Last Updated on November 3, 2022 by Lawrence Berezin
An NYC parking ticket for the improper display of an inspection sticker
First, let’s take a look at the language of Rule 4-08 (j)(6) (inspection sticker rule)
No person shall stand or park a vehicle bearing New York plates unless it is properly inspected and adequately displays a current inspection sticker or certificate by Section 306(b) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law or unless it bears New York dealer or transporter plates under Section 415 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.”
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What are some examples of improper display of an inspection sticker?
- Placing your inspection sticker on the dashboard of your vehicle when it falls off
- Failing to affix the ends of your inspection sticker when they begin to detach from your windshield because the glue doesn’t stick
- Placing your sticker above or below your registration sticker
How do I replace an inspection sticker?
The following information is taken directly from the (N.YD.M.V website)
Firstly, you can attach the sticker to the windshield with clear tape or a small amount of clear adhesive if it falls off. Remember that an inspection station must be able to remove the sticker during your next inspection.
Likewise, if your sticker is not usable or you do not have the original inspection sticker, you can have your vehicle re-inspected or follow the instructions below.
Send a request for replacement to the DMV, show the reason for the replacement, and include either a copy of your inspection receipt OR The following information:
- The serial number of the original inspection sticker, if available, and
- The year and make of the vehicle, and
- The vehicle plate number, and
- The odometer reading at the time of the last inspection, and
- The date of the last inspection, and
- Your daytime phone number.
The fee for a replacement is $2.
(See the note below about known defects in some 2010 stickers.)
Send the required items and a personal check or money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” to:
Bureau of Consumer and Facility ServicesDivision of Vehicle Safety Services
NYSDMV
P.O. Box 2700-ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0700
Note about 2010 Stickers with a Known Defect: The DMV knows of a defect in some inspection stickers with a 2010 expiration date. These stickers are gray in color. The replacement fee will be waived if you have one of these stickers that do not correctly adhere to your windshield. Your request for a replacement sticker shows that this replacement is for a “defective sticker.”
Commentary:
As often is the case, some parking ticket warriors shoot first and give you the honor of fighting an unjust NYC parking ticket later. Remember, when a warrior issues a parking ticket for “improper” they must:
- insert the reason it is improper on the front of your parking ticket
- Your inspection sticker number
- Date of expiration
If not, your “status” ticket will be dismissed on application.
I recommend taking immediate action when your inspection sticker becomes loose. Follow the instructions issued by the NY DMV to re-attach or replace your inspection sticker. If you are issued a parking ticket, you have a strong defense after the published advice of the DMV. The worst you can do is place the sticker on your dashboard—bad idea. Could you not do it?
When you’re right-FIGHT and present the proper proof, properly!
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Does the lack of a serial number on a ticket grounds for a dismissal for “Improper Display or Registration Stckr” 4-08(j)(3)
Ryan,
Good afternoon.
If the basis for your ticket was that you displayed your registration sticker in the wrong location, the warrior must enter the reason why it was improper (I’m not sure whether the serial number must also be entered, but, I would certainly raise it as a defense).
If the basis for your ticket was that your registration sticker was expired, then, yes, the warrior must enter the serial number for the registration sticker on the parking ticket.
Both of these crimes fall under (j)(3)
Sorry about my missing memory.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Thank you, Larry.
The ticket does state the location of the inspection sticker… it says it was on the Dash, although it was actually taped to the windshield but only on the top, not the bottom so it was ‘hanging’. Does the 24-hour correction rule apply in the case? Should I attach pictures of the corrected sticker?
Any other suggestions on fighting this type of infraction?
Thanks,
Ryan
Ryan,
What’s the 24-hour correction rule? Are you referring to the 24 hours you are granted to fix a broken mirror? Otherwise, I am sorry to say, there are no mulligans in Parking Ticket Land.
It’s a tough one to beat if the warrior dotted her i’s because the location of your chariot is of no consequence for status violations.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry,
I received a ticket for “inspection sticker mutilated” (or, mutiliated as the ticket reads) under section 4-08(j)(7). The bar code on the sticker was damaged when I had my windshield replaced. I will submit proof that the windshield was replaced and that the inspection is indeed valid. Related to your point above, I do not see the inspection sticker number and expiration date printed on the ticket. Is this because they were not able to scan it? Any further suggestions on how to fight this one?
