Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by Lawrence Berezin
The consequences of not knowing the difference between a curb cut and a pedestrian ramp
Is a $165 pedestrian ramp ticket. I trust that is enough motivation for most members of the NYC driving community to read more.
On the other hand, I am sad to re-report that 45% of the respondents could not correctly identify a legal curb cut in our last parking ticket quiz. Meanwhile, the DOT changed the definition of a “pedestrian ramp” in Section 4-08 (f)(7) of the Rules of the City of New York:
“(f) General no standing zones (standing and parking prohibited in specified places). No person shall stand or park a vehicle in any of the following places unless otherwise indicated by posted signs, markings, or other traffic control devices, or at the direction of a law enforcement officer:
(7) Pedestrian ramps. Alongside or in a manner which obstructs a curb area which has been cut down, lowered, or otherwise constructed or altered to provide access for persons with disabilities at a marked or unmarked crosswalk as defined in subdivision (b) of §4-01 of this chapter. A person may stop, stand or park a vehicle alongside or in a manner which obstructs a pedestrian ramp not located within such crosswalk unless otherwise prohibited.
Do you know the definition of a crosswalk?
Crosswalk. (i) Marked crosswalk. That part of a roadway defined by two parallel lines or highlighted by a pattern of lines (perpendicular, parallel or diagonal used either separately or in combination) that is intended to guide pedestrians into proper crossing paths.(ii) Unmarked crosswalk. That part of a roadway, other than a marked crosswalk, which is included within the extensions of the sidewalk lines between opposite sides of the roadway at an intersection, provided that (A) the roadway crosses through the intersection rather than ending at the intersection, and/or (B) all traffic on the opposing roadway is controlled by a traffic control device.”
An easier way to distinguish a legal curb cut from an illegal pedestrian ramp
If you search further on the NYC Department of Transportation website, you’ll come across this diagram and rule:
The areas circled in red are legal parking spots.
The New York City Traffic rules allow parking at some “T” intersections—those without traffic signals, all-way stop signs, or crosswalk markings—even if there is a curb cut at that location.
Or, easier yet
It is legal to park in front of a curb cut if:
- There are no marked crosswalks; and,
- No traffic control device or stop sign regulating traffic
Generally, legal curb cuts live in the middle of a block (where it makes no sense for an Olympic track star to try to cross a busy NYC roadway) or at a “T” intersection; while illegal, don’t you dare park in front of, pedestrian ramps usually live at 4-corner intersections.
Can you identify the legal curb cut hidden among these five pictures?
[#2 is the legal curb cut]
Other blog posts about pedestrian ramps and curb cuts
- “How to Beat an NYC Parking Ticket for Blocking a Pedestrian Ramp”
- “Warriors Continue to Issue Illegal Pedestrian Ramp Parking Tickets”
- “More Shocking News about Pedestrian Ramp Parking Tickets”
- “Is a Driveway a Pedestrian Ramp?”
- “Beware the NYC Pedestrian Ramp Scam”
Commentary
It irks me and makes me “nuts” to hear from our driving community that rogue cops and warriors are still issuing illegal, scam, pedestrian ramp parking tickets. Worse is that parking ticket judges are still finding ways to sustain these parking tickets. The hard part is presenting the proper proof properly.
How do you prove that you parked in front of a legal curb cut and not a pedestrian ramp? The best evidence is overlapping photographs of the entire block, including the street sign at the corner and the location of the curb cut (generally on the “T” street of a “T” intersection. You may wish to avail yourself of Google Map images and live photographs.
The tipping point is to submit current, dated evidence identifying the address where the curb cut lives and make sure that address matches the place of occurrence entered on your parking ticket by the warrior or cop.
I have been issued this ticket 14 times along Ft. Washington in the Heights in the last 3 months and have successfully challenged it each time thanks to this site! I have used the same explanation each time which I have copied below! Always include pictureS of the intersection as well.
