Last Updated on November 5, 2022 by Lawrence Berezin
An NYC customer success story about a fire hydrant parking ticket
It was great to see the adjudication process of fighting an NYC fire hydrant parking ticket working perfectly.
Joe parked his car on an NYC street, more than 15 feet from a fire hydrant. However, when he returned to his vehicle, he saw that all too familiar orange envelope under his windshield. His heart started beating faster, and his face turned red.
Meanwhile, Joe read the parking ticket charging a violation of Code 40. The parking ticket warrior’s sworn comment on the front of the parking ticket says Joe parked his car 6 feet from the hydrant. Subsequently, Joe’s reaction was anger, outrage, and a commitment to fight the parking ticket because he is right.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The NYC Parking Rules and Regulations
Code 40 prohibits:
Stopping, standing, or parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Between sunrise and sunset, a passenger vehicle may stand alongside a fire hydrant as long as the operator remains behind the wheel and is ready to move the car if required to do so.”
Chapter 4-08(e). No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any of the following places
(2) Hydrants. Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant, unless otherwise indicated by signs, or parking meters, except that during the period from sunrise to sunset if standing is not otherwise prohibited, the operator of a passenger car may stand the vehicle alongside a fire hydrant provided that the operator remains in the operator’s set ready for immediate operation of the vehicle at all times and starts the motor of the car on hearing the approach of fire apparatus, and provided further, that the operator shall immediately remove the car from alongside the fire hydrant when instructed to do so by any member of the police, fire, or other municipal department acting in his/her official capacity”
You be the judge of an invisible fire hydrant parking ticket case
Real case, honest people. What do you think of the actual judge’s decision?
Click here to read about the trial and decision
Joe’s Action to beat his parking ticket NYC
Joe:
- He always carries a tape measure and camera with him in his car
- He asks a witness to help him in measuring the distance between the fire hydrant and his car
- He takes some dated photos that clearly show Joe parked his car more than 15 feet from the fire hydrant
- Hires New York Parking Ticket LLC to fight his parking ticket
Outcome
- We prepare detailed Affidavits for execution by Joe and his witness
- Send a defense letter, detailed Affidavits, and photographs confirming the facts contained in the Affidavits; along with the signed NYC parking ticket to the address on the back of the parking ticket
- Enter a plea of NOT GUILTY and request a hearing by mail
- Approximately four weeks later, Joe receives a letter from the DOF advising him that the judge dismissed his parking ticket
Photographs
Commentary
You can see the power of a photograph and tape measure. A $3.00 tape measure saved Joe $115. That is to say, when you are right, fight your NYC parking ticket. Likewise, the NYC parking ticket hearing judge did the right thing after reviewing the evidence, which is nice.
How about the NYC parking ticket warrior? She lied about the distance from the fire hydrant and got caught. Shame on you!
In response to a frequently asked question, the fact that a parking ticket warrior fails to accurately state the distance from your car to the fire hydrant is not enough to win a dismissal. You must prove that you parked your vehicle MORE than 15 feet from the fire hydrant.
I went out and purchased a tape measure. How about you?
[I used the fictitious name, Joe. The honest Joe permitted us to tell his success story and publish the photograph].
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Above all, learn how to beat a fire hydrant parking ticket. Click on the pretty button to get Larry’s easy-to-follow guide to winning this costly ticket.
I just received a ticket for bieng 7 feet from hydrant when it clearly shows in photos that I’m more than 7ft(I took pics an it shows 11 1/2 feet..can I still fight it thou the officer who write the ticket is wrong?
Dear Lou,
Good afternoon.
Great question.
I am sorry to report that the fight isn’t about whether or not you were 7 feet from the fire hydrant. The fight is about proving you didn’t park you car within 15 feet of the hydrant. In NYC parking ticket land, a warrior is required to enter a number (any number). It doesn’t matter that the number is wrong.
You may wish to check for mistakes. If a required element is omitted, misdescribed, or omitted, you win upon application.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Thanks Larry
My pleasure, Lou.
Hi. Silly-sounding question: On either side of some hydrants are found two pipe-type posts, a little less than a yard in height and spaced such that each is a little less than four feet away from the hydrant itself. They look like they’re there to block out an open path to the fireplug, but who knows — maybe that idea’s too sensible. Why, exactly, ARE they there (if we can’t park within fifteen feet of the plug, anyway)?
Dear Blake,
Good morning.
I think it’s a great question.
The reason a fire hydrant is fitted with posts on each side is to protect it from errant drivers, or other activities that may damage the fire hydrant.
Best,
Larry
Yeah, I was in NYC for the first time last week. Stayed on residential street in Bed-Stuy. Parked past the little posts. My host didn’t tell me I had to be 15’+ away from the hydrant. Had a little orange love note on my car the next morning. Added $115 to my vacay expense. Stinks. That’s a lesson I paid for the hard way. Unfortunately, most lessons that stick are the hard ones. 🙂
Well said, Tim.
You are now a proud member of the fire hydrant ticket club.
(There were 545,000 new members in FY2018).
We should start a fundraiser on Kickstarter!
I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Regards,
Larry
Hi – I just moved here from another city and was unaware of the 15 ft rule. I parked too close to a hydrant (there was no marker on the pavement for where the “no go” area begins or ends – it is confusing at best). I received a parking ticket @ 11:30 am and then a tow at 12:48. Is this legal? Isn’t this basically double jeopardy? Can I fight this?
Thanks!
Dear Sarah,
Good morning.
A warm welcome to NYC.
I am sorry you were introduced to one of the Evil Empire’s henchman so soon after your arrival.
I feel your pain about fire hydrant violations. The “no park zone” is, as you correctly stated, 15 feet from ALL sides of the pump. NYC doesn’t ascribe to the painted curb notice, as many other cities and towns do.
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/safe-park-nyc-fire-hydrant/
All NYC is a tow away zone, no notice or warnings required. Once you park illegally, you may be towed at any time (until you remove your car from the illegal space). So, yes, I am sorry to report that it was a legal action, consistent with these draconian rules, to tow your vehicle.
