Last Updated on October 30, 2021 by Lawrence Berezin

5-Minute Grace Period Parking Law and Mayor Bloomberg

Monday was an “orange” letter day for the NYC driving public. However, Mayor Bloomberg is expected to veto the bill. But, the Council has enough votes to override His Honor’s evil veto of the 5-Minute Grace Period Parking Law.

The NY Times reports:

The New York City Council voted overwhelmingly on Monday to grant ticket-fatigued drivers a five-minute grace period before parking meter regulations and alternate-side parking rules are enforced, boldly defying Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who hours earlier vowed to veto the measure ”

To which parking violations does the 5-minute grace period apply?

The bill applies to:

• Muni meters. But will not apply to regular, coin-operated parking meters.
• Alternate Side Parking Rules (For example, ASP 9:00 AM-11:30 AM. A warrior cannot issue a ticket until 9:06 AM).
• The time period allowed on any parking sign with a specific time limit. (For example, no standing 8 AM-4 PM. A warrior cannot issue a ticket until 8:06 AM).
• In other words, the Evil Empire grants a driver 5 minutes to move her car at the end of a legal parking period. (For example, you parked for free from 7 a.m.-4:00 p.m. But, a no-standing rule goes into effect at 4:00 p.m. You know a warrior is standing by your car at 3:57 p.m. ready to give you a no-standing ticket. However, the wonderful grace period law prohibits the warrior from issuing the ticket until 4:06 p.m.).

That is to say, a driver has 5 minutes to move her chariot when the time limit begins for the new parking restriction. (For example, parking is permissible from 4 PM-8 AM. After that, a driver has 5 minutes to move his car beyond the start time of the no-standing rule. But, a warrior can issue a ticket if he finds a car parked in the no-standing space at 8:06 AM.)

Mayor Bloomberg argues:

“A five-minute grace period is only going to lead to chaos and enormous increases in the number of contested tickets, and an argument. Whose watch are you going to use?” (C’mon man!)

Can the NYC driving public handle some more good NYC parking ticket news?

The NYC Council handed out some more good news for the  NYC driving public, as follows:

• Requiring the DOT to provide 30 days of notice before changing parking meter rates; and,
• Post on its Web site any changes to parking rules, whether permanent or temporary

Commentary

• Kudos to Councilman Simcha Felder for leading the NYC parking ticket charge. He is a true champion of the NYC driving public!
• A third term Mayor should be able to fashion a better argument against the 5-minute grace period than, “it will lead to chaos, more fighting, and who’s watch are we going to use.”
• This 5 minute grace period is not about the money. It’s about being empowered to fight the inconsistent enforcement and abusive tactics of some parking ticket warriors. The NYC Council finally heard the cries of the NYC driving public and took action. Bravo

More commentary from Larry

• Or, did the NYC Council use the parking ticket grace period as an opportunity to fight back against a schoolyard bully? Is this a precursor to the fight Mayor Bloomberg is going to have on his hands during his last four years in office; or will the Mayor try to add another 4-year term to the mangled terms limits law?
• I haven’t read the proposed language of the bill, but my guess is it will actually eliminate or significantly reduce the 8:01  parking ticket dispute because:
  • The bill should not change the hours for a parking rule to begin and end
  • It should simply add a 5 minute grace period before the parking rule can be enforced by the warriors
  • The driving public can no longer argue for a break because a parking ticket is now issued at 8:06. You got your break with a grace period.You have 5 extra minutes to get to your car. Use them wisely, and don’t delay your arrival until 8:05
  • The feel good parking rule is the 5 minute grace period, but the really good news for the NYC driving public is the DOT must publish a notice on their Web site prior to changing the rules. Now that’s real fair!

You have a lot to think about with these changes. Please share your opinions and post a comment. No fair keeping your thoughts to yourself!

Related Posts

• Can you afford to miss this broadcast about the 5-minute grace period?
• NYC 5-Minute Grace Period Bill Vetoed by Mayor Bloomberg
• 3 Important things to know about the NYC Grace Period Bill
• The 5-Minute Grace Period Bill is now NYC parking law
• 3 Myths Debunked about the 5 Minute Grace Period

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