Last Updated on September 30, 2017 by Lawrence Berezin

NYC parking tickets have the power to cause pain to the driving public

I remember growing up in the late 1800’s and watching the game show, “Truth or Consequences” on T.V. I loved that show.

On the show, contestants received roughly two seconds to answer a trivia question correctly (usually an off-the-wall question that no one would be able to answer correctly, or a bad joke) before “Beulah the Buzzer” sounded…If the contestant could not complete the “Truth” portion, there would be “Consequences…” [Wikipedia]

The NYC parking ticket version of “Truth or Consequences” works differently. If you don’t know the parking rule or law or don’t understand the rule displayed on a parking sign, there is a consequence. A parking ticket that will cost you anywhere from $35-$180.

Here are 6 tips to help avoid being pummeled by the Evil Empire

• A bus stop begins at the bus stop sign, and extends in the direction of the arrow(s) at the bottom of the sign until either; the next parking sign, or the end of the block
• Avoid standing in a bus stop zone. But, if you can’t avoid it, the bus stop parking rule permits you to stop temporarily to expeditiously drop off or pick up a passenger and leave immediately; as long as you don’t block a bus from entering or leaving the bus stop zone
• You are prohibited from parking within 15 feet in either direction of a fire hydrant
• The fire hydrant rule permits passenger vehicles to stop, stand, or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; between sunrise and sunset, as long as a licensed driver remains seated behind the wheel, with the keys, ready to move the passenger vehicle, upon request by a power person (like a fire person with a hose in hand trying to attach it to the fire hydrant)
• The majority view shouts that double parking is illegal at all times for passenger vehicles
• The minority view (including the adjudication unit of the parking violation bureau and me) counter that double parking is a no standing violation,**  and therefore, a driver can stop temporarily to drop off or pick up people and skedaddle. There is legislation pending to resolve this conflict

Commentary

These 6 tips are NYC parking ticket 101. I urge you to learn ’em before navigating the mean and expensive highways of New York City. My best advice is to stay out of bus stop zones, and don’t double park. But, if you do and get a parking ticket, defend yourself. “When you’re right-Fight!”

Park safely.

** Check out pages 10 and 14 in the excellent guide, “Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings,” published by the adjudication unit of the NYC parking violation bureau.