You may wish to check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements. If you find one or more, you win subject to presenting the proper proof properly (and your tow charges will be refunded).
Best,
Larry
Larry, I just spoke with a parking enforcement agent who advised me they were told 5′ feet in a residential area now I must say after living in east Flatbush on the same block for over 20 years and having a fire hydrant on my curb cut they parking enforcement will not write a summons for anyone who parks within 7 feet of this hydrant except me and that has been in my driveway. Can you advise how does one get the PD and parking enforcement to enforce the 15′ foot law
Dear TJ,
Wow. What a nightmare.
First, having to deal with a fire hydrant by your home, and second, thoughtless people parking in front of your driveway.
If it were me, I would concentrate on having the driveway blockers towed.
Regards,
Larry
Hi,, i parked in front of my house the fire hydrant is in front of my neighbors house the traffic agent wrote my neighbors address on the ticket making my car in violation, ,, any suggestions
Hi Back, Nila,
Man-o-live, a fire hydrant in front of your house? Torture, absolute torture.
This is really piling on by the Evil Empire. First, they plant a fire hydrant in front of your house, and then they start raising revenue by issuing parking tickets. Yuch!
Send me:
Your address
Some photographs
Our email is larry@newyorkparkingticket.com
I’ll see what I can come up with to assassinate this evil conspiracy.
Best,
Larry
Get a copy of a map from the tax assessor’s office showing your address and your neighbor’s address.
Hi,
I just moved to NYC from Philly. I parked my car about 10 feet from a hydrant this past weekend, went away, and now have 2 $115 tickets – 1 each from Saturday and Sunday. I found the tickets Monday morning.
My question is, do I have to pay both tickets? Wouldn’t the one issued on Saturday be enough? Or can I at least appeal and get it reduced to less than $230. This is really steep for me.
Karl
Dear Karl,
Good evening.
Ouch!
A parking ticket judge will generally dismiss a second location violation if issued within 3 hours of the first location violation (same parking space, same violation). Beyond that time period, it’s going to be tough to get a dismissal for multiple parking tickets.
NYC eliminated fine reductions 3 years ago.
You may wish to check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements. If you find one, you win (upon presenting the proper proof properly).
Sorry.
Best,
Larry
Thanks Larry
I had received a ticket for parking 4 ft. from a hydrant.
I thoroughly check for error from the details of my car, sadly couldn’t find any. When I checked for the place of occurance, the address was wrong instead of 1234 Orange st. it was 1236 Orange st. And on 1236 st. there is another hydrant but on the front side of the address. I was parked on the opposite side of 1234 Orange st.
Is the error of 2 houses apart enough to dismiss the violation?
MJ,
Good afternoon.
Fire hydrant tickets are painful!
2 houses apart is more than enough. The big but is, how are you going to prove the place of occurrence entered by the warrior on your parking ticket was wrong? Any ideas?
Best,
Larry
Thank you Larry for your reply.
What I was planning to do was take a picture of the address 1236 Orange st. and show that the hydrant is in front of 1236 Orange st. and not on the opposite side. Proving that where I was allegedly parked, there are no fire hydrants.
My question now is, do I have to state where I was actually parked, and show a picture of the hydrant?
MJ,
You lost me.
I’m old and easily confused.
Why don’t we try this…What is the summons number of the parking ticket. I’ll take a look at it online. Let’s see if that clears it up for me.
Best,
Larry
Hi
I stay in Chicago Suburbs and went to city for meeting a friend and was unaware of the 15 ft rule. I parked too close to a hydrant (there was no marker on the pavement for where the “no go” area begins or ends).
I thoroughly checked for error from the details of my car, and found that the distance is not mentioned on the ticket. It simply say “Within 15′ of Fire hydrant”.
Can I fight this?
Vikas,
Good evening.
I am sorry to say that we’re not quite ready to share advice for our wonderful friends in Chicago…Need more study time.
In NYC, a parking ticket warrior is required to enter their “estimate” of the distance you parked from the fire hydrant. Not conversant with the Chicago version of the rule…Sorry my friend.
Soon…
Best,
Larry
Larry,
I’m not an activist. Not one for taking up a cause. But I do like to argue against injustice.
What do we as a public need to do to enact laws (local ordinance) such as “Fire Hydrant easways shall be marked by 8′ long 4″ wide Yellow Stripes from the curb toward the center of the street. If the indicated area is a walkway or similiar space and parking is no permitted further out from the curb, said area shall be identified by Yellow Diagonal Stripes of no less than 4″ wide and boxed in by an outline of Yellow of no less than 4″ wide paint”.
This whole “Thousand Dollar Forsyth Hydrant” is totally a means to rape the driver, as are not appropriately marking curbside hydrants. Spend the thousands and spray some paint!
Thank you for listening.
Kevin
Kevin,
I love your comment…In my humble opinion, we are all activists at heart. However, some of us are motivated by a cause that awakens the activist in us. Others are activists in search of a cause. I think you and I are the former.
Your idea was introduced to the City Council. The bill is pending. I fear it will not see the light of day.
Best,
Larry
Hi I parked my car in 10 feet from a fire hydrant to drop off a customer and I got a ticket. for parking in front of it . how can I fight it ?
i am a cab driver by the way. thx
Solohabel,
Good morning.
This is a great question that oftentimes confuses many drivers…
A fire hydrant is a NO STOPPING zone. The general rule is that no vehicles can stop within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. There is a well known exception, which states that a passenger vehicle can stop, stand or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant under certain, enumerated circumstances.
However, this exception does NOT apply to commercial vehicles.
Therefore, a taxi cab can never stop within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, even to drop off or pick up a passenger.
You may want to check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements on the front of the parking ticket. If yes, you win upon application.
If no…please don’t shoot the messenger.
Best,
Larry
according to the taxi and limousine commission a taxi can drop and pick up a passenger at a fire hydrant. its just said in the ticket that i parked 6 feet from the fire hydrant which is false.
Solohabel,
I didn’t know that…Please refer me to the rule that says a taxi can drop off a passenger at a fire hydrant. I want to share it with our community.
