Los Angeles Department of Transportation 2026: Parking Tickets, Permits, DASH & Service Requests
Los Angeles Department of Transportation searches usually come from a real deadline: a parking citation is due, a residential permit needs proof documents, a meter is not working, a vehicle was booted, a driveway is blocked, a DASH route or LAnow ride is needed, or a traffic signal problem must be reported before it becomes dangerous. This LADOT guide turns the official City pages into one scan-first action page with payment links, phone numbers, service-request routes, permit documents, public service centers, transit options and practical scripts.
Choose the LADOT Task You Actually Need
Los Angeles Department of Transportation Contacts That Matter
| Need | Official detail | Use this when… |
|---|---|---|
| LADOT headquarters | 100 S. Main St., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 213-972-8470 | Department-level contact, general LADOT routing, official address reference. |
| TDD / fax | TDD 213-977-7032; Fax 213-972-8410 | Accessibility or fax routing is required. |
| Parking citation customer care | 866-561-9742 | Pay citation, contest citation, initial review, hearing, citation status, boot/tow citation questions. |
| Citation TTY | 213-623-7046 TTY | TTY support for citation payment route. |
| Parking Permit Division | 213-473-8260 | Preferential, overnight, visitor, guest or oversize parking permit questions. |
| Broken parking meter | 877-215-3958 | Meter accepts neither coins nor credit card, or meter payment hardware fails. |
| Parking enforcement dispatch | 818-374-4823 or 213-485-4184 | Blocked driveway, parking violations, bike lane obstruction by vehicle, urgent traffic officer assistance. |
| Abandoned vehicle | 800-222-6366 | Report abandoned vehicle with location, plate, make and color. |
| Booted vehicle | PayLock 24-hour helpline: 855-288-2642 | Vehicle has been booted for delinquent citations. |
| Temporary no parking signs | Special Traffic Control Division: 213-485-2298 | Requesting or asking about temporary no parking / tow-away signs. |
| Transit customer service | 201 N Los Angeles St. #16; phone uses 213, 310 or 818 area code + 808-2273 | LADOT Transit customer support, walk-in or phone transit help. |
LADOT Quick Facts for Searchers
How to Pay a Los Angeles Parking Citation Through LADOT
LADOT says parking citation payments can be made online, via PayTix, in person, by phone or by mail. Use the citation number exactly as printed.
Start from the official LADOT citation page
Open Pay Your Parking Citation or LADOT Parking Pay a Citation.
Choose online, app, phone, in person or mail
Online and app payment are the fastest. Phone payment is available through the parking citation hotline, and in-person payment is available at Public Service Centers.
Expect card processing fee
LADOT lists a $2.00 processing/convenience fee for web, phone and app citation card transactions.
Save proof immediately
Save confirmation, citation number, license plate, paid amount, date, payment method and any receipt from a Public Service Center.
| Payment route | Official detail | Best use / warning |
|---|---|---|
| Online | LADOT / Parking Violations Bureau online payment route. | Fastest citation payment; start from official LADOT link. |
| PayTix app | LADOT Payment Portal / PayTix app route. | Mobile payment and citation lookup. |
| Phone | 866-561-9742; TTY 213-623-7046; phone staff hours listed 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with automated credit card payment available 24/7. | Pay by phone or ask citation questions. |
| In person | Public Service Centers accept cash, check, money order, cashier’s check, credit or debit card for parking citations. | Use if you need proof, boot/tow follow-up or receipt handling. |
| Check, money order or cashier’s check only. Do not send cash or credit card numbers by mail. | Use citation number on check/money order and allow delivery time. |
How to Contest a Los Angeles Parking Citation
Use the official LADOT Parking contest route if you believe the citation was issued incorrectly. Do not ignore the citation while deciding; deadlines matter.
| Contest step | Official idea | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Review | LADOT Parking describes citation contesting as a tiered process beginning with an Initial Review. | Citation number, plate, photos, permit proof, meter receipt, street sign photos, payment proof. |
| Administrative Hearing | If the Initial Review does not resolve the issue, the next level is an Administrative Hearing route. | Everything from Initial Review plus written argument and supporting documents. |
| Court appeal | California citation appeal processes can proceed beyond the administrative level if requirements are met. | Administrative decision, filing deadline, court fee rules and copies of all evidence. |
LADOT Parking Public Service Centers
Use a Public Service Center when you need in-person citation payment, permit help, boot/tow documentation, or a receipt that must be shown to resolve a vehicle issue.
