Parking Tickets Questions from the NYC Driving Community

Last Updated on December 7, 2017 by Lawrence Berezin

Excellent questions about NYC parking tickets

I field many questions during the course of a week about NYC parking tickets (my old baseball glove still has some leather left). Here is a brief Q & A that I hope benefits all of us.

Yesterday’s blog post about a parking ticket trap in the Staten Island Ferry Terminal prompted these responses:

Mel asked…“I hope new york city motorists would share all their similar parking experiences so we can make a compilation of these insidious parking “traps” pinpointing their exact locations to prevent future victims. Is that possible, larry?” Posted @ Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 11:24 PM

Larry’s reply…” Mel,  Good morning. 
It’s a super idea. And, I love that you’re thinking about the well-being of our NYC driving community. Very nice, indeed.  Here’s what I’ll do to help: 
1. I’ll set up a Twitter hashtag, #NYCparkingticket traps (DONE…See #NYCparkingtickettraps) 
2. I’ll write a blog post next Tuesday communicating your idea to our readers  
3. I’ll compile a list of all traps presented and make it available to all. 
Kudos, Mel.”

William commented…“I had a similar experience in Flushing Queens. I went into a public parking lot, it was Sunday evening, so there was a lot of spots open (so I thought). Entering the lot indicates only that you must pay the meter machine nothing else. I parked my car, got out, paid, place the ticket in the car and walked passed a DOT car waiting on the side of the lot. I cam back to find a 95 dollar ticket for the same thing. When looking, I finally saw the sign, hidden way above eye level, in the dark, no lighting showing it claiming the same thing. Posted @ Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 10:28 AM 

Commentary

I think Mel’s idea about a shout-out to our NYC driving community is a super duper idea. I’ve created a Twitter hashtag, #NYCparkingtickettraps with the hope that when any of us find a parking ticket trap, we’ll tweet it with the hashtag. I will also keep a public running list of any specific trap info sent to me.

I think it’s clear that we have to be extra vigilant when trying to find a legal parking space in a large parking lot. Beware the “Permit-only” signs.

Binu and Bernie asked an excellent question about how to make sure their “passenger van” complied with NYC parking ticket rules.

Binu asked…” I wish I had known this info a few year ago, could have saved a few dollars. I am getting a used van for recreational purposes, and my question is what are the guidelines for windows on a passenger van. I know that you mentioned one side window is an NYS law but how about rear windows. I am having the dealer put in one side window but don’t know about the rear. It is a 2008 sprinter 3500 the weight of the vehicle is about 9k lbs, thank you. Posted @ Thursday, May 05, 2011 3:37 AM by Binu

Larry’s reply…“Binu,  Good morning. 
I’m glad you found us now. Here is a copy of the exact language from the NY DMV: 
Vans (Part 106.3 (d)). You can register a van in the passenger class if the van has:  
1. at least one side window behind the driver, and 
2. at least one seat or set of seat fittings that is installed behind the driver, or 
3. camping equipment that is installed behind the driver. “Camping equipment” indicates that you have a permanent bed, a permanent stove, or a permanent refrigerator in the vehicle. If this equipment is removed and you use the van, you must register the van as a commercial vehicle. 
The DMV regulations do NOT mention anything about a rear window. You may notice that the second and third proviso are separated by OR, which gives you the choice of complying with EITHER the second proviso OR the third proviso. 
Good luck. Enjoy your new ride, and park safely. 

Commentary

I don’t find any specific rules or regulations promulgated by NYC lawmakers specifically targeting “passenger vans.” I believe the applicable regulations are found in the NY DMV regulations. If you fail to comply by registering a van without any side windows as a “passenger van,” you are NYC parking ticket toast.

I am still receiving questions about:

• The absence of signs warning unwary members of the driving community of a “tow-away” zone [remember: All NYC is a tow-away zone, and has been since 1959. It is what I call one of our “silent enemies.]
• Where does a bus stop end? [answer: At the next parking sign in the direction of the arrow; or if no sign…the end of the block]
  • What if the next parking sign is an ASP sign prohibiting parking on Tues/Thurs, only, with the arrow pointing back to the bus stop. Does this sign permit me to park in the bus stop zone on all other days? [Nope, nada. You can never stop, stand or park in a bus stop zone unless you are stopping temporarily to expeditiously drop-off or pick-up a passenger]

How long is your car permitted to “Idle” before it is eligible for an NYC parking ticket? Why are rogue parking ticket warriors, and rogue gendarmes still issuing parking tickets for parking in front of “legal” curb cuts?…Miles to go before we sleep. Miles to go…