How to make Sense out of NYC Vehicle Registration Rule

Last Updated on January 4, 2018 by Lawrence Berezin

Pete’s first meeting with the NYC vehicle registration rule

This is the first article in a two-part series about the NYC vehicle registration rule.

I received a telephone call from Pete, who recently transferred to NYC. Two days after his arrival in the city that never sleeps, Pete was extended a rude welcome at 4 a.m. by a parking ticket warrior who never sleeps, in the city that never sleeps.

When Pete returned to his car in the morning, he found an orange epistle under his windshield-wiper for a violation of 4-08(j)(1): Vehicles must be properly registered. He asked:

“I only arrived in NYC two days ago, and my vehicle still bears Indiana plates. Is there any way I can fight this parking ticket?”

Larry’s reply

When you’re right-FIGHT. I told Peter we can beat this parking ticket because 4-08(j)(1) only regulates vehicles BEARING NY PLATES. The next question is, how in the wacky world of NYC parking tickets can I find any of these parking rules? Where do they live?

Great questions. Here’s the best way to create order out of the chaos of NYC parking rules.

Larry’s secret step-by-step guidance system

1. Check the front of your NYC parking ticket, and find the specific section of 4-08 a warrior claims you violated
2. Look for this specific section in the Table of Contents of 4-08 (NYC Traffic Rules)
3. Make sure the specific rule found in this section matches the parking crime
4. Next, look up the specific section of 4-08, and carefully read the full rule. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn. For example, Peter would learn the violation he was charged with, 4-08(j)(1) only regulates vehicles bearing NY plates, so he wins!
5. If Pete didn’t find the rule and read it, he’d never realize the rule does not regulate a vehicle lawfully bearing out-of-state plates

Commentary

Why not take some of your valuable time, and familiarize yourself with the Table of Contents? You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find.

Section 4-08 is part of the full volume of NYC Traffic Rules. You may wish to take a gander at the language contained in the specific 4-08 rule you are charged with [see below]

Ready for part II? Click ever so gently right here

NYC traffic rules & regulations

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