Thank you for your help–love the site!
Stephanie
Dear Stephanie,
Good morning.
Great question.
A bit complicated to reply in full, but here are some tips:
1. Your proposed defense will not win. The Evil Empire doesn’t care one iota that you had your windshield replaced. It only cares about the status of your inspection sticker
2. Fugettabout the “damaged bar code,” is your inspection sticker number readable?
3. The rule you were charged with violating prohibits displaying a mutilated inspection sticker. What qualifies as mutilated? The answer lies in the eyes of the particular judge deciding your case. Does the sticker allow a warrior to see that the inspection is current (not expired)?
I hope this stuff helps you formulate your defense.
Best,
Larry
It may be considered a foolish question. But i thought about affixing both the registration and inspection stickers on the bottom center of the windshield instead of the bottom left (driver side). I guess it’s a silly and silent protest against the machine. Both are due at the end of this month. Before i get them removed i was considering tinting my windshield too.
Yes i know it’s illegal to completely tint the windshield, however, the officers cannot place any device to the windshield to try and prove it which also makes it hard for them to prove if it’s in fact tinted or not.
So in a nut shell, although the 2 stickers are displayed but not in the right location, will i still get a ticket, and what will it say?
Raphael,
Good morning.
1) Yes
2) I don’t know.
Let me know if you decide to jump.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
I got a ticket for improper display of Registration Sticker. Comments are that “Stkr on right sd of windshld.” I never noticed it before but it looks like my inspection sticker was placed on the left side of the reg sticker if you are looking at it from outside the car. Both of them are attached fully and are current and up to date. Can I fight this? Should I move the registration to the other side of the inspection sticker so they are in the correct order or will that put the sticker too far in from the side of the windshield and get me further tickets. Thanks.
Paul,
Good morning.
This is one of the rules I hate.
You may wish to read this blog post about proper placement of a registration sticker…
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/how-to-display-stickers-on-windshield-to-avoid-a-nyc-parking-ticket/
I trust you’ve checked for any omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements on the front of the ticket? If yes, you win upon application. If none…
Can you fight the ticket? Yes.
Will you win? I don’t know. Technically, the rule uses the words, “proper display of a current registration sticker…” You certainly displayed a current registration sticker, but did you display it properly?
You’ve gotta look at the DMV regulation for the answer. You’ll find the text of the DMV regulation in the above link.
Will a judge be lenient about left-right? Will a judge be understanding that the DMV regulation doesn’t say whether it refers to driver’s right or front of car looking in right.
My suggestion is to change the location of the registration sticker to comply with the DMV rule. Why risk other tickets (even if you get a lenient judge this time)?
Keep us posted.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Hi Larry,
I received a ticket for a “mutilated” inspection sticker (like Stephanie, above, and also due to a replaced windshield), except that the barcode and expiration month and year are FULLY visible. The only part of the sticker that is mutilated is the very bottom row (months April through September), but my inspection is due in January, so that doesn’t affect the visibility of the expiration date at all. However, since it is the very bottom that is messed up, VOID does show up (which is also on my ticket). I’m upset because the part of the sticker that is “mutilated” does not affect one’s ability to read the barcode or expiration date at all, which is why I tried to salvage it. What do you think – is this worth fighting, or should I just suck it up and pay? I just moved to NYC a few months ago and don’t have any experience with this stuff, so any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Sharyn,
Good afternoon.
Sorry to hear the Evil Empire sent out one of its warrior to welcome you to NYC. Hopefully, this is your first and last parking ticket.
“Mutilated” is in the eye of the beholder…In this case, the parking ticket judge.
If it were me, given the circumstances you describe, I would fight the parking ticket online. You’ll need to submit photographs of the registration (hopefully persuading the judge it was not mutilated) along with your defense summary…I would certify the truth of your testimony and ask for a dismissal.
Please let us know how you do.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Hello there,
Just a quick question. I got a ticket saying improper Stkr Safety Only, and in the complainants comments it says On Dash.
Actually I registered a car and had the 10 day temporary inspection sticker on the dashboard and got that ticket.
Will i be able to fight it by showing proof of pictures because it already says it was on dash.
Any help will Highly be appreciated.
Dear Mohamedabbas,
Good morning.
Great question.
