Last Updated on September 21, 2021 by Lawrence Berezin
The NYC parking ticket story involving an “unaltered commercial vehicle”
I got a telephone call the other day from Joe from Jersey. He parked his van with commercial plates in a commercial meter zone in NYC. He paid the toll on a pole and went about his business. When Joe returned forty-five (45) minutes later, he found the dreaded orange envelope containing an NYC parking ticket on his windshield. Joe asked, “Why did I receive a parking ticket when I paid the meter?”
“Unaltered Commercial Vehicle”
Joe didn’t have the name and address of the owner, as shown on the registration, permanently affixed in letters and numerals, at least, three (3) inches high on both sides of the vehicle. The parking fine is $115, and Joe doesn’t even get a chicken dinner with his donation.
-The NYC parking rule
34 R.C.N.Y. 4-08 (K) Special rules for commercial vehicles.
“(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 with 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 Section 10-127 of the Administrative Code and is also in compliance with paragraph (i) of the definition of commercial vehicle as set forth in Section 4-01 of these rules.”
Commentary
Let’s take this analysis one step at a time because the rule is confusing, and it is applied without mercy. First, it matters not in which state your vehicle is registered, and what the laws of the state of registry say. If you venture into NYC with a vehicle bearing commercial plates, you are burnt toast unless it is altered.
You do not need a Moyal to alter your commercial vehicle; but if you don’t follow the rule, you will be issued a $115 parking ticket. Your commercial vehicle must have the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle permanently affixed on both sides in lettering, at least, three (3) inches high. You got it:
- Name and address
- Registered owner
- Three (3) inches high
- Permanently affixed
- Both sides of the vehicle
Here are some of the excuses I hear: “I really own the vehicle but its registered in my Uncle’s name because he lives in Utah, and insurance is less expensive.” Ca-ching. “Why can’t the lettering be 2 1/2 inches high?” Ca-ching. “It is very difficult to remove the lettering, isn’t that enough?” Ca-ching.
Next, your vehicle bearing commercial plates must be “permanently altered with all seats and rear seat fittings, except the front seats, removed.” You got it:
- Think Moyal… permanent
- Permanently altered
- All seats permanently removed
- All rear seat fittings permanently removed
Please, I beseech you, rear seats (gone forever), rear seat fittings (gone forever). Or else, you risk a $115 parking ticket.
You cannot stand or park a vehicle with commercial plates anywhere in NYC, regardless of where your vehicle is registered; without altering it according to the above Rule.
Has this Rule caused you parking ticket pain? What action did you take to eliminate the pain? Please comment, your opinion matters to all of us.
I have a commercial car so I can make deliveries and be able to unload in a commercial zone. I had not idea what was classified as commercial car, I though the $400/month insurance and registration was all I needed! The first of two tickets in one month (each $115): My car magnet with my company and website did not read the address. So I bought new magnets ($40) with the address. And now for the second ticket: My car did have the address permanently written, magnets are not ok. Who knew?? Now I am researching how to find the right decal for my commercial car, is third time the charm? I hope so, because I cannot find the answer anywhere! And why the same ticket within 1 month, that is ridiculous!
Dear Abby,
Good evening.
I feel badly about your parking ticket pain, which is endured my many others over what qualifies as a commercial vehicle. Are you getting parking tickets for “unaltered commercial vehicle?” Why not email me a couple of photographs of both sides of your commercial car and the 10 digit summons numbers from both tickets. If you’d like, you can email your stuff to larry@newyorkparkingticket.com
I’m happy to take a look see, and offer my humble opinion about how to put an end to these parking tickets.
Best,
Larry
Hey
I parked a penske Rental truck on the street which does not have backseats and has PENSKE logo written in 6 inch letters on the door. I received a ticket for unaltered comm vehicle. Is there anyway of fighting this?
Hi, Joseph,
Sorry about the commercial parking pain.
Here’s the pertinent part of the Rule:
“(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 display being in a color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically on doors or side panels.”
Is this vehicle registered in another state? What type of plate, commercial, truck, or another type?
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Larry
New York & commercial plate.
The word Penske is written on the side door.