If the rule is as you say it is (a taxi can stop temporarily to pick up or discharge a passenger at a fire hydrant) than you can beat this parking ticket.
You’ll need to either fight it in person or by mail, and:
1. Bring with you a copy of the rule that permits you to drop off a passenger at a fire hydrant (great to know, thanks!)
2. Proof that you stopped, dropped, and left immediately. Hopefully you can secure documentation from the dispatcher. If not, I would appear in person and explain to the judge what you were doing
Any mistakes on the front of the parking ticket?
Please let me know how you make out.
Best,
Larry
Hello, I was in fact parked by a hydrant while running into a store and came back out 10 min later to a ticket however the violation was marked double parking which is the same $fine. Could I possibly fight this?
Hi Melissa,
Good afternoon.
Your simple question requires a complicated answer, with a lot of facts I need to elicit from you to give you an intelligent reply. For example, did you park alongside a car parked next to the curb? If not, then you weren’t even double parked…But, you have to be able to prove the facts we allege.
You may wish to check our Larry’s Advice. Here’s a link…https://newyorkparkingticket.com/larrys-advice/
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Thank you for your response Larry. I was actually parked next to the curb next to the hydrant , not double parked at all however I didn’t take any pictures so maybe I’m out of luck
Melissa,
Maybe, maybe not.
I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful within the scope of our blog.
But, fire hydrant violations are really for Larry’s Advice.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Thank you.
Hello Larry,
I’m really enjoying reading to your advice . My family was on vacation in the U.S. I had a hire car. We came to stay with friends in NYC the night before flying out from JFK. They are fairly new to NY and told me I could park on the street around their apartment block. This I duly did and returned to the car to find I had been ticketed for a fire hydrant violation. I was certainly parked within 15ft of the hydrant. The ticket was written at 5:15 am. Does this ticketing in the middle of the night make any material difference? Thank you for your thoughts. Magnus
Hi Magnus,
Good morning.
Thanks for your kind words…I appreciate ’em.
I am sorry to say NYC is the city that never sleeps, and neither do the 24/7 battalion of parking ticket warriors. You’re chariot is still fair game during the middle of the night.
Did you check for any mistakes on the front of the parking ticket? If you find omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements, you win upon application.
Park safely across the pond.
Best,
Larry
Many thanks, will do.
Hello Larry, On February 8, 2014 I had been ticketed for standing at hydrant during the day (3-4pm). I remained seated at driver site for time been there. No police office and traffic agent approached me to issue a ticket. Rather I received via mail a warning for not paying the fine for hydrant parking violation. I paid fine to avoid suspension of my license, however I plaid not guilty and went to court. But judge found me guilty. I appealed the decision but second judge didn’t consider what the law is giving the permission for it. I still believe that I should be ticketed for it. What do you think can I still appeal the first judge’s decision of me finding a guilty? What would you suggest me to defend?
Thanks ahead for your response.
Shah,
Good afternoon.
I am sorry to report that by paying a parking ticket (reason doesn’t matter), you lose the right to fight it.
Were you operating a vehicle with a commercial or OMT plate? The “exception” to the fire hydrant rule applies only to passenger vehicles.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
I was operating a passenger vehicle.
Thank you Larry.
Shah,
I sincerely regret your shoddy treatment by the Evil Empire. The Universe owes you one!
Best,
Larry
I was parked at the fire hydrant in front of my house for a matter of 3 minutes it took me to use the bathroom quick because I was already looking for a parking spot since i had to move it anyway because of alternate side of the street. when i arrived back outside there was another car double parked right next to me not allowing me to leave the spot. Then i returned to my house. when i came back out hoping the car was gone i found a ticket on both of our cars. What was i supposed to do? I feel stupid as i have no photos because i was too aggravated to think straight. Do i have a fighting chance?
Jonathan,
Good afternoon.
I am sorry for your fire hydrant parking ticket pain.
Once a driver exits their chariot without leaving a licensed driver behind the wheel, with the keys, between sunrise and sunset, while parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, they expose themselves to an unbeatable parking ticket, unless:
1. You examine the front of the parking ticket and find an omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required element.
Best,
Larry
thanks for your help anyway
You’re very welcome, Jonathan.
Dear Larry-
I parked around 15 feet within the fire hydrant. Yet, I was still fined. Luckily, a guy had a tape measure and sure enough, it was around 15 feet. I took photographs.
However, was it fair that I got fined but a car didn’t get fined which was in front of me (30 feet away from my car, 15 feet away from the hydrant)?
Thank you!
-Lucinda
Dear Lucinda,
Good morning.
I’m not sure “fair” is the right question. I might ask whether the fact is “helpful” to winning your case.
Were the parked cars without parking tickets…
1. Parked in the space before you arrived?
2. Were they closer to the fire hydrant than your chariot?
3. Parked in the space before your parking ticket was issued?
If your answer is yes to the above questions, I would argue the fact that cars were parked closer to the fire hydrant and were parked before your parking ticket was issued, demonstrates the arbitrary, and inaccurate manner in which your parking ticket was issued.
Life isn’t necessarily “fair.” But, “fair” isn’t a defense to a NYC parking ticket.
Best,
Larry
Dear Larry-
I only know that the car in front of me is actually slightly closer to the hydrant and I was far enough. The car in front was parked there for hours, yet there was still no ticket.
Also, if I were to write a plea, is there like a “correct” format to write it? Or there is no specific way and I can write it however I like it? Also, who should the plea go to?
Lastly, will the judge say if the photo is not clear enough (meaning he can’t see the measuring tape)? (Because to me, it looks very clear.)
Thank you very much!
Lucinda,
There is no “correct” format.
I prepare a defense certification using Word or Pages, exhibits using Keynote that I save as a PDF, and securely attach each document together.
I recommend sending your defense package (consisting of defense certification and exhibits) by certified mail, return receipt requested, to prove delivery… to the address on the back of the parking ticket. I don’t send the parking ticket itself.
The judge will evaluate the evidence you present. If the photograph(s) aren’t clear and persuasively support your story, it’s going to be tough to win a dismissal.
