Parking and Traffic Ticket Debt Reduction Hearings for Low-Income People
Seattle Municipal Court offers hearings for low-income people who cannot afford to pay their court debt from overdue Seattle infraction ticket fines and fees in collections.
The hearing is an opportunity for you to explain your situation to a Magistrate and ask for fines to be reduced and removed from collections.
Sign Up
You can sign up for a Debt Reduction Hearing by filling out the form below.
You can participate in a Debt Reduction Hearing calendar starting the week after you sign up.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you are:
- Low income
- Have $300 or more in debt from parking, traffic, or camera tickets filed with Seattle Municipal Court that you can't afford to pay; all tickets must be at least 60 days past adjudication (hearing held or defaulted)
At your hearing, the Magistrate may ask if you:
- Receive or qualify for government financial assistance
- Are unhoused/live in your vehicle
- Need to reduce your ticket debt to renew your vehicle registration (tabs)
At this time, Debt Reduction Hearings are not intended for customers who currently have a booted or impounded vehicle. Please call customer service at (206) 684-5600 to learn about options if your vehicle is booted or impounded.
How to Attend a Hearing
Debt reduction hearings are held by phone every Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. PST. Also on Tuesdays, starting April 16th. Hearings are on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Call the number provided during registration between 10:45-11:15 a.m. If the line is busy, please hang up and call back.
- A staff member will ask for your name to make sure you are registered.
- A Magistrate will call you back within an hour. Please be available for at least one hour after you call for your hearing.
- Explain why you are asking the Magistrate to reduce your debt. You may want to explain your employment situation, housing status, vehicle registration status, or other factors that are preventing you from paying fines.
The Magistrate will make a decision on your case and explain the next steps. They may decide to reduce your debt and remove your tickets from collections. They may ask if you want to set up a monthly payment plan for any remaining debt.
During the week after your hearing, a staff member will contact you to help with any next steps.
Language Interpretation and Accessibility
The court provides free interpreter services and disability accommodations. Please note your request for interpretation and/or accommodations when you sign up for a hearing.
Contact
Call (206) 684-5600 and press 0 to speak to a representative if you have questions.