I have a PA van with a plates that says Truck. I parked my car on a Commercial meter in New York City. When I got back I found two parking tickets : First one was for Passenger vehicle parked on a commercial zone and the other ticket was for Unaltered commercial vehicle!? I just need to know if the Parking God is allowed to write two tickets on the same time, one saying the vehicle is not commercial the other one saying that my vehicle is an unaltered commercial vehicle? To me looks abnormal to get such tickets, it’s either one or the other! This way they should be allowed to give 7 tickets …until one of them makes sense ? :)) Please just let me know if it is legal to write two tickets one because the car is non commercial and the other because the car is commercial but doesn’t have the writing on doors :))
Eliade,
Good morning.
Great question.
A truck is generally considered a commercial vehicle. However, in order for a truck to be considered a commercial vehicle for purposes of stopping, standing, or parking in NYC it must be altered.
Therefore despite the fact that your vehicle has “truck” plates and quacks like a truck, in NYC unless it is altered, it’s not a “truck.”
Here’s the definition of a “commercial vehicle” (4-01)
Commercial vehicle.
(i) For purposes of parking, standing and stopping rules, a vehicle shall not be deemed a commercial vehicle or a truck unless:
(A)it bears commercial plates; and
(B)it is permanently altered by having all seats and seat fittings, except the front seats, removed to facilitate the transportation of property, 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
(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 display being in a color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically on doors or side panels.
….(iii) Vehicles bearing commercial or equivalent registration plates from other states or countries shall not be deemed trucks or commercial vehicles unless they are permanently altered and marked as required in (i)(B) and (C) of this definition, above.
Here’s the rule for parking an “unaltered commercial vehicle” in NYC:
(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 the definition of commercial vehicle as set forth in §4-01 of these rules
If it were me, I would try to devise a winning defense and beat one of the two parking tickets. Not easy.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
I am still confused by the language.. I have a 2012 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Passenger Van in which we installed a partition between the seats and the cargo space in the back. The city gave us commercial plates and we were amassing tickets for parking on the street, so we were forced into a paid parking lot. Yesterday in Manhattan we were given a ticket for not having information properly displayed. I see now the information required, but are we exempt from the rule by having a passenger vehicle with a partition, or does it still apply?
http://www.mbsprinterusa.com/sprinter/passenger-van/specifications/2500-high-roof-170-wb/12
Thanks!
Dear Jesse,
Good morning.
I totally understand your confusion…You are a member of a proud band of brave hearted people who try to drive and park safely in NYC.
Your vehicle may quack like a passenger vehicle, but if it bears commercial plates, it is a commercial vehicle.
The next step is to make your commercial vehicle safe to park in NYC. That entails “altering” it.
“Your commercial vehicle must have the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle permanently affixed on both sides in lettering at least three (3) inches high. You got it:
Name and address
Registered owner
Three (3) inches high
Permanently affixed
Both sides of the vehicle”
In summary, if your vehicle is registered as a commercial vehicle and bears commercial plates, it is critical that you alter it properly so it can park, ticket-free in NYC.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Does a paper sign beneath the windshield, or something similar, count as “permanently affixed” or do they specifically mean the info must be printed onto the body with paint?
Thanks!
Jesse,
Good morning.
An example of permanently affixed would be paining the information on your vehicle.
On the other hand, a paper sign is a ticket to a NYC fundraiser.
Paint beats paper.
Best,
Larry
Hi,
I just received a tix in nyc for having flat black sign on my shiny new black truck.
Am I doing something wrong? Also my address just includes city and state.
Thank you
Herlander
Hi Herlander,
Sounds like a real cool-looking truck. However, I’m afraid that the sign is required to be in a contrasting color. Here’s the definition:
(i) For purposes of parking, standing, and stopping rules, a vehicle will not be deemed a
commercial vehicle or a truck unless:
(A) it bears commercial plates; and
(B) it is permanently altered by having all seats and seat fittings, except the front
seats, removed to facilitate the transportation of property, except that for vehicles
designed with a passenger cab and a cargo area separated by a partition, the
seating capacity within the cab will not be considered in determining whether the
vehicle is properly altered; and
(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 display being in a
color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically
on doors or side panels.