| Public Service Center | Address | Use this for… |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | 312 W 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Citation payment, parking service help, in-person follow-up. |
| Mid-Wilshire | 3333 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 3337, Los Angeles, CA 90010 | Citation payment and parking support in Mid-Wilshire. |
| Van Nuys | 6309 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 103, Van Nuys, CA 91401 | Valley in-person parking service support. |
| West Los Angeles | 1575 Westwood Blvd., Suite 100B, Los Angeles, CA 90024 | Westside citation and parking support. |
Los Angeles Residential, Visitor, Guest, Overnight and Oversize Parking Permits
LADOT Parking Permits manages permit programs such as Preferential Parking Districts, Overnight Parking Districts and Oversize Vehicle Restricted Areas.
| Permit type | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Preferential Parking District | Posted regulations limit parking by vehicles without permits to reduce non-resident parking impact. | Whether your block is inside a posted PPD and which permit types are available. |
| Overnight Parking District | Posted regulations limit parking without permits between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. | Whether your address is in an OPD and what vehicle documentation is required. |
| Oversize Vehicle Restricted Area | Limits oversize vehicle parking without permits between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.; LADOT describes oversize as over 22 feet in length or over 84 inches in height. | Vehicle size, district eligibility, overnight restrictions and permit rules. |
| Visitor permits | Visitor permits are generally purchased for four-month periods. | Visitor permits may only be available if signs are posted on the resident’s block. |
| Guest permits | One-day guest permits are available for qualified districts. | LADOT FAQ says daily maximum can be 25 one-day guest permits. |
Documents Often Needed for LADOT Parking Permits
| Document | Official examples | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver’s license if it lists your home address in the district, or other accepted photo ID route. | Name and address should match permit application when possible. |
| Proof of residency | Property tax bill or rental/lease agreement in your name. | Use current signed lease or official property document. |
| Auxiliary bill | Cable, landline telephone, internet, home/renters insurance, gas, water or electric. | Use recent bills showing your district address. |
| Vehicle registration | Vehicle must be registered in applicant’s name at an address in the parking district for annual permits. | Fix DMV address issues before applying when possible. |
LADOT Parking Meters, ParkMobile, PARK SMARTER and Broken Meter Rules
LADOT operates more than 35,000 metered parking spaces across Los Angeles and supports mobile payment at designated meters through PARK SMARTER and ParkMobile.
| Meter issue | Official rule / route | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pay by app | LADOT partners with PARK SMARTER and ParkMobile at designated smart meters. | Use the zone/meter information displayed at the meter and verify license plate/session time. |
| Meter accepts no coins | LADOT FAQ says if the meter does not accept coin payments, you must pay with credit card. | Try credit card or approved mobile payment if available. |
| Meter accepts no card | If the meter does not accept credit card, you must pay with coins. | Try coins before assuming free parking. |
| Meter accepts neither coins nor card | LADOT says the meter is officially broken only if it accepts neither coins nor credit cards. | You may park up to the posted time limit, then report the broken meter. |
| Report broken meter | Report online, through 311, or call meter hotline 877-215-3958. | Record meter number, street, block, side of street and issue details. |
Parking Enforcement, Blocked Driveways, Abandoned Vehicles and Bike Lane Issues
Use the right route based on whether the problem is active enforcement, abandoned vehicle, broken meter, or general City maintenance.
