Last Updated on July 19, 2017 by Lawrence Berezin
3 Common NYC parking ticket mistakes
There is no wonder why we make mistakes when it comes to parking in New York City. There are an extraordinary number of rules and laws regulating parking spaces. What do you think the life expectancy is for an empty NYC parking space?
With that said, here are some costly mistakes that we need to avoid.
1. My car was towed and there was no sign warning of a tow-away zone
I can’t tell you how many calls and comments I receive complaining that a car was towed, but there was no sign warning that a parking space was located in a tow-away zone.
The NY State Legislature passed a law making all NYC a tow away zone, no notice or warning required (1956). This means if you get a parking ticket, the parking ticket warrior can call for Captain Hook at his whim or caprice. Here’s a link to the Evil Empire’s (Department of Finance) website informing you how to redeem a car that was towed.
2. How long is an NYC bus stop zone?
This is the best-kept parking secret in New York City. The Evil Empire refuses to explain how to determine the length of an NYC bus stop. Here are some myths:
- About 25 feet
- The length of the yellow curb
- As long as I think it has to be for a bus to fit
I’ve listened to all these myths and much more…They’re wrong.
The length of a bus stop is not measured in feet, and it varies from city block to city block. An NYC bus stop starts at the bus stop sign and extends in the direction(s) of the arrow(s) at the bottom of the sign until; 1) the next parking sign, 2) or if no sign, the end of the block. (By the way, a bus is about 42 feet long).
3. I can drop off a passenger and his groceries in a no standing zone
Nope. You are permitted to stop temporarily, drop off or pick up people (but not their stuff), and leave immediately, in a no standing zone. No waiting for your Aunt Tilly to walk safely into her apartment.
Are you a gluten for punishment?
Here are some more common mistakes we make
Commentary
“…And miles to go before I sleep.” Please, take the time to arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate the mean streets of NYC without getting a parking ticket. If you get one, look for a winning defense. Never pay an NYC parking ticket “No questions asked.”
Park safely.
Can you find the mistake?
I received two tickets within 24 hours for parking too close to a firehydrant. Can I fight the second ticket?
Dear Sara,
Good evening.
The custom you’re referring to is the “3-hour rule.” If you receive a second parking ticket within 3 hours of the first parking ticket for the same violation while occupying the same parking space, a judge will dismiss the second ticket.
The 24-hour rule refers to status violations, unfortunately, not location violations. A location violation is a fire hydrant, bus stop, no standing, etc. that involve the location of your car, not the status of the stickers or equipment.
I would check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements. If you find one or more, the ticket is eligible for a dismissal upon application.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry:
This is a new one for me: I got a ticket for failing to move my car during alternate side parking (my mistake, I completely forgot what side of the street I was on) on W. 90th Street; HOWEVER the fine, which should have been checked off as $65, was mistakenly checked off as $45 (for addresses above 96th Street). I’m wondering if I can fight this ticket as improperly written (does the agent having checked off the wrong box constitute an improperly written ticket?); or pay the $45 and hope they don’t catch their mistake (with a slight break for me).
Your thoughts? Thanks!
Dear Robyn,
Good morning.
No two days or parking tickets are the same in Parking Ticket Land.
Great idea, but…Unfortunately, the fine amount is not a required element entitling you to a dismissal of the evil epistle.
Why not try paying $45 online and see if this is this amount is accepted by the Evil Empire ? You can always add money to put the parking ticket to rest.
Let me know what happens.
Best,
Larry
I was ticketed for parking on a sidewalk. However the ticket got the place of occurrence wrong, twice. The first street written was 4 blocks away. It was crossed out and replaced by another wrong street name. Both wrong addresses exist, but I wasn’t parked there. As far as I can tell
Also, the warriors name is printed in both the print and sign fields. Does it require a signature rather than print?
Is this enough to invalidate the ticket? Any advice? Please help. Thank you.
Dear Oliver,
Good morning.
Great questions.
The place of occurrence is a required element, so if it is misdescribed, omitted, or illegible, you win. The difficulty with place of occurrence defects is presenting the proper proof, properly. If it comes down to you say vs. warrior say…the warrior wins.
Is there any independent proof you can offer (other than “you say” proof)?
Yes, technically (warrior’s signature). However, if there is even a stain in the print/sign fields, a judge will not dismiss the parking ticket.
I trust you’ve checked all the required elements for defects. If none, this may be a tough one to beat.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry