Dispute My Ticket

Ways to Respond 

You can respond to a Notice of Infraction in four ways: 

• Pay the full amount.
• Ask the court about a payment plan.
• Ask for a Mitigation Hearing.
• Ask for a Contested Hearing. 

Pay Your Ticket

To pay in full, visit Pay My Ticket. 
If you cannot pay in full, you may ask for a payment plan. The court may charge a fee. 
To learn more, visit I Can’t Pay My Ticket Right Now. 

Ask for a Hearing 

If you want to dispute your ticket, you must ask for a hearing. 
You must ask within: 

• 30 days if the ticket was issued to you or placed on your car.
• 33 days if the ticket was mailed to you. 

How to Request a Hearing

You can request a hearing in three ways:

1. Online form.

Fill out the Hearing Request Form online. This is the easiest option if you have internet access.

2. Use Your Ticket.

On the back of your ticket: 

• Check the box for the hearing you want.
• Write in your information.
• Bring it to 600 5th Avenue, or mail it to: 

SEATTLE MUNICIPAL COURT
PO BOX 34987
SEATTLE, WA 98124-4987

3. Call the Court

Call (206) 684-5600.

• Monday–Tuesday: 8 AM-5 PM
• Wednesday–Friday: 9 AM-5 PM 

Tell the representative your ticket number and the hearing type you want. 
The court will mail or email you the date and time of your hearing. 

Hearing Types

Mitigation Hearing 

Choose this if you agree you broke the rule but want to explain your situation. 
The decision is final. You cannot appeal. 

Contested Hearing 

Choose this if you believe you did not break the rule. 
You will first get a pre‑hearing settlement conference. 
This is a chance to resolve the issue without a full hearing. 
You may skip this step the pre-hearing and go to a trial instead. To do that, fill out the waiver form sent with your notice. 

If you contest your ticket in writing, you cannot appeal. The decision is final.

Send Your Evidence

If you want the judge to see photos or documents:

• Upload them to the Public Portal, or
• Email them to CourtCalendar.SMC@seattle.gov.

Some of the content on this website has been edited using AI tools to improve readability and plain language. All information has been reviewed and approved for use by a Seattle Municipal Court employee.