| Problem | Official route | What to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked driveway or parking violation | Dispatch center: 818-374-4823; LADOT also lists 213-485-4184 for enforcement dispatch. | License plate, vehicle make/color, exact location, zip code, block and cross street. |
| Vehicle parked or stalled in bike lane | LADOT Parking Enforcement / traffic officer route. | Vehicle plate, location, direction of travel, photo if safe. |
| Abandoned vehicle | 800-222-6366 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; online option also available. | Vehicle location, plate, make and color. |
| Disabled placard abuse | LADOT Parking online services list disabled placard abuse reporting. | Location, plate, description and safe documentation. |
| Broken meter | 877-215-3958 or online report. | Meter number, location, issue and payment attempt details. |
What to Do If Your Vehicle Was Booted or Towed in Los Angeles
LADOT’s FAQ says vehicles with five or more delinquent parking citations may be eligible to be booted or towed. Boot removal requires more than just paying one ticket.
| Situation | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Booted vehicle | Contact PayLock 24-hour helpline at 855-288-2642. | Ask total amount due, proof of registration requirement and release timing. |
| Five or more overdue citations | LADOT says vehicle may be eligible for boot or tow. | Pay or resolve delinquent citations immediately. |
| Boot fee | FAQ lists $150 boot fee, plus all fines and late fees. | Confirm current amount with PayLock/PVB before paying. |
| Vehicle towed | Determine which Official Police Garage has the vehicle. | Use official police garage lookup route and call garage for release details. |
| Paid at DMV | LADOT FAQ says visit Public Service Center with itemized receipt. | Bring receipt and photo ID to a Public Service Center. |
How to Submit LADOT and City Transportation Service Requests
LADOT says all City services are available through MyLA311. Use this for non-emergency service requests and routine street/transportation issues.
Open MyLA311
Use the LADOT Service Requests page or submit directly through MyLA311.
Choose the exact request type
Use the closest category: broken meter, missing/faded signs, faded curb paint, street maintenance, abandoned vehicle, pothole, street light or related City request.
Add exact location
Include street address, block, cross street, side of street, zip code, photo and a short description.
Save the service request number
If you later contact a district office, LADOT asks users to confirm the service request location number from the email confirmation.
Traffic Signal, Sign, Curb Paint and Safety Issue Routing
LADOT separates routine maintenance from urgent safety problems. Use emergency routing only when the problem is creating immediate traffic safety risk.
| Issue | Official route | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Malfunctioning, flashing, damaged, dark or knocked-down traffic signal creating safety issue | Traffic Control Communications Center: 213-485-4184 | “Traffic signal safety issue at [intersection]. Signal is [dark/flashing/damaged].” |
| Missing stop sign or yield sign / malfunctioning signal maintenance | 213-485-4184 or 818-374-4823 | “Missing/damaged sign at [location], creating [hazard].” |
| Missing or damaged signs, faded/missing striping, faded/missing curb paint | Call 311 or submit MyLA311. | Use exact location, street side and photo. |
| Street lights | 311 or 213-473-3231; LADOT notes street lights are different from traffic signals. | “Street light out at [location], pole number if visible.” |
| Storm-related emergency | 213-473-8410 or 800-996-2489 | Report flooding/storm damage location and hazard. |
DASH, Commuter Express, Cityride and LAnow
LADOT Transit operates neighborhood, commuter and assistance programs. Use LADOT Transit for schedules, apps, rider alerts and route-specific support.
| Transit service | Official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| DASH | Frequent neighborhood bus service downtown and in 27 neighborhoods across Los Angeles. | Short local trips and connections to Metro, Metrolink and rail. |
| DASH fare | 50 cents cash, 35 cents TAP, 25 cents seniors/disabled. Access cardholders, Cityride cardholders and students with Metro Reduced Fare TAP ride free. | Budget local transit option. |
| Commuter Express | Limited-stop commuter bus service to Downtown LA and other major centers. | Longer commute trips with fewer stops. |
| Cityride | Transportation assistance program for individuals age 65+ and qualified persons with disabilities residing in the City of LA and select LA County areas. | Reduced-cost Dial-A-Ride, permitted taxi rides and free DASH rides for eligible participants. |
| LAnow | On-demand shared ride service with pick-up/drop-off spots within a few blocks; reserve via app or phone 818-493-6211. | On-demand local mobility in covered areas. |
| Transit customer service | 201 N Los Angeles St. #16; phone assistance 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; walk-ins 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Transit fare, route, program, complaint or customer support. |
LADOT Business Fees, Temporary No Parking and Street Usage Payments
LADOT’s business-fee page says online payments are available for certain fees, but the site does not process the initial request. Start the service process with the appropriate LADOT office before paying.