Good luck, Lucinda.
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry,
I parked near the hydrant in NY (close to 15 feet), probably just on a nose. I didn’t have a tape measurement nor cell phone with me at the moment, so I left. However, I found some mismatch on a ticket , but it’s a color of my car. The ticket says its grey, but my car is brown. Do you think it can make a difference and I can get a ticket dismissed? Also, how do I prove my car is brown? Just send a picture or I need something from the dealership?
Thank you for your help.
Julia.
Hi Julia,
Good morning.
It makes me sad to inform you that “color” is not a required element.
Sorry! A color-blind warrior is not a defense to a parking ticket.
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry,
What kind of omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements am i looking to find on the ticket in order to argue it?
thank you!
Hey Diana,
Good afternoon.
If you question is a general type question about required elements, you may wish to check out this blog post. Here’s the link… https://newyorkparkingticket.com/nyc-parking-ticket-required-elements-redux/
On the other hand, if your question is directed at fire hydrant parking tickets, we’ve had great success fighting these tickets because the place of occurrence is misdescribed by a warrior. The place of occurrence is the location of your chariot’s parking space when the ticket is issued. Therefore, the place of occurrence must be within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. A number of times it’s not.
For example, if the place of occurrence is described as in front of 15 Park Place, NYC…There must be a fire hydrant within 15 feet of that address. If not, you win upon application and presenting the proper proof, properly.
I love required elements. When you find an omitted, misdescribed, or illegible one, you struck parking ticket gold.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry,
Thanks for setting up a great place for us average Joes to get some credible information and help from!
Deos parking at 47W 56th street and getting a ticket that states the location as 56W 56th street a big enough gap to bother fighting the ticket? I did not have a tape measure and without it I do not think I have a strong case. Please advise.
Thanks
Richie
Richie,
Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me.
A simple question requires a bit more complicated answer.
Common sense dictates that wrong is wrong, right? But, the key to victory is presenting the proper proof, properly. How do you prove the place of occurrence is misdescribed?
Here’s a suggestion…the wrong address is an even number (56) which means it’s on the opposite side of the street…Oftentimes, the parking rules vary from side to side.
I suggest checking out the addresses on the NYC DOT parking regulation map. Here’s the link…https://newyorkparkingticket.com/resource-links/
Click on the red button.
Click on parking regulations in the menu on the right side…Next, Click on location…insert the street address (either address first) and check out the signage by clicking on the red flags that appear.
If the parking sign the regulates #56 is different than the parking rule you that appears on your parking ticket…You win!
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Hey Larry
That was fast! Thanks for your response.
I checked the parking map and indeed, the sign next to 56W 56th street has no fire hydrant rule, the sign opposite 56W56th street has night regulations and a 3 hour metered parking, which was paid.
How do you best suggest presenting information from the NYC DOTMAP portal as defense?
Thanks, again!
Richie
Richie,
Not bad for a 65-year old parking ticket fighter!
I use live photographs, along with screen grabs of the NYC DOT map, and sometimes Google Maps Street View grabs.
Your goal is to show that the parking space misdescribed by the warrior is regulated by a parking sign that displays the “wrong” rule. In other words, your defense is a misdescribed required element…The parking rule displayed by the parking sign regulating your space was entered incorrectly. The warrior entered ________________________ and the parking rule regulating your space is _______________________.
You don’t have to raise the fact that the warrior got the address wrong. Your key to victory is that the warrior did not enter the rule that regulated the place of occurrence was misdescribed.
Let us know how you do.
Best,
Larry
Richie,
I’m posting this as my 3rd comment.
Let me make sure we’re clear on this.
What was the place of occurrence on your parking ticket, FRONT or OPPOSITE? If your ticket was a fire hydrant violation, there’s a different set of proofs.
1. Check out the place of occurrence entered on your parking ticket
2. That represents your parking space
3. Is there a fire hydrant within 15 feet of your misdescribed parking space?
This isn’t about a sign when it involves a fire hydrant violation. There are no signs posted prohibiting parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. It’s an invisible enemy.
You win if there is no fire hydrant within 15 feet of the parking space where the warrior claims you parked.
If there is a fire hydrant within 15 feet in either direction from your place of occurrence, you lose…Unless you can somehow prove that the place of occurrence (#56) was misdescribed.
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry,
Thanks for the follow-up. I contested with four images that showed:
1) the location I was cited at has metered parking enforcement while the ticket did not cite me for an unpaid parking meter
3) the closest fire hydrant is ~98 feet away in front of a restaurant as measured via Google Maps (between the location of the restaurant and the citation location).
I will update this thread when I hear back from the MAN.
Thanks
Richie
Hi Larry,
Just heard from the man – ticket dismissed! Thanks for all your help!
Richie
Hi Larry,
Well here is one for you, I got a ticket like 11:11 am today, its now 2:56pm. So this morning my girlfriend ask me to do the laundry so while I was walking to the laundry I saw the ticket on my car. It indicated that I am 9 feet from the fire hydrant. So I was so tick off that I bought a 2 bucks tape and using my cell phone I video tape the step I took and guess what? its 15feet. My question is how do I present this evidence that is in my phone. $115 buck is to much for my budget. Could you suggest how to prepare my visit to dmv. (my first opposition to a ticket)
David J.
David,
Good afternoon.
I totally tip my hat to you for purchasing a $2 tape measure to help you establish evidence to fight a $115 parking ticket. Well done! Most people would have cursed, crumpled the ticket, and drove off…
With that said, it’s tough to begin your career as a parking ticket fighter with a fire hydrant as your opponent.
Can you upload your video from your cell phone to your computer? If so, one way is to edit your video on one of the video editing apps. This will allow you to view your video, frame by frame…Pick the the frames that tell your story, either grab ’em or if possible download the frames as images.
If you video is of a very good quality, you could even fight your ticket in person.
The measurement should be from the middle of the fire hydrant to the front bumper of your car…How will you respond to the judge’s challenge that you moved your car before taking the video?
