Last Updated on March 19, 2023 by Lawrence Berezin
Why did Joe get an NYC safety zone parking ticket?
Our terrific client, Joe, was issued an NYC safety zone parking ticket. When he parked his car, the front end extended slightly beyond the stop line but was not in the crosswalk.
Meanwhile, Joe asked, “Is the space between a stop line and a crosswalk a safety zone?”
I thought to myself, “Ummm. Good question, Joe.” In other words, I had to do some homework.
I asked myself, what is the definition of a safety zone? Is a crosswalk a safety zone? Is the space between a stop line and a crosswalk a safety zone? Why are there crosswalks with no lines, parallel lines, and diagonal lines?
Parking rules and parking law
4-08 (f)(6) of the Rules of the City of NY states:
Section 141 of the Vehicle and Traffic Laws of the State of NY provides as follows:
- Safety zone. The area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.
Since NYC (a kingdom unto itself) generally adheres to its own rules before following NY State Laws, I’m still not sure what NYC considers a “safety zone” because it does not define the term “safety zone.” It simply prohibits parking in a safety zone. I guess if it looks like a safety zone and quacks like a safety zone.
A picture is worth 1000 words.
Here are some images of an NYC safety zone.
I initially asked Gridlock Sam to help me understand what a safety zone looked like. He was kind enough to send me the first image (Safety Zone, Houston Street Near Avenue D). It not only shows me what a “safety zone” looks like, but the photo includes a stop line, a crosswalk with parallel lines, and a motorcycle parked at the curb.
Have you ever received a parking ticket for a safety zone violation? Did you fight and win? Please comment; your opinions matter to all of us!
Commentary
A safety zone is a no-standing zone. You are permitted to stop temporarily and drop off or pick up a passenger and immediately leave the area. Above all, a safety zone trumps a parking sign. So, if a sign does not prohibit parking during certain days/hours, you cannot park in the safety zone.
Hi I got a ticket in kings highway brooklyn. between 13th and 14th street. from what people have said for 16 years this spot was never given a ticket and just recently they started giving tickets near this so called “safety zone”.
i parked adjacent to a safety zone and behind a line of cars on the side where parking is permitted and even a parking meter not in or between the safety zone. however some cars adjacent dont get tickets but just a “particular” area. we are thinking about bringing this up with a news station because this is the citys fault not correctly letting people know. and it is definately a parking lane if you look at it. what do you think I have evidence and photos of this area. please reply
Dear David,
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/
please i need a little help..i cant afford to pay the ticket..
Hey David I also got a ticket on kings hway in the same spot n today I went down to fight it with pictures n they still found me guilty n now I am wondering should I apeal it or waste another day n try to fight it
I was involved in a car accident pulling over to a safety zone on Shore Pkwy / Shell Rd . A bird let out crap and it landed on my front windshield , I did put on my washer, wipers but it seems to have frozen washer fluid being it was around 15 degrees outside . As I was stopping the other car was trying to change lanes into my lane which was a safety zone , the 60 pct did the accident showing his car hitting my car . Progressive is taking his side claiming it was my fault , how is that possible ? If he hit me how is it my fault?
Hi, Gary
I’m sorry to report that I am no longer answering questions on the blog.
Just a little too much for this old guy to keep up with.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
PS…I only handle parking violations, Gary