Larry's Blog

Avoid hefty fines for Parking Tickets by Knowing these Definitions

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You do not have to tell me what an unmarked crosswalk, driveway, or a commercial vehicle is. I know the difference between stopping, standing and parking.

Or do you? Understanding the definition of these terms will help you avoid a gaggle of parking tickets in NYC. What will you do with the money you save? 

Definitions are found in Section 4-01 of the Official Compilation of the Rules of the City of New York

• Unmarked Crosswalk: "That part of a roadway, other than a marked crosswalk, which is included within extensions of the sidewalk lines between opposite sides of the roadway at an intersection" 

• Driveway: "Every entrance or exit authorized pursuant to applicable law and used by vehicular traffic to or from lands or building abutting a roadway"

• Commercial Vehicle:
• "(i) For the 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
• (ii) For the purposes of rules other than parking, stopping and standing rules, a vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of property, or for the provision of commercial services and bearing commercial plates shall be deemed a commercial vehicle
• (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"

• Stopping, Standing and Parking

• Here is a link to a prior blog post that sets forth these definitions. Definitions

Commentary:

Why are definitions so important? Definitions help you avoid paying hefty parking fines. For example, if you know the definition of "unmarked crosswalk," you will park your vehicle behind those imaginary extensions of the sidewalk lines and avoid parking tickets for parking in a crosswalk.

You will not park your unaltered vehicle in parking spaces designated for commercial vehicles, and save beacoup bucks. Instead, you will comply with the requirements and properly alter your vehicle. 

How about a driveway? What if you see a permanent obstruction in the driveway preventing access for vehicles, and you are still issued a parking ticket by an overzealous parking ticket warrior? You win because an obstructed driveway is not considered a driveway. Ergo, you did not park in front of a driveway, as defined by Section 4-01of the RNY.

Can you unload your personal property to the curb if parking is prohibited? (Yes) How about if standing is prohibited? (No). The answers to these enigmas are found in the definitions of parking and standing. Ca-ching, ca-ching.

Here is a link to Section 4-01, which contains definitions. Safe parking. NYC Traffic Rules.pdf

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