| Fee / task | Official payment category | Practical warning |
|---|---|---|
| Developer fees | Traffic mitigation fees. | Begin request with proper LADOT office first. |
| Traffic control service fees | Traffic officers, venues, farmers markets, street closures and similar uses. | Do not pay until you know exact fee and reference details. |
| Temporary sign posting fees | Temporary signs only, no traffic control. | For questions, call Special Traffic Control Division at 213-485-2298. |
| Traffic records fees | Reproduction of plans, surveys and work orders. | Use public records/traffic records route before paying. |
| Valet parking operator fees | Valet parking operator fee payment. | Confirm permit/fee status before payment. |
| Other fees | Parking deficiency space fees, meter space labor costs and meter loss recovery. | Pay only after LADOT gives correct category and amount. |
LADOT District Offices and Neighborhood Transportation Routing
LADOT maintains district offices throughout Los Angeles, but the department asks users to submit a service request first and check the email for the service request location number before following up.
| District | Phone / email | Use after… |
|---|---|---|
| Southern District | 310-732-4599; ladot.southerndistrict@lacity.org | Submitting service request and receiving confirmation. |
| Central District | 213-972-4990; ladot.centraldistrict@lacity.org | MyLA311 / myLADOT service request is submitted. |
| Hollywood-Wilshire | 323-957-6843; ladot.hollywooddistrict@lacity.org | You have a service request number or district-specific transportation concern. |
| Western | 310-575-8138; ladot.westerndistrict@lacity.org | Service request has been filed. |
| West Valley | 818-774-4306; ladot.westvalleydistrict@lacity.org | Service request is tied to West Valley area. |
| East Valley | 818-374-4688; ladot.eastvalleydistrict@lacity.org | Service request is tied to East Valley area. |
What to Say When Calling LADOT or LADOT Parking
| Situation | Call / use | Say this |
|---|---|---|
| Parking citation payment | 866-561-9742 | “I need to pay or confirm a parking citation. Citation number is [number], plate is [plate].” |
| Contest citation | LADOT Parking contest page | “I am requesting an Initial Review and attaching evidence for citation [number].” |
| Residential parking permit | 213-473-8260 | “I need to apply for a [PPD/OPD/guest/visitor/oversize] permit for [address/district]. What documents are required?” |
| Blocked driveway | 818-374-4823 or 213-485-4184 | “A vehicle is blocking my driveway at [address]. Plate is [plate], make/color [details].” |
| Broken parking meter | 877-215-3958 | “Meter [number] at [location] accepts neither coins nor card. I attempted [details].” |
| Booted vehicle | 855-288-2642 | “My vehicle was booted. Plate [plate], location [location]. I need total amount and release instructions.” |
| Traffic signal safety issue | 213-485-4184 | “Traffic signal at [intersection] is [dark/flashing/damaged/down] and creating a safety issue.” |
| Temporary no parking signs | 213-485-2298 | “I need information about temporary no parking/tow-away signs for [address/event/date].” |
| DASH / transit help | Area code 213/310/818 + 808-2273 | “I need help with LADOT Transit route/fare/service for [route or program].” |
LADOT Headquarters Map and Visit Checklist
LADOT headquarters is listed at 100 S. Main St., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For parking citation payment or permit help, use the Public Service Centers and LADOT Parking pages rather than assuming headquarters is the right walk-in office.
Los Angeles Department of Transportation Headquarters
Use this map for LADOT headquarters reference. Citation and permit tasks may require LADOT Parking or Public Service Centers instead.
Official LADOT Links Used in This Guide
LADOT Home
Main Los Angeles Department of Transportation page for parking, transit, projects, permits, services and reports.
Open LADOTLADOT Contact
Headquarters, public records, district offices, parking service centers and transit customer service details.
Open Contact PagePay Parking Citation
Online, PayTix, phone, in-person and mail routes for Los Angeles parking citations.
Open Citation PaymentLADOT Parking
Parking citation, permit, enforcement, adjudication, meter and parking service information.