Best,
Larry
Artie,
I’m on vacation. But, I wanted to let you know that plate type is a required element, and must be filled in. NS is not sufficient. I fight online. I recommend it.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Good afternoon,
I received a ticket for parking within 5 feet to the hydrant. I know I was 10 feet away which already makes me guilty. I am aware of that. I did however discover a discrepancy in the ticket. The VIN # is missing and the car year is wrong. They wrote down 2011 but it is a 2015. Also the Permit Displayed says N/S. The Permit Number says N/A as well as Type.
Should I bother fighting it? Or should I just pay it?
Also, the Date/Time 1st Observed section is N/A but the Date/Time of Offense is filled up correctly. 🙁
Dear Xiomara,
Good afternoon.
I totally admire your energy in searching for a winning defense, and taking the time to check out the front of your parking ticket.
It makes me sad to report that none of the bit size bits of information you mention are required elements. And, Date/Time 1st observed isn’t relevant for fire hydrant violations.
You may wish to check out one of the many posts I’ve written about required elements.
Here’s a link…https://newyorkparkingticket.com/nyc-parking-ticket-required-elements-redux/
Thanks for replying so quickly!!! 🙂
I appreciate the help. Better luck next time! I will just pay the ticket! 🙂
Hello Larry,
I was parked 6 ft last Tuesday from a fire hydrant (didn’t know the 15 ft rule; never lived in NYC). The hydrant was in front of a house and there was a parking sign (no Parking 11am to 12:30 pm Mon) a couple feet left from the hydrant. Between the driveway and the hydrant, there was ample room for parking. Section 4-08 of the NYC rule book prohibits parking within 15 ft of the hydrant “unless otherwise indicated by signs, or parking meters…” Could the parking sign help me in fighting the $115 ticket? Or is this a hopeless case?
Thanks,
Yin
Yin,
Good afternoon.
I love it when you dig in and try to formulate a winning strategy, especially when it involves a $115 parking ticket.
The portion of the rule you referred to may hold your get out of jail free card. It’s been our experience that when the parking sign directs a driver to a muni meter to pay for the parking space, a judge will dismiss the parking ticket.
We haven’t had one where it’s a regular, run of the mill, no revenue generated sign, that permits parking “outside the time limits.” So, I can’t give you a definitive answer.
Here’s what I will offer, though…I think you took your valuable time to figure out a way to win. And, I think it’s important for the driving public to know how this portion of the rule is interpreted by the Evil Empire. So…
1. I’m happy to fight your parking ticket free of charge
2. I’ll need a bunch of photographs showing the lay of the land you refer to. Ideally, the series of photographs will contain proof of the street/address that matches the place of occurrence entered on the parking ticket
3. A copy of your vehicle registration (What is the state of registry?)
If you’d like to take me up on my offer, please email me the stuff at:
larry@newyorkparkingticket.com
Let’s see if we can beat this ticket based upon the portion of the rule you aptly cited.
Best,
Larry
Thank you very much for your reply and offer! I really appreciate how you take your time to assist us unfortunate victims. I’ll email you as soon as I assemble the incriminating evidence. Would I need a clear picture of the parking sign (words on there) and street sign?
Much obliged,
Yin
Good morning! I have a wrinkle to a hydrant parking ticket situation. I was ticketed at 1:00 AM and then again at 9:00 AM for the same offense. The first ticket says 4 feet from hydrant; the second says 3 feet. Since it is highly unlikely that I got up after 1:00 AM and moved my car a foot closer to the hydrant, one of the tickets is inaccurate. Since the ticket distances do not match, do you think this would be enough have them both thrown out, or at least get one thrown out? Hope you can get back to me soon, I have to contest them today? Any advice on whether to do it on-line, or in person. Do you think I will have to appear twice, once for each ticket?
Your advice is welcomed and appreciated!
Marc,
Good morning.
Sorry about your dilemma.
judge’s don’t really pay attention to the distance from the pump inserted by the warriors. One foot will be totally ignored.
I’ve used unequal distances from a fire hydrant to impeach a warrior’s credibility if it comes down to he said-she said.
Can you prove you parked more than 15 feet away? Or, did you find any defective required elements?
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Hi, Larry – you seem to be the expert on this, so I am hoping that you can help me with disputing a fire hydrant violation for my mom. Her vehicle was parked at night. The alleged violation states that she was 5 feet away from the hydrant at 10:56PM, but they never left a copy of it on her car. She was unaware that there was an outstanding ticket until the NYC Department of Finance sent her a follow up for payment. Knowing my mother and how cautious she is, she would NEVER park that close to a fire hydrant – (1) because of safety, and (2) because she’s just one of those people who never does anything wrong and would never take a chance to do so. Being that she never received the ticket in the first place, how do I go ahead with disputing it? My argument has been her prior record of 40+ years and having never had a ticket similar to the alleged violation, as well as making mention that she did not receive a copy of it, but that’s really it. Is that a leg to stand on? The other thing I was thinking about was having her park where she did that day to illustrate that that was where her car would have been parked (there is only one car spot in front of the meter with a driveway right in front of that spot and one behind it with a driveway directly behind it, and she’s always been one to park at the far end, up to that driveway on either side.) Please let me know your thoughts…thanks so much!!
Dear Lori,
Good afternoon.
I admire your passion for helping your Mom.
Good for you.
I’m sad to say that your proposed defenses will not work against the
Evil Empire. Past behavior, good or bad, doesn’t count in Parking Ticket Land.
Nor, does your Mom’s character trait for respecting safety and never doing
anything wrong.
Don’t get hung up on the 5 feet away part. Warriors can pick any number because
it’s not a required element.
I beat fire hydrant tickets when I find the place of occurrence is actually located
more than 15 from the fire hydrant. If the place of occurrence is within the 15
feet no-fly zone and there are no other omitted, misdescribed, or illegible
required elements, there’s really not much you can do to win.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Thank you for your prompt and helpful response! I didn’t think it was a leg to stand on, honestly. It’s frustrating that some traffic agent issued a ticket at night when no one is out with some arbitrary number that’s in his/her favor to basically create a non-existing violation. And, what’s even more frustrating is that a copy of the alleged violation wasn’t even left on the car, making it more difficult to defend. Like we need to prove that we are not guilty on these violations, they should have to prove that their alleged violation is valid with photos and evidence to prove that’s the case.