Here’s some information I found for you:
According to the news release:
Although most registrations are renewed through the mail, at an office or online in time to receive a new registration sticker before the old one expired, many times customers either forget about or wait too long before renewing their registrations. In that case, their only option in the past has been to visit a DMV office to register the vehicle. This new service provides customers with a proof of registration that they can display while waiting for their new registration to arrive by mail.
The temporary registration is available through the DMV Web site (www.dmv.ny.gov). It is available for most vehicle registration classes including boats, trailers and ATVs. There is no additional charge for the temporary document.
After printing the temporary document, customers must display the temporary registration on the driver’s side of the vehicle’s dashboard in addition to the expiring registration sticker until their new sticker arrives. The temporary registration is valid for 10 days from the date the renewal transaction is completed. After the temporary registration expires, the registrant can only operate the vehicle if it displays a valid registration sticker. For vehicles that do not have windshields and dashboards such as motorcycles and trailers, the motorist will be instructed to carry the temp when operating the vehicle.
http://www.wbng.com/news/local/DMV-Offers-Online-Temporary-Vehicle-Registrations-175426061.html?m=y&smobile=y
The key take-away here is the proper place to display a temporary registration is on the driver’s side of the vehicle dashboard.
You have a great defense to “improper” display. But, if the 10-day temporary registration expired, and the parking violation is “expired” registration, you are better served formulating a different defense.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Thanks you. I actually took pictures and and I got a dismiss.
THANK YOUq
Dear Mohamed,
Yea!
Congratulations, champ, for a job well done.
Regards,
Larry
Where in the official rule does it say that these stickers must be placed on the windshield. It states the sticker must properly be displayed. So what is the reason why my stickers can’t be on the dash or on the back of my rearview? This law states one thing and by definition ppl are being lazy and assume that a windshield is the only properly displayed location in your car.
Xavier,
Good afternoon.
Very thoughtful question.
I love it when our friends look at the rules with a critical eye.
The rule you correctly refer to uses the term “properly displayed.”
Then we have to look to the NY DMV for the explanation of how to
properly display the stickers.
(No one tells us that).
You may wish to check out a blog post I wrote about the subject. It contains all the
references. https://newyorkparkingticket.com/how-to-display-stickers-on-windshield-to-avoid-a-nyc-parking-ticket/
Best,
Larry
Thanks Larry. I just wanted to know cuz I’m going to register my car with NY plates. I always used out of state plates, always displayed registration sticker on back of rear view mirror. This really make me not want to have my car register in NY.
I take a lot of pictures of my car and attend a lot of car meets. For these occasions, I often remove my front plate and windshield wipers to give the car a cleaner look. Since I got my new registration sticker and the car is due for an inspection, I was thinking about putting the stickers on a clear sheet of Lexan and placing that in the lower left corner of the windshield rather than sticking them to the windshield that way they can easily be removed for photoshoots or at meets.
Will I be ticketed for this? Do the stickers absolutely have to be on the windshield?
Dear Chris,
Good morning.
Interesting question.
The NYC rule simply requires the registration/inspection stickers to be “properly displayed.”
We have to look to the NY DMV for help in interpreting “properly displayed.”
Here is the DMV answer:”Where do I put a windshield sticker or a plate sticker on my vehicle?”
You must remove all previous or expired stickers before you put the new sticker on your windshield or your vehicle plate.
You must attach any windshield stickers to the lower left-hand corner of the inside of the windshield. When you see the windshield stickers from the driver seat, make sure that the registration sticker is located to the right side of the inspection sticker. Make sure that you put the sticker in a location that allows you to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the outside of the vehicle.
If your vehicle does not have a windshield, you must keep the windshield sticker in the vehicle.”
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/how-to-display-stickers-on-windshield-to-avoid-a-nyc-parking-ticket/
However, the answer becomes cloudy with a chance of rain when it says “attach any windshield tickets to the lower left-hand corner of the windshield.”
In my humble opinion, your idea will win you a parking ticket for improper display of inspection sticker. You’ll lose your fight at your first hearing. Then you’ll appeal. Hopefully, the appeals panel will reverse the original judge’s bad decision. But, probably not.
Good luck, Chris.
Regards,
Larry
I decided to buy some clear cling vinyl and give that a try. It’ll allow me to attach the stickers to the windshield and still be able to remove them if need be.
