Last Updated on August 13, 2021 by Lawrence Berezin

Avoid double parking in NYC until the inconsistent enforcement of the rule is remedied

Let’s count our lucky stars for the election of a strong advocate for the parking public. Councilman Greenfield’s voice rang loud and clear at a recent committee meeting against the abusive tactics of some of the parking ticket warriors in firing their scanner at every vehicle in sight.

Meanwhile, Councilman Greenfield, as a member of the powerful Safety Committee, can effectuate much-needed change in the parking ticket system.

How does this effect the double parking rule?

As I have written and ranted in Larry’s Blog, this writer’s opinion is that the correct reading of the double parking rule leads to one conclusion and one conclusion only. Double parking is a no-standing violation.  Therefore, stopping temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger is a valid defense.

All stakeholders have an ongoing controversy about whether a private passenger vehicle can double park under ANY circumstances. Up until now, I recommended fighting a double parking ticket if you were stopped temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger and had the proper proof.

Do NOT double park in NYC unless absolutely necessary

After reading a story in the Yeshiva World reporting on a recent Safety Committee meeting attended by Councilman Greenfield and the NYC Chief of Transportation, James Tuller, I no longer recommend fighting the good fight against a double parking ticket because your chance of success at present is overwhelmingly against you.

The Yeshiva News reports:

Greenfield is currently working on introducing legislation that would curtail the ability of Traffic Enforcement Agents to issue tickets for such things as double-parking in order to drop off and pick up passengers.”

I suggest we temporarily withdraw from the battle until Councilman Greenfield implements new legislation to mandate the enforcement of the double parking rule the way it was written.

“The General” by Dispatch

I love this song. The lyrics are incredibly poignant. Here is one verse:

“but on the eve of a great battle
with the infantry in dream
the old general tossed in his sleep
And wrestled with its meaning
he awoke from the night
to tell what he had seen
and walked slowly out of his tent

He said:
I have seen the others
and I have discovered
that this fight is not worth fighting
I have seen their mothers
and I will no other
to follow me where I’m going”

Commentary

It goes against every fiber in my body to recommend you don’t fight a parking ticket for double parking if you stopped temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger and have the proper proof to prevail. When you’re right-FIGHT is the mantra of New York Parking Ticket, but I was never a big fan of General George Armstrong Custer. I think we have to wait for Councilman Greenfield to work his magic to the right this double parking wrong.  For now, I recommend applying for the fine reduction.