Who Else Wants Answers to These NYC Parking Ticket Questions?

Last Updated on August 28, 2021 by Lawrence Berezin

Larry answers NYC parking ticket questions from readers

I implore our readers not to ask the butcher, baker, candlestick maker, cop, or warrior questions about NYC parking tickets. The worst question to ask is, “Can I park here safely?” You have a better chance of finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow than getting the correct answer.

He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” – Chinese proverb

One of the best places to find answers to myriad questions that arise in NYC Parking Ticket Land is in the comment section following every blog post. Wonderful people, excellent questions. You’ll be amazed at how many of these questions mimic your own experience.

Here are just a few that may sound familiar to you.

1.  NYC parking ticket Required element question

I got an expired inspection ticket. I was just about to pay it online when I noticed that the “Plate Type” section had been left blank (handwritten ticket, if that matters). Does this mean it’s an easy win? I also read online that you’re 32% more likely to be found guilty if you opt for an online or by mail hearing instead of going in person. Does this apply to a case as black and white as this? Would they really judge this differently if I choose to save myself a trip to the court and fight this online?

Thanks so much for your help!

Larry’s reply:

Good afternoon.
I’ll reply to your questions one at a time.

1. What’s an easy win?
2. Please refer me to the source of your 32% factoid
3. Please refer me to the source of your 32% factoid
4. No

A warrior is required to enter the plate type in the tiny box on the parking ticket. If not, you win subject to application. Always check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements.

We fight all of our passenger parking tickets online. It’s a great way to dispute a parking ticket.

I would make it easy for the judge and submit a copy of the parking ticket with an arrow showing the BLANK space. (Make sure you check your parking ticket online to make sure the space is blank). And a copy of my vehicle registration.

Good luck. Best, Larry

2. 2-Hour boot and tow nightmare

Hi Larry,
My car was lucky enough to be part of the boot & tow program. I think I can get the ticket off because it listed a required element incorrectly. If I get the ticket dismissed on these grounds, will I get the boot and tow refunded?

Thanks for the help!

Larry’s reply:  

Good morning, Issac,

So sorry that you got caught up in the sinister boot and tow farce. I’m thrilled you took the time to find an omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required element, entitling you to a dismissal of the parking ticket.

Yes. You get your tow fees (all) refunded after you beat the parking ticket. Here’s a link to a tow refund applications. http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/finance/downloads/pdf/reflet.pdf

Please, keep us posted. Good luck, Issac. Best, Larry

3. Handwritten NYC parking ticket

I got a handwritten parking ticket, probably for an alternate side parking violation in Brooklyn. The fine amount was missing. I say “probably” for the alternate side because it does not appear any formal offense has been charged, nor is a specific fine demanded. The date was 3/3, and as of today (3/8), the ticket has not appeared online. Is this a fatal error?

Larry’s reply:

Dear Bob,

Good morning. Your excellent questions raise some important stuff to remember.

1. Handwritten tickets take anywhere from two to four weeks to rear their ugly head on the DOF website

2. The amount of a parking fine is not a required element. If it’s missing, it doesn’t help you win a dismissal of the ticket

3. The correct rule must be cited by referring to the proper section of 4-08. If not, you win upon application.

Good luck, Bob. Best, Larry

4. A “detailed” description of the place of occurrence

I received a ticket under location that says “N E 77th St NY,” which doesn’t indicate an address to me, but perhaps it is a code that the city uses? I was wondering if anyone has any tips. Thanks!

Larry’s reply:

Good morning.
Would you like to purchase the secret NYC decoder ring? (you have to supply the batteries).

Great question.
There are three proper ways to describe a place of occurrence:
1. Front
2. Opposite
3. Detailed

The third way is confusing. The correct form would be N/S E77th Street, 10 feet west of Third Avenue. The decoder ring would show:
1. Northside of east 77th Street, 10 feet west of Third Avenue.

All of these elements must be present, or the place of occurrence is misdescribed. Since a place of occurrence is a required element, a misdescribed place of occurrence entitles you to dismissal upon application. Yea!

Nice catch, Peter.
Best,
Larry

Commentary

If you have a question about an NYC parking ticket, the rule of law, the first place to look for information is in the comments to blog posts. Most likely, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Your question was probably asked and answered.

Good luck.

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