I got a ticket (for improperly displaying registration sticker) at 3:09 pm on Saturday, and then another was left on top the next morning at 9:48 am. The car was in the same location, because we hadn’t driven it. Is it fair for them to give multiple tickets, during a 12 hour period that we aren’t t the car. I can understand multiple parking tickets for leaving a car in an illegal spot overnight. But for an improperly displayed registration sticker???
Dear SP,
Good morning.
The Evil Empire strikes back.
Here’s the scoop…There is a split decision.
Some judges will dismiss a second parking ticket
issued for the same “status” violation (exp. registration) within 24-hours of the
first ticket. Other judges will dismiss the second parking ticket for the same status
violation if issued during the same day.
If it were me, I’d fight the parking ticket and state that the second parking ticket
was issued within 12 hours of the first ticket and submit copies of both tickets as
evidence.
Good luck, SP.
Regards,
Larry
hi,
i received a ticket yesterday morning that said inspection sticker mutiliated and the comment was defected void (#) tamper with sticker discolored. i still don’t understand the reason of the why i got the ticket. my registration and my inspection stickers are perfectly fine. One thing for sure is that i did my inspection back in June and the dealer put the sticker on and it is just a little discolor but just in the corner but you still can see that the inspection was done in June. My thought of the why i got the ticket was because maybe the cop got mad because he/ she couldn’t give me a ticket for how far i was part from the pump.
from,
giz
p.s.
it got me so mad because i always park there and yesterday when i was on my way out i got the ticket in my windshield.
Dear Giss,
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 first off, i’d like to say how helpful this been. thank you for sharing your knowledge. i have a question, would i get a ticket for having my inspection and registration on the passenger side of the windshield? what are the rules on this?
Dear Syed,
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
I received a ticket of registration faded sticker discolored how I can appeal, I didn’t know that it was like that or I will received a ticket of that
thank you.
Dear Araceli,
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 recently bought my car and had registered it a couple of days before I got a ticket for missing registration sticker. Can I get it dismissed if I provide the registration papers as evidence that the car was already registered at the time of the citation?
Hi, Gabby,
Good afternoon.
It sounds like your ticket was issued because you didn’t properly display your current registration sticker…Not because your car wasn’t registered.
If that was the case, I would check for omitted, misdescribed or illegible required elements. If you find one or more, you win subject to presenting
the proper proof properly at a hearing.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hello Larry,
Thank you for taking your time helping us out. I got a ticket for improperly displaying registration sticker. Before I applied the new sticker, I removed the old one and wanted to clean up the old residue, I left the unpeeled new registration on my dash board and I went into my apartment to get some Windex and W40, and that’s when I got this ticketed. Do you think I have a fighting chance with this case?
Thank you for the help,
Ray
Hi Ray,
Man, these warriors are everywhere all the time and must have x-ray vision.
I am sorry to report that the Windex defense won’t work…I would check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements. If you find one or more, you win, subject to presenting the proper proof, properly.
Regards,
Larry
PS…Thanks for the kind comment, Ray.
Hi sir;
I got 5 (five) inspection ticket violations within 42 days. My question is, should I be given time to correct this matter since, the inspection mechanic told me I have to drive the car for many miles before the codes are removed. I do not drive regularly and I drive just around the neighbourhood. I tried doing so to get the codes remove but it never happened. I eventually had to contract a driver to drive many miles on the expressway on 4 (four) different occasions before the codes were removed. He had driven over 100 (one hundred) miles in total at very high speeds, which I could not do myself.
I appreciate your expert response. Thank you.
Hi, D.John,
Good morning.
I’m afraid you got me on this question.
I’ve never heard about driving a car at high speeds and long distances to get the codes removed.
Can you explain what that means?
Regards,
Larry
Hi sir,
I got a ticket for “Improper sticker safety only” and on the comment below it says “no hole in the sticker”. I didnt know that there should be a hole on the inspection sticker and i didnt put that sticker but the inspection guy did it sometime 2018. The day after i got the ticket, i went straight to the inspection place to get it fix and they advised me to do the inspection because we dont know when it will expire so i got it renewed.. i want to fight the ticket because it worth $65.. what should i do?
Hi, Toni,
I’m sorry about the delay in replying to your excellent question.