“According to the rules of parking, you may block a ramp at a “T” intersection where traffic is not controlled with a traffic control device including stop sign or light on the street the ramps face. At 170th and Haven there is a T intersection. There are no parallel lines/marked crosswalk. And, the lack of a traffic control device eliminates the unofficial crosswalk. I will attach pictures of the intersection to prove it is a “T” and the lack of traffic control device in addition to the diagram provided by New York City showing the legality of the spot. I bracketed the important parts of the code.
(7) Pedestrian ramps. Alongside or in a manner which obstructs a curb area which has been cut down, lowered or otherwise constructed or altered to provide access for persons with disabilities at a marked or unmarked crosswalk as defined in subdivision (b) of §4-01 of this chapter. [A person may stop, stand or park a vehicle alongside or in a manner which obstructs a pedestrian ramp not located within such crosswalk, unless otherwise prohibited.]
[Crosswalk.(i) Marked crosswalk. That part of a roadway defined by two parallel lines or highlighted by a pattern of lines (perpendicular, parallel or diagonal used either separately or in combination) that is intended to guide pedestrians into proper crossing paths. (ii) Unmarked crosswalk. That part of a roadway, other than a marked crosswalk, which is included within the extensions of the sidewalk lines between opposite sides of the roadway at an intersection, provided that (A) the roadway crosses through the intersection rather than ending at the intersection, and/or (B) all traffic on the opposing roadway is controlled by a traffic control device.”]
For those reasons, this ticket is invalid and should not require payment as no wrongdoing has occurred.”
Joshua,
Wow!
Amazingly well said.
No need to add anything, except thank you very much for sharing your parking ticket experience with all of us.
Best,
Larry
can you post a direct link to the NYC Dept of Finance diagram and rule?
thanks
Sure!
Sure…
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/parking-regulations.shtml
Larry, I used your defense successfully to defend against a ticket I received after parking a bit into the ‘yellow’ at the curb cut at a T intersection at 345 Chambers Street in Battery Park City. (There is no marked crossword or light or signage at this location – just the curb cut and yellow painted.) I hadn’t received a parking ticket it NYC in years, maybe even decades, though I park on-street in the city quite often. So it was especially heartening to discover your web discussion of this matter and find that apparently the mistake was made by the person who wrote the ticket, and not by me. And of course very nice not to have to pay the hefty fine. Thanks so much! I owe you a drink… – Rob W., Hoboken NJ
Typo correction – “marked crosswalk” – not “marked crossword” – ! . – RW
Thanks for this
Hi I have a quick question about this, Larry. I am a little unclear as to where a stop sign would turn a legal pedestrian ramp spot into an illegal one. If I park on the major, one way road at the northeastern corner of a T intersection in front of a pedestrian ramp and there is a stop sign on the one way minor, one way road of the T intersection, is this legal? There are no stop signs or traffic signals on the major road at all where the car is parked. There is just the stop sign on the minor road of the T.
John,
Good morning.
This stuff can get confusing.
A stop sign regulating traffic on the minor street of a ‘T’ intersection doesn’t change a thing. It is still legal to park in front of curb cuts on the major street of the ‘T’ intersection.
You’ll note in the DOF ‘T’ intersection diagram in this post, there is a car on the minor street. If there was a stop sign regulating the car, it would still be legal to park in the spaces marked by the 4-red circles.
Best,
Larry
Thanks for clarifying! I definitely just got an illegal ticket then at the corner of Lincoln and St Charles in Crown Heights, as well as the other cars at this interaction.
*St Johns and St Charles
Hi Larry,
I was hoping you could offer some advice on a pair of tickets I got last week! Near our apartment block there is a crosswalk (at a 4-way intersection); one side of the crosswalk is only half-painted such that a car can park partly into it in order to avoid being closer than 15′ to the hydrant just down the block – at least that was my interpretation! (Picture here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2578683/crosswalk.png )
I have parked here many times without getting a ticket and so have many of my neighbors – last week I came back to find two tickets for parking in the crosswalk! I have had one dismissed for the location being incorrect but the other was upheld in an online hearing. I’m planning to go in person but I wondered whether you’d come across something like this before? Have we all been parking illegally? It seems odd that they’d cut the crosswalk in this way if so…
Thanks!
