Parking ticket tips are like get out of jail free cards
Parking ticket tips directly from the rules. I was dusting off my old, trusty, Compilation of the Rules of the City of New York related to the stopping, standing and parking of vehicles, and came across some parking ticket information you may wish to know. I suggest you learn ’em, grasshopper. They will save you a bunch of bucks (I’m not talking Bitcoin).
Do I have to worry about a paper or temporary NYC parking sign?
Yes, if it is posted by an authorized NYC parking law enforcement agency. As a matter of fact, paper or temporary signs supersede all posted rules for the days and times specified on the paper or temporary signs.
You may wish to check out another hiding place for temporary parking rules. The NYC_DOT is permitted to place regulations inside the dome of parking meters. These regulations supersede all existing posted rules for the time the insert remains in the parking meter.
You can’t make this stuff up.
How many ways can a Warrior describe the “place of occurrence?”
A place of occurrence, which is a required element, may be described in three ways:
#3 means the Southwest side of 152nd Street, 50 feet east of Convent Avenue. I urge my fellow members of the NYC driving public to never, ever assume this “buried treasure” map type of description is accurate. Please check our interactive maps, or Google maps with the street view to verify the accuracy of the location.
Oftentimes, the description is inaccurate because of the distance from the corner inserted on the parking ticket is wrong or, the Southwest side is really the Northeast side, etc. If the place of occurrence is misdescribed, you are entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket upon application.
Can my vehicle be immobilized and towed?
YUP. The parking rules permit the immobilization of any illegally parked vehicle anywhere in NYC, in a manner that does not damage the vehicle. Notice of immobilization is required to be placed in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. The notice must include:
- “(A) a warning that any attempt to move the vehicle may result in damage to the vehicle; and
- (B) the time, place and manner in which the vehicle may be redeemed”
The good news is, if any news can be considered good news under these circumstances, you may secure the release of a vehicle which has not yet been removed to a tow pound upon payment of an immobilization fee of $185. In addition, you must satisfy all parking summonses in judgment to secure the release of your immobilized vehicle.
If your vehicle has been immobilized and towed you are inflicted with double pain.
You owe the immobilization fee AND the tow fee.
However, you have the absolute right to request the tow operator to release a vehicle hooked up to the tow truck, if you arrive at the scene of the parking crime before the tow truck is in motion. The request must be made by the person lawfully entitled to possession of the vehicle; and the person must execute a binding agreement to pay the vehicle release penalty set forth in the parking rules, within 30 days of the execution of the agreement.
In addition, the person seeking the release of the vehicle from “captain hook” must:
- Present a current, valid driver’s license; and,
- Either registration for the vehicle, title, insurance identification; and,
- The keys to the vehicle
In the case of a commercial vehicle
the driver must present company identification and the keys. In the case of a rental car, you must present a copy of the rental agreement and keys.
It is a good thing to remember you are not required to pay the tow operator a release fee in cash at the time of un-hooking. The rules require you to execute an agreement to pay within 30 days!
Please share your immobilization stories. Have you ever been held up by a tow operator for cash at the time of un-hooking?
Lawrence Berezin
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Larry walks you through the same process he follows to fight NYC parking tickets and win. Plus, you'll receive a winning defense certification and exhibits.
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