FULLERTON : Panel Members to Hear Ticket Disputes

Motorists can now fight parking tickets at City Hall instead of going to court, under a new arrangement mandated by the state.

Members of the city’s Transportation and Circulation Commission will serve as hearing officers Tuesday afternoons to review all disputed parking citations issued by the Fullerton Police Department, the city announced last week.

The seven commission members were appointed by the City Council and include a lawyer, a former traffic engineer and an officer of the local Automobile Club of Southern California.

One commissioner will serve each Tuesday, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. They will not be paid for their work. They have been trained for the job by the Traffic Bureau of the Police Department, said Lt. Dennis Bryerton.

A motorist wanting to challenge a parking ticket must first request a Traffic Bureau supervisor to review the case. If the supervisor does not dismiss the ticket, the motorist can appeal to the transportation commission.

However, tickets must be paid first. Judicial Data Services, which processes traffic tickets for the city, will set a Tuesday appeal date. Those who win their cases will have their fines refunded.

As a final appeal, people may request a civil hearing in Municipal Court.