Dear Pete,
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/
Hello.
Thank you for this work.
I have a question about a non-T intersection curb cut.
In front of FIT, on 27th between 7th and 8th, is a curb cut. There is no signage that does not allow parking in front of it nor is there any yellow or red paint on the curb. Since this is non-T street what is the rule that applies here.
Hi David,
Good morning.
There are some parking violations that do not require signs or any notice…curb cuts (pedestrian ramps at 4-corner intersections) are an example. Other examples are fire hydrants, safety zones, and double parking.
Painted curbs, regardless of the color, have absolutely no significance in Parking Ticket Land. For example, in San Francisco, a bus stop zone is painted red. NYC provides no such notice.
Park safely.
Larry
I had a problem in my own town with someone just standing around not paying attention and blocking a curb cut at a street Crossing spot. Instead of excusing themselves they started an argument and went to the next street vendor during a small public event and God only knows what they said. All I was doing is crossing the street with my bike and I needed past because I was just navigating with my bike and trying to get to a nearby vendor because I’m not leaving my bike, it’s an e-bike for disabled people. Instead of excusing them self and stepping back two or three steps oh, they started an argument instead of just taking 2 seconds to just step aside and let me buy. Well, I still made it and gained access but not without an argument started by this angry couple who wasn’t paying attention and was wrongfully blocking the ramp to passers-by located. Yes, the curb cut at the end of the sidewalk at a Street crossing point serves all purposes here where I live. It serves strollers, Wheelchairs and pedestrians, even bikes that are crossing the street with the intent of pulling into a nearby business. We really need no standing signs at these specific spots because it can pose a problem for those who aren’t paying attention and obstructing traffic
Hi, Fellow commuter,
Well said.
Thanks for sharing your thoughtful comment.
Regards,
Larry
Then what is the purpose of a “curb cut” if not for wheelchairs, strollers etc? and if the purpose IS for wheelchairs, why would it every be ok to park in front of them?
Hi Dave,
Good afternoon.
Great question.
Technically, the parking rule that prohibits standing in front of a pedestrian ramp (curb cut) located in an intersection excludes curb cuts in certain T-intersection areas that do not have a marked crosswalk, traffic signals, or 4-ways stop signs. I believe the reason is that crossing the street at those locations is dangerous.
Thank you for your updates. Related to this topic, I have pleaded not guilty for a recent ticket I got and I was dismissed, but not based on the merit of my argument. So, I still have a question: According to the T-intersection diagram, the spots marked by green circles are legal parking spots, but according to the definition in 4-01(b), the green circles are located in an unmarked crosswalk. Is it true?
Hi Levi,
Section 4-01
WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED
(b) Definitions. The following words and phrases, when used in these rules, shall, for the purpose
of these rules, have the following meanings:
Crosswalks
(i) Marked crosswalk. The term “marked crosswalk” means that part of a roadway defined
by two parallel lines or highlighted by a pattern of lines (perpendicular, parallel or diagonal
used either separately or in combination) that is intended to guide pedestrians into proper
crossing paths.
(ii) Unmarked crosswalk. The term “unmarked crosswalk” means that part of a roadway,
other than a marked crosswalk, that is included within the extensions of the sidewalk lines
between opposite sides of the roadway at an intersection, provided that
(A) the roadway crosses through the intersection rather than ending at the intersection, and/or
(B) all traffic on the opposing roadway is controlled by a traffic control device.
The “Green Circles” may be located in unmarked crosswalks if
(A) the roadway crosses through the intersection rather than ending at the intersection, and/or
(B) all traffic on the opposing roadway is controlled by a traffic control device.
Meanwhile, in a ‘T’ intersection the roadway ends at the intersection. So, all traffic on the opposing roadway would have to be controlled by a traffic control device.
Regards,
Larry