Thanks again for your help!!!
Hello! Just got the dreaded orange envelope for parking 9 feet from a hydrant. There seems to be a warrior on the prowl near that area. The “Place of Occurrence” on the ticket says front of 132-45 41st road which is right where the hydrant is. However, I took pictures of the distance between the hydrant and my car and my car is parked in front of 132-49. This is an adjacent building that should be more than 15 feet away from the hydrant. Is this considered a “misdescribed”element? Or would I have to go the measuring tape route? I didn’t have one in the car so I’ll be going back with the $3 investment to take more pictures. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Jan,
Good morning.
Sorry about your fire hydrant pain.
When you take out ye ‘ole tape measure,
there are judge’s who’ll say you moved
the car before taking the measurement.
How do you intend to beat back that
push back?
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Larry
Hi, Larry.
I just got a parking ticket in the mail – too late to take a picture proving that I wasn’t too close to the hydrant. No one ever left me an envelope, either. I always park in this particular spot, and never get ticketed. I just don’t have proof.
Thanks,
Joe
Joe,
What a shame!
Did you check the place of occurrence entered on the parking ticket to see whether that location is within 15 feet of a fire hydrant?
In other words, sometimes warriors screw up describe a place of occurrence that isn’t within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Let me know what you discover.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hi,
I recently received a parking violation for parking too close to the hydrant. The ticket states that my car was was parked 5ft from the fire hydrant. I know its 15ft by law, but on the ticket under “in violation of NYC traffic rules, section 4-08(e)(2)”, it says 8 feet from hydrant.
The strange thing is, I always park my car there (maybe 7/10 times) because I work at the building right across the street from the hydrant and I’ve never received a ticket.
I took photos to show the distance between my car and the hydrant in several different angles that day but didn’t have a measuring tape so I couldn’t measure the distance.
Is it necessary to go back and measure the distance to prove that my car was parked correctly? Or would just the photo be ok?
Thanks,
Sally
Dear Sally,
Good afternoon.
It is our burden of proof (and burden) to demonstrate that we parked more than 15 feet from a fire hydrant. I’ve done it with tape measures and occasionally adding up the frontage of buildings between the place of occurrence and the fire hydrant. I’m not sure how you can prove 15 feet using photographs from different angles?
Please explain.
Regards,
Larry
Dear Larry,
Thanks for the helpful articles on fighting parking tickets. I am from MA, and received a parking ticket yesterday for parking 4 ft from a hydrant (I was parked >5ft, and didn’t know the 15ft rule).
The parking ticket describes my car’s Body Type as 4DSD whereas it is an Audi Q5 SUV. Is that sufficient to get the ticket dismissed?
Thanks.
To clarify, I am from MA, but got the parking ticket in NYC.
SJ,
Hahaha…I don’t know anything about MA parking tickets. So, I’m glad your ticket is from NYC. NYC cherry picks the rules they apply when it comes to required elements for out-of-state vehicles. Body type has to be reasonably accurate rather than an exact match. I always argue that 4DSD is not a reasonably accurate description of an SUV (referred to in Parking Ticket Land as a Suburban).
I would submit one of several photographs showing the rear door open, to emphasize that difference. You may wish to include a copy of your vehicle registration.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
While you say you win and you can be smug, you really lose. That’s because eventually you will block a fire hydrant knowing you have a success under your belt. You may even block a pre-c0nnect. So the rig shows up to hook up to your apartment and you have blocked it. If you parked close enough, they may not even be able to hook up a pre-connect. So that means the interior attack may not happen as they do not do an interior attack with anything less than a 2″ line and they will not put that much hose up 4 flights of stairs while hooked up to the rig. So see what you have done so far? Now if you are blocking the hydrant, most of the time we break out your windows and pass the hose through. But if you are parked so close we can’t do that, we are not above pushing your piece of junk out of the way with a rig like a ladder truck. Usually that messes up your transmission interlock at your own expense, if you even get the car back after we have towed in and charged you in criminal court. So let me educate you about the water supply and the fire units. The big ladder trucks carry zero water. The smaller ladder trucks carry just 1000 gallons and the engine rig and many of the quints carry 500. Considering the pump put out up to 1500 GPM, that’s not much water for a big fire. So the need to get your piece of crap out of the way of a blocked hydrant is a matter of life and death . So, its with great satisfaction that I issue a lot of fire zone tickets, mostly at big box retailers. I see people parking right up to the fire doors at Walmart. They all say the exact same thing, “I was only in there for 5 minutes.” I do several things that makes sure my tickets have staying power in the city, county, and district appelate courts. I take up to 10 photos of the offending vehicle. I also will record video so the appellate panel can get a good look of what caught my attention to even issue the summons. If a judge does dismiss my citation, the offender has completed the driver improvement classes at their own cost, which is fine with me. In the 8 years I have been issuing citations, none of them have been dismissed on legal grounds.
Well said, Burt. Best, Larry
Hi Larry,
I received a ticket for parking too close to a fire hydrant. The ticket has the place of occurrence listed as 3412 Ave K but I was parked in front of 3412 Ave L at the time. I have a witness statement that I was parked on Ave L when my vehicle was ticketed. Is that enough evidence to get the ticket dismissed? There is a fire hydrant in front of 3408 Ave K which is next door to 3412 Ave K.
Thank you.
Dear Mayer,
I am sad to report (after dedicating 6 years, 7-days-per week with two months off for my heart attack) that I will no longer be answering questions on Larry’s Blog. You’ll find a treasure trove of information in the 746 Blog Posts and growing, F.A.Q.’s, and comments.
