Answers to Parking Ticket Questions that will Save you Money

No. Pursuant to NYC Traffic Law, Section 4-08 (7), it is unlawful for anyone to reserve a parking space. So, when you’re trying to find a parking space in NYC, and you spot a space with some poor guy trying to reserve it for his wife who is circling the block, be firm and friendly; but tell him it’s illegal.

I was issued a summons for parking alongside a fire hydrant. It was evening, snowing, bags of garbage were piled all around the hydrant, and I couldn’t see the hydrant. I never intended to park alongside a fire hydrant. Can you help me fight this parking ticket?

I’m sorry to report the answer is no. We cannot beat this parking ticket. Here’s why. There is a legal principle called, “Mens Rea”. Most crimes must an act to be performed with an appropriate mindset, i.e. a “guilty mind”. For example, the crime of homicide is killing somebody (the act) intentionally (the guilty mind).

A parking violation only requires an act to be performed. A guilty mind is not necessary. Your good intentions do not matter. So, when our customer parked in front of the invisible fire hydrant, her intentions are irrelevant. She is guilty of the violation.

If you choose to contest a parking ticket unless you present a legal defense to your violation you lose. I didn’t say “common sense”. Your sense of fairness is not considered by the court. Don’t waste your time submitting an explanation that is legally inadequate. You will incur your fine and additional penalties. Seek advice from an expert!

You have 30 days to appeal an unfavorable decision. But, you cannot submit any new evidence! Your appeal is based solely upon the evidence you present at your hearing. We can fight your New York City parking ticket on appeal as long as you submit the appropriate evidence. This happens when customers submit the right evidence to win, but with the WRONG explanation. Your defense must be a legally enough to beat the parking ticket.

No. Here’s one for the books and demonstrates why common sense does not apply to fighting NYC parking tickets. You are permitted to double park while discharging your passenger. However, you are not permitted to double park while waiting for your passenger to return to your car. 

I know what you’re thinking. But, I didn’t write these cockamamie rules. My mission is to help you fight your NYC parking tickets and win!