Be safe,
Regards,
Larry
Can commercial letting be place horizontally on the both sides of a four door suv ? thank you
SDC 55 park ave NY NY 10001 or must it be SDC
55 PARK AV
NY NY 10001
Frank,
Good morning.
Very interesting question.
The answer is, the lettering must be placed vertically on both sides of the commercial vehicle. Here’s the relevant portion of the rule (4-01 Definitions)
“…(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 display being in a color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically on doors or side panels.”
Park safely.
Best,
Larry
Hi,
I have a cargo van, registered in PA as a private vehicle. As it is a private vehicle it has no signage. There are no rear seats.
I received a NYC parking ticket for an Unaltered Commercial Vehicle and the comments were “Both side of vehicle no sign or name and address of owner. No signs.”
Is disputing this as simple as sending in a copy of our registration and plates, showing it is a private vehicle?
Thanks!
Dear Malinda,
Hi back.
This unjust ticket is issued with impunity…Sorry for your pain.
Easy to issue…No so easy to defeat.
Quite frankly, I a bit uneasy about giving you a defense because it can get pretty nuanced with this awful ticket.
But here’s some helpful information.
The rule states:
(k) Special rules for commercial vehicles.
(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 the definition of commercial vehicle as set forth in §4-01 of these rules.
The tipping point is proving your PA plates are commercial plates. The first step is, hopefully, the word “passenger” or some such word appears on the plate 2) Your vehicle registration clearly states its a passenger vehicle. The best proof is #1 and #2. Otherwise #2 and any other helpful information from PA showing the cargo van can be registered as a passenger vehicle.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
I use my private vehicle for transporting props, equipment, etc . in and around NYC. I wish to get commercial plates/registration and put my company name and address on both sides of the vehicle. However, I cannot have the inside altered, as it also acts as a vehicle of transport for actors, crew and guests also. What can I do?
Denise,
Good evening.
Sadly, many companies have to choose between registering their vehicle as a commercial vehicle or a passenger vehicle.
There’s no way around the choice. It involves picking your poison.
What are the benefits you receive with commercial plates versus the challenges that arise because you can’t transport people
in a properly altered commercial vehicle?
We represented a company that employed 150 technicians that started each day from home. They had to park their vans overnight in
residential neighborhoods. Ergo, our client had to register the vans as passenger vehicles and lost the parking benefits bestowed
on commercial vehicles. For example, you lose the free parking ticket pass while making deliveries and service calls. But, you
cannot stand a commercial vehicle in a general no standing zone.
With a passenger vehicle, you can stop temporarily to drop off people, and leave immediately. Or, stop temporarily in a no parking zone to drop off
people and property, and leave immediately. All of this is while having a person sitting behind the wheel of your vehicle.
The choice is a tough one.
The answer depends on the parking situations your company is faced with.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
I have a PA vehicle. It is a Dodge Ram 1500 It is a standard passenger vehicle that I use… It is NOT commercial or apportioned.
I got one of these tickets for $115 an I disputed it, but they still found me guilty. Super surprised. I thought that my registation and insurance would dismiss it.
What I don’t understand is if you live in PA and buy ANY pickup truck, they give you a TRUCK designation on your license plate. It is NOT commercial.
Why does NYC parking give these tickets to regular vehicles, and there must be someone to clear this up and not pay the 115. How to defend or prove? I can’t imagine that I am the first person from PA to drive a pickup truck and park it in a valid spot in NYC. I was parked legally.
Steven,
Good morning.
What a shame.
What parking violation were you charged with?
Was it parking an unaltered commercial vehicle?
Or parking a passenger vehicle in a space limited
to commercial vehicles?
What’s the number?
Best,
Larry
What parking violation were you charged with?
Unalatered Commercial Vehicle
Was it parking an unaltered commercial vehicle?
Yes
Or parking a passenger vehicle in a space limited
to commercial vehicles?
Not at all. It was in front of my apartment in a legal spot.
What’s the number?
Not sure what you are looking for on this 🙁
The difference is that if you buy a standard pickup truck in PA you get a TRUCK plate. But in PA the designation is ‘APPORTIONED’ for commercial. How can NYC make such a blatant mistake all the time? I think that NYC parking authority would have to be familiar with designations from various states to avoid these problems. They obviously are NOT. I’d like to pursue it further, but not sure where to take it.