If you need help, you may wish to check out of service offerings. Here’s a link
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/passenger-vehicles/
Hi Larry,
While returning from work, I noticed a parking ticket on my car for parking 6 feet from the hydrant. I examined the ticket for errors but found none. I went home, picked up my tape measure and returned to find the car a couple of inches more than 15 feet away from the middle of the hydrant. I took pictures with my cell phone that clearly show the measurement. I want to contest this in person. I returned to my computer and started reading your blog and got startled by this question from your Oct 22, 2014 comment: “How will you respond to the judge’s challenge that you moved your car before taking the video?” (pictures in my case).
Dear Shashi,
I am sad to report (after dedicating 6 years, 7-days-per-week with two months off for my heart attack) that I will no longer be answering questions on Larry’s Blog. You’ll find a treasure trove of information in the 746 Blog Posts and growing, F.A.Q.’s, and comments.
If you need help, you may wish to check out of service offerings. Here’s a link
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/passenger-vehicles/
Hi larry,
Unfortunately, for handicap reasons i have received a handicap permit. i parked across the street from my sons house to pick up medication for my wife. It was very important medicine that was needed so i pulled over by a pump and i was parked about 8 feet from it. I walked out of my car at 6:55AM and returned to my car at 7:07. when i returned i saw the ticket on my window… is there anything i can do to fight the ticket? do medical reasons matter at all? i cannot park far away because i have trouble walking.
thanks!
Dave
Dear Dave,
I am sad to report (after dedicating 6 years, 7-days-per-week, with two months off for my heart attack) that I will no longer be answering questions on Larry’s Blog. You’ll find a treasure trove of information in the 746 Blog Posts and growing, F.A.Q.’s, and comments.
If you need help, you may wish to check out of service offerings. Here’s a link.
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/passenger-vehicles/
I’m pretty sure I was parked 15ft away from the hydrant. I took pictures but I had no measuring tape. Also, there was no yellow line on the curb stating where not to park. I was wondering could I use that a defense?
Dear Hannah,
I am sad to report (after dedicating 6 years, 7-days-per-week, with two months off for my heart attack) that I will no longer be answering questions on Larry’s Blog. You’ll find a treasure trove of information in the 746 Blog Posts and growing, F.A.Q.’s, and comments.
If you need help, you may wish to check out of service offerings. Here’s a link.
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/passenger-vehicles/
Hi Larry,
My question is, I received a ticket for being 0 feet from a hydrant (I was 3-4 ft, but thats not important). It was in front of my building. I pulled the car over to the curb, with my hazards on, and hoped out because my dog in the back seat was getting sick. I was about 10 feet away letting my dog finish her business when the Warrior came up and started punching in the digits. When I saw her and told her what was going on, she simply replied that my vehicle is unattended and finished the ticket.
Any thoughts on whether I have a chance of fighting it. I took pics of the car a minute later, hoping it proves that I was physically there with the car while she was writing the ticket.
Dear Jason,
I am sad to report (after dedicating 6 years, 7-days-per-week, with two months off for my heart attack) that I will no longer be answering questions on Larry’s Blog. You’ll find a treasure trove of information in the 746 Blog Posts and growing, F.A.Q.’s, and comments.
If you need help, you may wish to check out of service offerings. Here’s a link.
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/passenger-vehicles/
Hi.
I received a ticket for parking too cl0se to a hydrant. Ticket is handwritten and model year is omitted. Can I fight the ticket based on this omission?
thanks.
Hey Deb,
The “Model Year” is not a required element, sorry.
Best,
Larry
Lawrence, I got a ticket from the brave warriors of revenue operations. I tried to appeal it but was found guilty in their court of revenue operations. I promptly paid it online and have a support record (PDF) from their website to prove it. Nevertheless, almost 4 months later, I am being terrorized by their bills in the mail which threaten collection agency usage and heavy fines. I want to hold the servant government accountable by prosecuting the public servants who continue to terrorize me even though I paid. I am concerned that many people will simply pay the fraudulent fines because they may have forgotten they already paid (e.g. the elderly). I am not interested in their excuses for making this mistake – I simply want these public servants to be accountable to their masters. Do you have any advice on how I could use the legal system to make them think twice about making billing mistakes?
Esteban,
Wow. What a shame.
I trust you’ve shared your proof of payment with the collection agency. Have they explained why they are not honoring your payment?
This problem seems administrative rather than a denial that you’ve paid the Revenue Man.
If it were me, I’d get hold of a supervisor in the collection agency and provide him with proof of payment.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Laurence, I just have a parking ticket on a non working fire hydrant, do I have a chance to fight this ticket?
Maribel,
Good afternoon.
Technically, no. But, if the hydrant looks totally dead and nonworking, I would fight the ticket and give the defense of broken/non-working fire hydrant a shot.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
I have an old fire hydrant ticket given to me in 2087 anthony avenue (where the fire hydrant has NOT worked in over a year) how can I beat it online.
My ticket is also from march 7th,2016 so is over 100 days
Hey Jeison,
You have one year from the date default is entered to dispute a ticket.
After that date, you and your ticket are toast…Sorry.
Best,
Larry
Hello my husband parked 13 ft from the fired hydrant. It’s any way that he can fight the ticket? I have pics to prove that he parked at 13 ft from the fired hydrant,
Thank you
Dear Maria,
Are you sure you measured the distance correctly?
Hello I received a ticket for parking 5ft in front of the hydrant. What I realized is that the ticket agent wrote the wrong address of where i was actually parked. they put down 327 willoughby avenue in brooklyn ny. Is this grounds for dismissal if I plead not guilty and show pictures from google maps showing no hydrant is on that side of the street even tho there is a hydrant across the street? but remember the ticket said i was parked in front of 327 which is the odd number side of the street where there is no hydrant. thx
Hi Don,
You are a winner. Your defense is the place of occurrence was misdescribed. Make sure you supplement Google Maps with some up-to-date live photographs showing there is no fire hydrant within 15 feet of your parking space (place of occurrence).
Great catch.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry –
I parked about 10 feet away from a hydrant, but right in front of a sign that says “2 hour metered parking” with arrows going both directions, so I thought I was okay. Does that sign count as “unless otherwise indicated by signs, or parking meters?”
Thanks!
Hi Jay,
Good morning. Great question.
