How can I contest a parking or traffic citation in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, people cited for parking violations can either pay the fine or request a hearing. The statutes set short timelines for responding to a citation and for when hearings must be held. If you contest a citation in writing, a hearing board must consider the evidence and may dismiss the citation or uphold it and order payment. If the board upholds the citation, there is a limited right to appeal to the District Court, where the local government must prove the violation.
If a vehicle was impounded, the law also gives a right to a prompt written hearing about the validity of the impoundment and describes when the vehicle must be held or released pending that hearing. The board may rely on officer reports instead of having the officer appear in person.
Current Kentucky law
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The deadline that matters
Respond to the notice within seven days by paying the fine or requesting a hearing.
What Kentucky law says
The law generally requires a person who receives notice of a parking violation to respond within seven days by paying the fine or requesting a hearing, and if no response is made a second mailed notice gives another seven days before the owner is deemed to have waived a hearing and to have refused to pay the fine, under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.615. A person cited may contest the determination in writing and request a hearing before a hearing board; that hearing must be held no later than fourteen days from the board's receipt of the request unless an extension is agreed, and the board must notify the owner at least seven days before the hearing, under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.620. At the hearing the board decides whether a violation was committed and may dismiss or uphold the citation; an appeal from the board to the county District Court must be filed within seven days of the board's determination and is tried de novo with the burden on the local government to prove the violation, under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.620. For impounded vehicles, a written request can prompt a hearing to challenge impoundment; the hearing must generally be held within ten business days, with faster timelines if a bond cannot be posted, as described in Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.625 and the related hearing-board definitions in Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 70.155.
What to do
A common first step is to read the citation closely and note the response deadline and hearing request instructions.
A common next step is to prepare and send a written request for a hearing before the hearing board within the statutory deadline.
A common option is to attend the hearing where the board will review evidence and may dismiss or uphold the citation.
If the board upholds the citation, a common next step is to consider filing an appeal to the county District Court within seven days of the board's decision.
If the vehicle was impounded, a common step is to request the impoundment hearing in writing promptly so the hearing is scheduled on the shorter statutory timeline.
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Common questions
How soon will the hearing be scheduled after I request one?
The hearing board must hold the hearing no later than 14 days from receipt of the written request, unless an extension is requested, and must notify the owner at least seven days before the hearing, under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.620.
What happens if I do not respond to the citation?
If you do not respond within seven days, the local government must send a second notice by mail, and if you still do not respond within seven days of that notice you are deemed to have waived the hearing and refused to pay the fine, under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.615.
Can the board decide based on the officer's written report instead of the officer appearing?
Yes, the board may consider the citation and any written report made under oath by the issuing officer in lieu of the officer's personal appearance, under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.620.
If my vehicle was impounded, is there a faster hearing timeline?
Yes, an owner may request a written hearing to challenge impoundment; generally the hearing must be held within ten business days, and if a bond cannot be posted the hearing must be held within 72 hours unless continued, under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 82.625.
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This is legal information, not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