Hi,
Our cargo van got ticket and it says,
Unaltered Comm Vehicle
Complaints Comments:
no telephone # on vehicle
No Signs
We got this ticket on Queens, NY.
We do have company name and address on both doors but not phone # of company.
on “(C)it displays the registrant’s name and address permanently affixed ”
does “Address” means including phone#?
Steve,
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/
Lawrence-
I received a ticket for rear seats not removed in my commercial vehicle. The vehicle in question is a pick-up with an extended cab and rear seats. The relevant part of the rule states:
(B)it is permanently altered by having all seats and seat fittings, except the front seats, removed to facilitate the transportation of property, except that for vehicles designed with a passenger cab and a cargo area separated by a partition, …
The rule seems to provide an exception for “vehicles designed with a passenger cab and cargo area separated by a partition.” By my reading of the rule, my cargo are is the truck bed and separated by the rear wall and windshield. I will confess that the seat was folded up and tools were stored in the back, but not note of this is made on the ticket. Am I grasping at straws?
Dear Sandy,
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/
Lawrence today I got two tickets 14 an unaltered commercial vehicle. And one the parking in a no standing commercial meter Zone. Now I know ignorance is no excuse for not having lettering on my commercial truck. I guess my question is is there a Grace. Because I just pick the truck up 3 days ago and haven’t had a chance to get lettering on it?
Another question my truck has a ladder rack and Commercial plates so should I fight the no standing commercial meter.
Grateful for your help
Jim Covington
Hi Jimmie,
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
We have a vehicle registered in NJ with commercial plates. The vehicle is an SUV that is leased to our medical practice. It is not for transport but really is a private vehicle that is leased by our business. Received a parking ticket with 4-08(k)(1): Unaltered Comm Vehicle. Complaint: No signs. Rear seat/fittings not remvd. How can we fight this? We use the vehicle for private and business use.
Emil,
Good morning.
Sadly, commercial plates trigger the operation of the stupid rule.
I would check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements. If you find one or more, you win subject to presenting the proper proof, properly.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Does adhesive letters/numbers count as permanent letters/numbers on the va?
van*. we have all the seats removed in the back and everything i right
Hi Andy,
Good morning.
I am sorry to say…No.
The letters must be permanently affixed to your van.
Regards,
Larry
i live in new york long island .
I have a question i just put letter sign in my car for advertizing my company and i don’t have comercial plates and also the car is registered under my wife’s name ,
Question is : can i get a ticket for a no comercial plate with the name of my company on left and right door ?
Thank you on advanced i’m happy to see you still replied , hope everything is well with your heart .
Hi Marbin,
Thanks for the good wishes.
The NYC traffic rules prohibit advertising a business on a vehicle unless the vehicle bears commercial plates and is used in the business advertised.
If you drive your car in NYC, you are risking a parking ticket.
4-08(n)
(3) Parking for the purposes of commercial advertising prohibited. No person shall stand or park a vehicle on any street or roadway for the purpose of commercial advertising, as defined in
§4-12(j)(1) of these rules, except as otherwise provided in that section
4-12
(j) Commercial advertising vehicles.
(1) Restrictions. No person shall operate, stand, or park a vehicle on any street or roadway for the purpose of commercial advertising. Advertising notices relating to the business for which a vehicle is used may be put upon a motor vehicle when such vehicle is in use for normal delivery or business purposes, and not merely or mainly for the purpose of commercial advertising,
provided that no portion of any such notice shall be reflectorized, illuminated, or animated, and provided that no such notice shall be put upon the top of the vehicle and that no special body or other object shall be put upon vehicles for commercial advertising purposes. Advertisements may be put upon vehicles licensed by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission in accordance with the Commission’s rules.
The Rules refer to “vehicles” rather than “commercial vehicles.” Ergo, my interpretation is these rules cover a prohibition against “all vehicles” displaying commercial advertising.
Regards,
Larry
I have a Sprinter with commercial plate and I got a ticket for unaltered comm vehicle, less then 3inch lettering. I didn’t know up until now that it’s got to be 3 inches and mine is somewhat smaller.
