Invalid Reasons For Appealing Tickets

Some of the most common defenses used in appealing tickets, all of which are normally rejected by the appeals boards:

1. "I admit I was illegally parked, but I was only gone a few minutes."
2. "I knew it was a no-parking zone, but cars park there all the time and never get ticketed.
3. "I was using my personal car for university business." (This defense is often used for parking at loading docks or other restricted areas.)
4. "I didn't know I couldn't park there."
5. "I was ill and had to use the restroom."

How Do I Submit an Appeal?

If you believe your parking ticket was issued in error, you may submit an appeal using the following guidelines:

1. Time limit - You must make your appeal within 12 calendar days of the date the ticket was issued. After 12 days you lose your right to appeal.
2. Required information - include all of the following information with your appeal:
   • Name
   • UT EID* (*AN SSN IS NOT REQUIRED FOR MAKING AN APPEAL.  DO NOT PROVIDE YOUR SSN.)
   • Permanent address
   • Email address
   • Daytime phone number
   • Ticket number
   • A copy of the actual ticket unless you are appealing online or via e-mail
   • Vehicle plate number including state
   • University status (i.e. faculty, student, staff, visitor, etc.)
   • Permit number (for permit holders)
   • Reason for appeal
   • Request for an in-person appeal, if desired

What Happens After You Submit Your Appeal?

All parking ticket appeals are reviewed by the appeals officer. When PTS receives your appeal, the appeals officer will:

1. Read the appeal and review the information on the ticket
2. Review the Parking and Traffic Rules and Regulations that are relevant to the appeal
3. Review other information, such as area maps or digital photographs of signs in the area
4. Make a decision on the appeal

The decision of the appeals officer is based on the type of violation, any previous tickets, area signage, existing parking permit, and your reason for appeal.

What the Appeals Officer Can Decide

The appeals officer makes one of the following decisions after review:

• Reduced means that the amount of the fine is reduced. Payment of the reduced fine is still required.
• Warning means the appeal was granted. The ticket is reduced to a warning and the fine is waived.
• Voided means that the ticket issued was not valid.
• Denied means that your ticket has been upheld. You must pay the fine of the original ticket.

What if I Disagree?

If you do not agree with the decision of the appeals officer, you may make a final appeal to the Appeals Panel made up of faculty, staff, and students.

To appeal at this level, you must:

1. Pay the fine. This becomes bond until the appeals panel makes a decision.
2. Re-submit the appeal to PTS in writing, via email to appeals@www.utexas.edu, or in person at the main PTS offices within 12 calendar days of the appeals officer's decision, including all of the required information.

The Appeals Panel may reduce the fine, excuse the fine or uphold the original decision.

Where To Submit Your Appeal

• E-mail: appeals@www.utexas.edu
• Fax: (512) 232-9405
• Mail:
      PTS Appeals
      P.O. Box 7546
      Austin, TX 78713-7546
      or Campus Mail D3000
• Drop it off at our office:
      Parking and Transportation Services
      Trinity Garage (Parking Garage 7)
      1815 Trinity St.
      Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
      (except on official University holidays)