Gridlock Sam (the former NYC Traffic Commissioner) answers this question in his book, “Traffic Conundrums,” 2006:
“…So if a sign or meter authorizing parking results in a parked car being closer than 15 feet to a hydrant, it is permissible to park.”
On the other hand, this question was answered in 2006, a time when there was still individual parking meters that designated single parking spaces. I’m not sure whether judges will still dismiss a parking ticket when a car is parked too close to a fire hydrant when parking in curb space controlled by a muni-meter.
I would certainly fight the ticket.
Please let me know the outcome.
Regards,
Larry
Good Afternoon
I rcvd a parking ticket for parking on E 88th street, ticket said 8 feet from hydrant, however my car was parked infront of the alternate side sign with arrow pointing and stating here to curb. there are cars parked there all the time and I too have parked there before and no ticket. If the rule is 15 feet then shouldn’t the sign be 15 away? I park all over the city and some hydrants are marked with paint if no sign but if the sign says parking permitted here to corner except for the times of cleaning of course then why the ticket! Do I fight?
Thanks
Hi Kelly,
Good morning.
A fire hydrant trumps all parking signs permitting parking, except this sign
Also, a painted curb in NYC has no, none, nada significance to parking rules. It simply means someone dropped a can of paint.
Sadly, you don’t have a winning defense, so far.
Did you check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements? If you find one or more, you win, subject to presenting the proper proof, properly.
Best,
Larry
Hello Larry,
I got a fire hydrant ticket at 6:49 AM from a traffic officer. From my understanding from my neighborhood watch officer, I was about 15 feet from the Hydrant which I took pictures, and that a traffic cop can’t issue out tickets until after 7 or 8 AM. Don’t know how true is this. Just wanted to see if this was correct.
Best regards,
Freddy.
Hi Freddy,
Sorry to hear about the fire hydrant ticket.
I’ve never heard about a rule prohibiting a warrior or cop from issuing a parking ticket until after 7A or 8A (wish it were true!).
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry hope you are getting better!!
I parked by a hydrant in Washington Heights. I was in front of the yellow line provided to show where I can legally park. I took pictures showing where the yellow line ends and where my car is parked. Is that good enough justification to get out of the ticket.–I was marked for being 7 ft from the hydrant.
Thank you and stay well!
Hi, Samuel,
Good morning.
I’m afraid the yellow line does not designate the beginning of a legal parking space. Yellow paint in Parking Ticket Land has no meaningIgnore Yellow Paint
We always have the burden of proving we parked our chariot more than 15 feet from a fire hydrant. That burden of proof never changes, regardless of the distance entered by the Warrior on the ticket.
Regards,
Larry
Hi.There is a Hydrant near the auto shop’s gate. I stand my truck next to the hydrant, and I stand next to my truck with a mechanic. I received a Fire Hydrant ticket. I can not stop police to give me a ticket. My question is: Can I dispute this ticket? If yes, what should I do?
Hi, Bin,
I just returned from a visit with my children and granddaughter in Seattle and wasn’t able to reply to your excellent comment. Please let me know if you’d still like me to comment.
Regards,
Larry
Hello Larry,
Just this morning I was standing at a fire hydrant, and a traffic cop gave me a ticket. I was in the vehicle and he did not ask to me to move. Is there a way I can fight this ticket?
Yikes!
What a shame.
You can fight the ticket if:
-The ticket was issued after sunrise
-You were sitting behind the wheel when the ticket was issued
-Your chariot was a passenger vehicle
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry.
My name is Khan. I came from North Carolina. I parked my car little over 15 feet from the fire hydrant and still got ticket. Very much heart breaking and disappointment. Before park, I did count the feet manually to make sure it’s parked legally. I left my car for weekend and when I returned, I got a ticket stating that I was 6 feet away from the hydrant. I took 2 pics on the day I returned back to my car. Need your help please.
Thank you.
Hi, A,
Oh man, what a shame.
Fire hydrant tickets are tough challenges to beat, but it can be done.
The most important evidence is photos of your car with a tape measure extending from your bumper to the fire hydrant. The tape must show your chariot is parked more than 15 feet from the hydrant.
I have written a number of blog posts that may be helpful in going through the process of fighting a fire hydrant ticket.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry,
I am from south Nj and recieved a Ny 5 feet from hydrant ticket. I noticed the Vin and location on the ticket is incorrect. The vin has just 4 numbers and not the location my car was parked. I did parked by a hydrant believed to be more than 15 ft but not the one stated on the ticket. I was parked on the ramp of I-95 and the ticjet stated opposite of 1051 riverside drive. Do I have a case for dismissal?
Hi, Victoria,
Sorry to hear about your parking pain.
Your challenge is how to persuade a judge that the location entered on the parking ticket was wrong.
They usually believe the Warriors unless you can come up with some compelling, independent proof that
the Warrior was wrong.
For example,
-Do you have a witness?
-Where were you going? Does it make much more sense that parking on the I-95 ramp was a more convenient location than the address entered on the ticket?
VIN # is not a required element.
Good luck, Victoria.
Regards,
Larry
Hi I got a parking ticket in NYC on Bainbridge Avenue and E 208 street. On the ticket it says 5 feet from fire hydrant.
I am new to the city and where I come from we don’t usually get this type of ticket. I was wondering how can I fight it off?
Hi, Dev,
Good afternoon.
Sorry to hear about your rude greeting to parking ticket land.
I looked at both tickets.
The registration expiration date is different on each ticket, so one is incorrect.
Since you have an out of state plate, I suggest fighting the ticket with the incorrect registration date. You’ll need:
-Photo of the front of your car
-Photo of the rear of your car
-Close up of the plate clearly showing the sticker that displays the month, and year your registration expires
Your defense is the registration expiration date was misdescribed.
Certify that it was displayed on the plate on the date and time the ticket was issued
(I would also present a photo of the correct ticket to show the month and year were displayed when the ticket was issued).
If you parked within 15 feet of the fire hydrant, I’m afraid ignorance of the law is not a defense OR is being “new in town.”
Good luck, Dev.
Regards,
Larry