Did you take a photo of the inspection sticker without a hole?
I would explain that you got a timely inspection and argue that the inspector was responsible for putting a hole in the sticker. And, I would also argue that the rule doesn’t mention a violation because of the absence of a hole.
Can you prove the date you had the vehicle inspected to eliminate the claim it was expired?
Regards,
Larry
Hello, I got a ticket for Insp. sticker missing. I checked and the ticket looks like it was filled out properly. But I still appealed this ticket online because the inspection sticker was definitely on my windshield, and up to date.
The judge said I’m guilty and wrote that, “Respondent provides photo of the inspection sticker, but there is no persuasive evidence that the inspection sticker was properly affixed to the windshield at the time the summons was issued.”
How could I possibly prove that my inspection sticker was affixed at that time? This feels like I am being scammed. Is it just impossible to fight this kind of ticket? Am I missing something here? It seems entirely corrupt and I have lost a lot of trust in the city over this. I usually pay my tickets and forget about them, but this has me irate, and even paranoid that it will keep happening.
Hi, Dave,
I hear you loud and clear.
There are several ways to persuade a judge that the sticker was attached before and when the ticket was issued:
-Date/Time stamp
-Certify your testimony
-Take the photo of the inspection sticker at the scene of the parking “crime”
It is very frustrating, to tell the truth, and have your honest testimony disregarded.
Sorry, Dave.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry,
I purchased a car from a NYS-based family member, and subsequently had the car inspected and registered in Maryland. However, I forgot to take the NYS inspection and registration stickers down, so obviously they were very expired. Recently, I parked the car in NYS and I received tickets for both expired registration and inspection. Since my car has a current/valid registration and inspection in Maryland, is there any way I can fight these NYS tickets? Can I show them proof of Maryland registration and inspection? Would they even care?
Thanks!
Hi Wesley,
Good afternoon.
Sorry about your parking pain.
What 4-08(j)(?) subsection were you charged with? For example, subsection (3) only covers cars that bear NY State plates. “Vehicles must display a valid registration sticker. No person shall stand or park a vehicle bearing a New York plate or plates unless it properly displays a current registration sticker.”
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Larry
So I had no idea when I had my windshield replaced at Safelite that I would then have to get a new inspection sticker until I received this ticket today accusing me of displaying a mutilated, VOID inspection sticker. Safelite transferred the sticker over without telling me any of this and I just went on my merry, ignorant way.
Is there any chance if I get this taken care of in the next 30 days and submit a photo of it to the nys dispute website that I could have this ticket excused or do I have to just eat the fine for being oblivious to this law?
Thank you for all of the helpful info on here either way, Larry.
Hi Keegan,
Oh man, what a shame.
I’m afraid there isn’t a grace period for inspection sticker violations. But, have you checked for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements on the ticket? If you find one or more, you win.
Further, the cop or warrior must enter the inspection sticker number and the date of expiration in the comments portion of the ticket.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
The required elements at the top all seem to be there, unfortunately, but there is no inspection sticker number or INSPECTION sticker expiration in the comments section, only the registration number provided at the top of the ticket.
All that is provided in the “Complainant’s Comments” section is “VOID. Sticker Discolored,” and nothing more. That enough?
Called Safelite to recommend they tell customers about this and they said if I send in my windshield replacement receipt that I should have it dismissed given “how long it takes to get an inspection sticker replaced,” but sounded unlikely.
Thanks again for the info and speedy reply, much appreciated either way.
—Keegan
Hi Keegan,
“Once an inspection sticker is removed from the vehicle windshield, it will display “VOID.” It is illegal to display a voided inspection sticker, so if your windshield is replaced, do not try to use the old sticker on the new windshield.”
Inspection Sticker Replacements – DC DMVhttps://dmv.dc.gov › service › inspection-sticker-replacement.
I trust you were charged with 4-08(j)(4). That would be the correct rule. However, I’m not sure whether the inspection # has to be displayed. If it were me, I would fight the ticket and argue the inspection certificate number is a required element and was omitted on the parking ticket.
Please, let me know how you do if you fight the stupid ticket.
Regards,
Larry
Hey Larry,
I’m overdue on this but just wanted to let you know I beat that ticket thanks to your help! You the man.
Hope all is well,
Keegan