Parking Citation Appeals

COM Campus Police truck in front of building

At College of the Mainland, we believe in a fair and transparent review process. This committee operates entirely separate from the COM Police Department to ensure every case is evaluated with impartiality.

Fair and Transparent Traffic Review

When you submit an appeal, your citation is reviewed by an independent Appeals Committee composed of:

  • Administrative Representative: Ensuring policy consistency.
  • Faculty Representative: Providing academic perspective.
  • Student Government Representative: Representing the student voice.

The 10-Day Rule

ACT FAST: All parking citations must be paid or appealed within 10 business days of the issue date. Appeals submitted after this window will not be reviewed, and the fine will be considered final.

Citation Appeal Process

Ensure your appeal is based on valid grounds. (Refer to the Official Traffic & Parking Regulations for a full list of violations as well as refer to the list below.) Also gather any evidence if your appeal involves a mechanical issue, a permit error, or a signage discrepancy; have photos or documentation ready to upload.

Use our secure portal to file your formal statement. All appeals are reviewed by the Traffic Appeals Committee. Submit an Online Appeal.

After the Appeal is submitted and the reason for the appeal is valid, you will be contacted to attend the monthly appeal review hearing meeting.

If you are unable to attend the scheduled hearing, you must email the Appeals Committee at parkingappeal@com.edu within 24 hours of the scheduled hearing. Failure to do so will result in the appeal being rejected and the applicant being disqualified.

The committee’s decision will be based on a majority vote, and you will be notified of the outcome via email within 24 hours following the hearing date.

Grounds for Appeals

Valid for Appeal (What Can Be Appealed)

The following reasons for an appeal are considered valid for consideration to be reviewed by the Appeals Committee:

  • Incorrect Information: The citation contains a factual error (e.g., wrong plate number or car make).
  • Signage Issues: Missing or obscured parking signs at the time of the incident.
  • Permit Discrepancy: You have a valid permit but it was not properly recognized.
  • Medical Emergency: Documented emergency situations that prevented proper parking.

Invalid for Appeal (What Cannot Be Appealed)

The following reasons for an appeal are considered invalid and will result in automatic denial during the review or by the Appeals Committee:

  • Lack of knowledge of parking laws and policies. 
  • Other vehicles were improperly parked.
  • Only parked illegally for a short period of time.
  • I parked like this before, but was not cited previously.
  • Late to class, late to work, or late to an appointment.
  • Inability to pay the fine.
  • No other place to park.
  • Illegally parked in a fire lane.
  • Illegally parked in a handicap space or handicap access area.
  • Appeal is not submitted within 10 days (school/business days).
  • Insufficient evidence.

Appeal Concerns?

 Contact our office for technical trouble with the appeal form.

409-933-8403
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