Do you have any tip on how to fight this ticket?
Thanks in advance.
Csaba,
Good morning. How many inches is “somewhat smaller?”
Regards,
Larry
HI,
I just got a 2 tickets on the same spot within 2 min from each other for the same reason : Unaltered Comm Vehicle on one and other reason: Unaltered. My vehicle doesnt have any seats on the back at all, and also has company name listed on each side as well as city and the state the business registered from, as well as a phone number and email address we operate under. It doesnt state the street address though. Could that be the reason to get a ticket for it? I thought displaying the company name its registered to, the city and state is enough to be compliant with the law . Please let me know.
Hi, Viktor,
Sorry to hear about your parking pain.
The Rule requires, the Registrant’s Name and Address. I’m sorry to say I don’t think the city is sufficient.
Regards,
Larry
I have a Ct Truck registered with COMBO plates which is CT way of allowing passenger trucks to drive on the parkways, but registration and insurance show this correctly listed as a passenger vehicle. I don not have a commercial business and I do not use this vehicle for any commercial purposes. I parked the car in front of brother inlaw house in Bronx and received a parking ticket for Unaltered Commercial Vehicle. My vehicle is not a commercial vehicle. How do we fight this ticket?
Hi, Arlene,
Great question about a very confusing area of parking rules in NYC.
I’m happy to look at some photos of your vehicle and tell you what I think:
-Side View
-Rear View
-Close-up of the plate
You can email ’em to, larry@newyorkparkingticket.com
Regards,
Larry
Do you know the unladen weight of the truck?
I just got two tickets on the same spot for my commercial truck. (commercial Plates)
1.- No standing Mtr Zone 10 A – 10P ( I have proof of meter payment)
2.- Unaltered Comm Vehicle ( Magnet)
I hope Lawrence you still can help, you seem like a very knowledgeable man.
Hi Roxana,
Good afternoon.
I don’t like commenting without looking at the tickets. But it seems you got ticket #1 because your vehicle was improperly altered and therefore was not considered a commercial vehicle for parking purposes.
Likewise, you got ticket #2 because the lettering on the sides of your vehicle was not permanently affixed to the vehicle. Therefore, it violated the rule against a vehicle bearing commercial plates but not properly altered.
Sorry, Roxana
How are Rivian R1T (and other E-truck owners) supposed to park their personal truck, then? The F150 Lightning is over 6000 lbs unaltered, the Rivian R1T is around 7000 lbs, the Silverado EV is going to be over 8000 lbs, and the Hummer EV is over 9000 lbs. Due to the weight being over 6000 lbs, they’re automatically placed into the “Commercial” category, despite being used as a passenger vehicle. Are the people that drive these for personal use going to be required to put their name and address on the sides of the vehicles? And, yes, I am asking because of the news story making the rounds right now.
Hi Thomas,
Good afternoon.
Great question about a parking challenge many people face.
The short answer is, NO. You don’t have to alter your truck.
The reason is because a commercial plate is only one element of the necessary to prove a vehicle is a commercial vehicle. Meanwhile, the other elements are, as follows:
(i) For purposes of parking, standing and stopping rules, a vehicle will not be deemed a
commercial vehicle or a truck unless:
(A) it bears commercial plates; and
(B) it is permanently altered by having all seats and seat fittings, except the front
seats, removed to facilitate the transportation of property, except that for vehicles
designed with a passenger cab and a cargo area separated by a partition, the
seating capacity within the cab will not be considered in determining whether the
vehicle is properly altered; and
(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 display being in a
color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically
on doors or side panels.
Therefore, since your big truck is not altered, it will not qualify to park in areas restricted to commercial vehicles. For example, if you parked in a commercial meter zone you would get a ticket.
However, you are permitted to park in all areas where passenger vehicle parking is permitted.
On the other hand, the challenge you may face is when you park your truck overnight in a residential area. It is common for warriors to issue unjust tickets for “unaltered commercial vehicles” because they spot commercial plates. Likewise, if you get this type of ticket, you can fight it and win.
Good luck, Thomas.
Regards,
Larry