Parking and Traffic Ticket Debt Reduction Hearings for Low-Income People

Seattle Municipal Court offers hearings for low-income people who cannot afford to pay their court debt from overdue Seattle ticket fines and fees in collections.

The hearing is an opportunity for you to explain your situation to a Magistrate and ask for fines to be reduced and removed from collections.

Please be aware that due to low staffing levels, we may have to cancel Debt Reduction Hearings on short notice. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Sign Up

You can sign up for a Debt Reduction Hearing by filling out the form below.

Sign Up Online

You can participate in a Debt Reduction Hearing calendar starting the week after you sign up.

Eligibility

Your tickets are eligible for this calendar if:

• Your income is low enough to qualify you for government financial assistance
• You have $300 or more in debt from parking, traffic, or camera tickets filed with Seattle Municipal Court that you can't afford to pay
• Your tickets have not already had a Debt Reduction hearing
• Your tickets are at least 60 days past adjudication (hearing held or defaulted)

For a ticket that was issued less than 30 days ago, please request a hearing by completing the back of the ticket and mailing it to the Court, or by calling the Court at (206) 684-5600. 

At your hearing, the Magistrate may ask if you:

• Receive or qualify for government financial assistance
• Are unhoused/live in your vehicle
• Need to reduce your ticket debt to renew your vehicle registration (tabs)

At this time, Debt Reduction Hearings are not intended for customers who currently have a booted or impounded vehicle. Please call customer service at (206) 684-5600 to learn about options if your vehicle is booted or impounded.

How to Attend a Hearing

Debt reduction hearings are held by phone every Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. PST. Hearings are on a first-come, first-served basis. 

1. Call the number provided during registration between 10:45-11:15 a.m. If the line is busy, please hang up and call back.
2. A staff member will ask for your name to make sure you are registered.
3. A Magistrate will call you back within an hour. Please be available for at least one hour after you call for your hearing.
4. Explain why you are asking the Magistrate to reduce your debt. You may want to explain your employment situation, housing status, vehicle registration status, or other factors that are preventing you from paying fines.

The Magistrate will make a decision on your case and explain the next steps. They may decide to reduce your debt and remove your tickets from collections. They may ask if you want to set up a monthly payment plan for any remaining debt.

During the week after your hearing, a staff member will contact you to help with any next steps.

Language Interpretation and Accessibility

The court provides free interpreter services and disability accommodations. Please note your request for interpretation and/or accommodations when you sign up for a hearing. 

Contact

Call (206) 684-5600 and press 0 to speak to a representative if you have questions.