Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Lawrence Berezin
The two proposed rules are getting ready to roll.
The DOT Commissioner has proposed two rules. One of the rules pertains to altering the iconic unaltered commercial vehicle rule. However, the change would only add a name and eliminate an address on a CMV (“Commercial Motor Vehicle”).
On the other hand, the second change rocked my boat.
Meanwhile, I was a rookie parking ticket fighter in 2009. There was a controversy about whether a driver could legally park alongside a curb cut on the long ‘T’ of a ‘T’ intersection without traffic signals, all-way stop signs, or crosswalk markings.
Likewise, after some cops, warriors, and judges created a little tumult by refusing to honor the new rule, the DOT ended the hullabaloo by publishing the following clarification on its website:
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.
The proposed rule takes a giant leap back to the future
To make a long story short, the new rule would eliminate parking in front of a pedestrian ramp, even if it was located at a ‘T’ intersection without traffic signals, all-way stop signs, or crosswalk markings.
Yikes! I never thought I’d return to 2009.
If this change happens, drivers can no longer park in front of pedestrian ramps in unmarked crosswalks at ‘T’ intersections. Moreover, the DOT would make all pedestrian ramps equal and illegal.
Time to meet the possible new rule
§3. Paragraph 7 of subdivision (f) of section 4-08 of chapter 4 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended to read as follows:
(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 34 RCNY § 4-01.
The current and maybe soon-to-be-eliminated language is in the brackets […] below:
[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.]
[The rule will eliminate the language in the brackets]
The thrill of victory
Will become an agony of defeat if the proposed rule goes live.
For example, I recently defeated the Evil Empire for a client who legally parked alongside a curb cut on the long ‘T’ of a ‘T’ intersection without traffic signals, all-way stop signs, or crosswalk markings. But a warrior issued a parking ticket.
Here are two exhibits that show the exact nature of the parking space that the rule will eliminate:
The winds of change are blowing backward
Here’s a copy of the notice of the proposed rules.
Would you like to read the full text and learn how to comment? Click the button below, and there you go.
I’m not forgetting. The proposed commercial vehicle rule
§4. Paragraph 1 of subdivision (k) of section 4-08 of chapter 4 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended to read as follows:
(1) Parking of unaltered commercial vehicles prohibited.
No person shall stand or park a vehicle with commercial plates in any location unless [it has been permanently altered with all seats and rear seat fittings, except the front seats, removed, except that for vehicles designed with a passenger cab and a cargo area separated by a partition, the seating capacity within the cab shall not be considered in determining whether the vehicle is properly altered, and has the name and address of the owner as shown on the registration certificate plainly marked on both sides of
the vehicle in letters and numerals not less than three inches in height, in compliance with § 10-127 of the Administrative Code and is also in compliance with paragraph (i) of] such vehicle
meets the definition of a commercial vehicle as set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subdivision
(i) of 34 RCNY § 4-01.
[This language will be eliminated]
(c) the proposed rule will change paragraph (c) as follows:
(C) it displays the registrant’s name [and address permanently affixed in characters at least three inches high on both sides of the vehicle, with such a display being in a color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically on doors or side panels] in
accordance with Section 390.21 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations
[This language will be eliminated]
In other words, the owner’s name must remain on both sides of the CMV, and you must add the operator’s name.
But you can eliminate the address of the owner.
Summary
Firstly, I advocate for NYC drivers. Likewise, I fight against unjust parking tickets and the city’s unfair treatment of people with motor vehicles.
In the same vein, I’m watching NYC mount a multifaceted attack on car ownership and operation. One of their weapons is to eliminate parking spaces:
- Permanent outdoor dining
- Citi Bike racks
- Neighborhood loading zones
And now, all pedestrian ramps are off-limits.
Come on, people; you know what you’re doing. How much revenue do you expect to raise while people are learning about the proposed change? That’s $165 per ticket. Or experiencing the significant frustrations of finding a vacant parking space in between sidewalk dining, bike racks, taxi stands, and the like.
I urge you to voice your disapproval by commenting on the proposed rules. Simply click on the button and choose one of the easy options to be heard.
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Registration/inspection CS
Don’t you hate registration and inspection tickets? Here’s how to get rid of them.
O.K., so now you’re on notice of the loss of a parking space. Or worse yet, an $165 pedestrian ramp parking ticket if the proposed rule is enacted. But wouldn’t it be a shame if you got an additional unjust registration or inspection ticket? What a bummer!
Don’t despair. Here comes Larry and his “Registration and Inspection Ticket Cheat Sheet” to the rescue.
Click the pretty green button.
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The problem with NYC is that it has been taken over by a bunch of woke progressives. Concerning cars, they have an agenda: get rid of cars period. They don’t care that there are people that need cars for work or to get to work, or there are those that need a car to get around. (Like my elderly neighbor who does her errands on alternate side days) With a holier than thou attitude they propose lowering speed limits to undrivable speed limits. Make permanent outdoor dining although in many neighborhoods the local residents complain about them. Put up bike racks all over the city. Here too, if there is a safety issue with T intersections then of by all means don’t park there, but I don’t see a safety issue in most of these T intersections. It’s just one more way to make it harder to drive in NYC and for the city to get more ticket revenue.
Hi Tee,
Well said!
I’m really concerned about the proposed pedestrian ramp rule.
Likewise, it will be an a costly and inconvenient nightmare.
I hope you’ll lend your voice against the proposed ramp rule.
Thanks!
Regards,
Larry
Hey Larry, This all reminds me of a ticket I got many years ago. I was parked in Queens on Metropolitan Avenue off 74th Street, near a T intersection. There were 2 curb cuts for pedestrians located in the crosswalk. I was parked past the crosswalk, but there was a driveway curb cut because the building, Carlos Pizzeria, was previously a garage. I got a ticket for blocking a curb cut. I sent in photos and won. Plus, I spoke with the City Councilman and had the curb restored to normal height, saving others from a silly ticket.
Thanks again for all your great insight and information The city truly is trying to eliminate cars with all the crap they are doing. It is nothing short of criminal that the bridge and tunnel tolls go up more by percentage than the MTA fares, and 3 weeks sooner. And this is for people not using MTA, and the revenue all goes to MTA. What do the drivers get out of it? Nothing. Not to mention congestion pricing.
Take care
Hi Lee,
Always great to hear from you. Love the stories!
Thank you for your kind words. Step-by-step the City is eliminating a car’s “habitat.” Not good.
Regards,
Larry