Fight a sudden-medical-emergency parking ticket in Washington, DC
The vehicle's operator suddenly needed immediate medical assistance, which is why the vehicle was parked or stopped in violation of the regulation.
the statement
Copy, customize, submit.
To: DC DMV Adjudication Services Re: Notice of Infraction No. [CITATION NUMBER] Plate: [PLATE] ([STATE]) Date/Time: [DATE], [TIME] Location cited: [LOCATION] I am entering an answer of DENY to this Notice of Infraction and respectfully request that it be dismissed. On [DATE], I was operating the vehicle bearing plate [PLATE] when I suddenly needed immediate medical assistance: [DESCRIBE THE EMERGENCY]. This sudden medical emergency is why the vehicle was parked or stopped at [LOCATION] in violation of the cited regulation. I received medical attention from [HOSPITAL / EMS PROVIDER] at approximately [TIME]. Under D.C. Official Code § 50-2303.05(a)(2)(G), it is a recognized statutory ground for denying a Notice of Infraction that the operator suddenly needed immediate medical assistance. I ask that this violation be dismissed on that basis. Attached: [medical records, an ambulance/EMS report, or a hospital admission record showing the date and approximate time of the emergency, and any documentation corroborating that the emergency occurred at or near the ticketed location and time]. Respectfully, [YOUR NAME] [ADDRESS] [PHONE] [EMAIL]
This template is for informational use only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Square-bracketed placeholders must be replaced with your specific facts. Rules and deadlines can change; if your situation is urgent, complicated, or high-stakes, email info@imfrustrated.org for a free conversation with a volunteer attorney before you send it.
how to submit it
A few things before you send.
- 1Do not pay the ticket. Under D.C. Official Code § 50-2303.05(a)(1), once you pay the fine and/or penalty (in full or in part) you lose the administrative right to contest the ticket.
- 2Identify which of the seven statutory grounds under D.C. Official Code § 50-2303.05(a)(2) applies to your situation, and gather the evidence that supports it (photos, receipts, police report, medical records, registration documents, etc., as applicable).
- 3Choose a response method within the deadline: online through DC DMV's adjudication portal (linked from the DC DMV "Contest Parking and Photo Enforcement Tickets" page), by mail (mark "Admit with Explanation" on the back of the paper ticket and mail it with your evidence to DC DMV Adjudication Services), or in person/virtually at the Adjudication Service Center.
- 4Submit a written statement identifying your ground for contest plus all supporting evidence — DC DMV's hearing examiner considers only the evidence submitted with the request, per the hearing and evidence rules at 18 DCMR §§ 3011–3012.
- 5A hearing examiner reviews the notice of infraction, your answer, and your evidence, and issues a final determination (upholding, reducing, or dismissing the fine) that is mailed to the registered owner, per 18 DCMR § 3013.
- 6If you disagree with the determination, file a notice of appeal with DC DMV's Traffic Adjudication Appeals Board within 30 calendar days of the final determination, per 18 DCMR § 3014.9(a).
- 7If you missed the 60-day response window and a "deemed admission" or default judgment was entered against you, you may still file a Motion to Vacate within 60 calendar days of that determination, showing both excusable neglect (e.g. hospitalization, death in the family, unexpected travel) and a recognized legal defense to the underlying violation.
bring receipts
Attach this evidence.
- ✓Medical records, an ambulance/EMS report, or a hospital admission record showing the date and approximate time of the emergency
- ✓Any documentation corroborating that the emergency occurred at or near the ticketed location and time
what Washington rules say
The rule this rests on.
D.C. Official Code § 50-2303.05(a)(2)(G) — Operator suddenly needed immediate medical assistance
One of DC DMV's seven statutory grounds under § 50-2303.05(a)(2)(G). DC DMV's published guidance is explicit that "proof of medical attention is required" — a bare assertion of a medical emergency, without records, will not support the defense.
if this doesn’t work
Your next move.
If the hearing examiner's final determination upholds the fine, you may file a notice of appeal with DC DMV's Traffic Adjudication Appeals Board within 30 calendar days of the final determination, per 18 DCMR § 3014.9(a). If you missed the original 60-day response window and a "deemed admission" or default judgment was entered against you instead, you may still file a Motion to Vacate within 60 calendar days of that determination, showing both excusable neglect and a recognized legal defense to the underlying violation.
questions people ask
FAQ.
Is a bare statement that I had a medical emergency enough?
No. DC DMV's published guidance is explicit that proof of medical attention is required — medical records, an ambulance/EMS report, or a hospital admission record showing the date and approximate time of the emergency.
What if the medical documentation doesn't mention the exact ticketed location?
Include any documentation you can that corroborates the emergency occurred at or near the ticketed location and time — the closer the records tie to that location and time, the stronger the defense.
Nervous about sending it yourself?
we’ll read it over with you.
Email the situation and a volunteer attorney will respond. No commitment, no invoice, no judgment — just an honest second pair of eyes from someone who actually understands the law.
info@imfrustrated.org