5 Reasons Why You’re Still Getting NYC Parking Tickets

Last Updated on June 26, 2017 by Lawrence Berezin

How to artfully dodge NYC parking tickets

I disagree with the bromide, “NYC parking tickets are a fact of life if you drive in New York City.” It’s time to cure this old “saw” and take back control of the curb space.

One of our recurring mantra’s is “knowledge is power, ” but sometimes it’s difficult to unearth the knowledge necessary to avoid certain parking conundrums.

Here are some tips that will get you started and save you money.

1.  Know the entire exception to the fire hydrant rule

We know that the no park zone for a fire hydrant is 15 feet in all directions. Many of us know the exception to the rule permits a driver to remain seated behind the wheel with the keys ready to move upon request of a cop or warrior between sunrise and sunset.

But, most people don’t realize the exception to the fire hydrant rule only applies to passenger vehicles. A taxi, commercial vehicle, or RV cannot occupy the No park zone under any circumstances.

I received a call yesterday from a taxi driver client of ours asking whether a warrior can make him move his chariot if he was seated behind the wheel. He was surprised to learn that the exception to the fire hydrant rule only applied to commercial vehicles.

Live, learn and save $115.

2.  Know that you cannot drop off people and their stuff in a No Standing zone

We know that you can stop temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger and leave immediately, in a No standing zone.

But, many of us are a little fuzzy about the difference between No standing and No parking zones.  In a No standing zone you can stop temporarily, drop/pick up and skedaddle people, but not their personal property. While in a No parking zone, you can stop temporariy, drop/pick up, and skedaddle people and their stuff.

Don’t forget that No standing and No parking zones come in many shapes and sizes:

• A bus stop is a No standing zone. So, the No standing zone rule applies to picking up a passenger in a bus stop zone
• A safety zone is a No standing zone.
• A hotel loading area is a No parking zone

For example, if your home lives in a No standing zone, you can’t drop off a person and the groceries in front.

Live, learn and save $115.

3.  Know that failure to receive your vehicle registration renewal is not a defense to a status parking violation

We know that vehicles must display valid registration stickers.

But, many of us don’t realize that you cannot drive or park your vehicle in NYC while you’re waiting for your registration renewal sticker to arrive. It is not a defense to a registration violation that the DMV was late in sending your registration renewal sticker.

Here are some F.A.Q.’s that explain the steps you can take to avoid the cost of an NYC parking ticket (and what to do if the sticker is late to arrive).

Live, learn and save $65.

4.  Know that when you double park a passenger vehicle you risk getting an NYC parking ticket you cannot beat

Conventional wisdom urges you not to double park a passenger vehicle. But, many of us don’t know why or choose to ignore the conventional wisdom.

The majority view published by the Evil Empire and NYC DOT is that a passenger vehicle can never, ever double park.

However, the minority view holds that double parking is a No standing violation and you can stop temporarily to drop/pick people and skedaddle while double parking. The minority view is supported by the Parking Violation Bureau (pages 10 and 14) and me, Larry B.

I urge you to do your best to avoid double parking. But, if you have no choice, please be sure the driver does not leave the vehicle (even for a NY minute).

Live, learn and save $115

5.  A vehicle bearing commercial plates must be permanently altered to park safely in NYC

We know that commercial vehicles are accorded special parking privileges but must be properly altered to avoid a parking ticket.

But many of us don’t realize that:

• A commercial vehicle must display the name and address of the registered owner
• On both sides of the vehicle
• Approximately midway vertically on the doors or side panels
• The lettering must be at least 3 inches high
• Permanently affixed

You’ll find these elements and more in the definition section of the NYC Traffic Rules, 4-08 “Words and Phrases Defined.”

Commentary

NYC parking tickets do not have to be a fact of life if you drive and park in NYC. Take the time to dig a little deeper into the rules. It will keep your hard earned dough where it belongs, in your wallet.