Open LADOT ParkingParking Permits
Preferential, overnight and oversize parking permit programs and online permit routes.
Open PermitsService Requests
MyLA311 route for city service requests online, by phone 3-1-1 or app.
Open Service RequestsOnline Services
Permit, parking enforcement, transit app, maintenance, storm emergency and department service links.
Open Online ServicesLADOT Transit
DASH, Commuter Express, Cityride, LAnow, apps, rider alerts and real-time bus information.
Open Transit ServicesLADOT Fees
Environmental, development, temporary no parking sign, traffic control, traffic records and valet fee payment route.
Open FeesLADOT FAQ
Broken meters, citation payment, permits, boot/tow, enforcement, blocked driveways and service request answers.
Open FAQLos Angeles Department of Transportation FAQs
What is LADOT?
LADOT is the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. It leads transportation planning, project delivery and operations in the City of Los Angeles and manages services such as parking, permits, safety projects, traffic control and LADOT Transit.
What is the LADOT headquarters phone number?
LADOT headquarters phone is 213-972-8470. The headquarters address is 100 S. Main St., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
How do I pay a Los Angeles parking ticket?
Use the official LADOT Pay Your Parking Citation page, LADOT Parking payment portal, PayTix, phone payment at 866-561-9742, in-person Public Service Centers or mail payment route.
What is the parking citation processing fee?
LADOT lists a $2.00 processing or convenience fee for citation payments made through web, phone and app using Visa or MasterCard.
How do I contest a Los Angeles parking citation?
Use the official LADOT Parking contest page and begin with an Initial Review. Submit citation number, plate, photos, sign/meter evidence, permit proof and any payment receipt before the deadline.
What is the LADOT parking permit phone number?
The LADOT Online Services page lists the Parking Permit Division service and information number as 213-473-8260.
What documents do I need for a Los Angeles parking permit?
Permit applicants generally need photo ID and two proofs of residency. Examples include driver’s license, property tax bill, rental/lease agreement and auxiliary bills such as cable, internet, insurance, gas, water or electric.
How do I report a broken parking meter?
Report a broken meter online, through 311, or call the meter hotline at 877-215-3958. LADOT says a meter is officially broken only if it accepts neither coins nor credit cards.
Who do I call for a blocked driveway in Los Angeles?
Call LADOT parking enforcement dispatch at 818-374-4823. LADOT Online Services also lists 213-485-4184 for Parking Enforcement Dispatch Center routing.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
LADOT FAQ lists 800-222-6366 for abandoned vehicle reporting Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with an online option also available.
What do I do if my vehicle is booted?
Contact PayLock’s 24-hour helpline at 855-288-2642. LADOT says vehicles with five or more delinquent citations may be booted or towed, and the FAQ lists a $150 boot fee plus all fines and late fees.
How do I submit a LADOT service request?
Use MyLA311 online, dial 3-1-1, or use the MyLA311 app. Include the exact address, cross street, photo and short description.
What is the number for urgent traffic signal safety issues?
LADOT FAQ lists the Traffic Control Communications Center at 213-485-4184 for malfunctioning, flashing, damaged, dark or knocked-down traffic signals causing safety issues.
What are DASH bus fares?
LADOT lists DASH fares as 50 cents cash, 35 cents with TAP and 25 cents for seniors and disabled riders. Access cardholders, Cityride cardholders and students with Metro Reduced Fare TAP cards ride free.
Best Way to Handle a LADOT Task
The fastest LADOT result comes from choosing the right division first. Parking citations, permits, meters, enforcement, booted vehicles, transit, temporary signs and traffic-signal hazards are handled through different official routes, so use the task-specific link or phone number instead of calling the main headquarters for everything.
Editorial note: This independent guide summarizes official Los Angeles Department of Transportation, LADOT Parking, MyLA311 and LADOT Transit resources for easier public use. Phone numbers, payment fees, permit rules, enforcement procedures, transit fares, office hours, service-center details and online links can change. Confirm final details directly on official ladot.lacity.gov, ladotparking.org, lacity.gov and ladottransit.com pages before paying, contesting, applying, reporting, appealing, traveling or visiting an office.