 and 2, you believe your appeal qualifies
- Appeals must be submitted within ten (10) business days from the citation issue date
- Payment is deferred while an appeal is under review
- Paying a citation while under appeal automatically cancels the appeal
- The citation was issued in error
- Your vehicle was in compliance at the time of the citation
- There were documented extenuating circumstances that align with university regulations
Step 4: Prepare Justification and Documentation
Acceptable documentation may include:
- Photos showing the vehicle was legally parked at the time of citation
- Proof of a valid permit or registration active at the time of issuance
- Screenshots or confirmation emails showing correct permit selection
- Temporary permit change records
- Vehicle registration or plate documentation relevant to the citation date
- Accessible Placard and placard registration
- Health Center or CAPS Visit verification
- Hospital discharge papers or similar documentation
- Tow receipt or mechanic invoice
- Be emailed to parkingappeals@ucf.edu
- Clearly support your claim
- Relate directly to the date and time of the citation
- Demonstrate how the citation conflicts with UCF Traffic and Parking Regulations
- Unsupported statements or explanations without evidence is unlikely to result in dismissal or reduction of the citation
- All committee decisions are final and binding. Re-appeals are not permitted. Requests for citation review that are submitted outside of the ten (10) business days from the citation issue date are not permitted.