I was waiting for my son to come out of store, and received ticket for double parking. I believe the definition of double parking is when we park parell to another car and there in no one inside the car. 
 
I was stopped in front of a building where you are not to park and received ticket. Rediculous!

Hi Kathy, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website. I hope you found some useful information. 
 
Double parking is a violation of Code 45, which states in part, "Standing or parking on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped, standing or parked at the curb; in other words, "double parking". 
 
You are not guilty of double parking if you are stopped "...temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers..." See, N.Y.C. Traffic Rules, Section 4-01(21). 
 
Considering these definitions, do you think the facts you presented amount to a violation of double parking? I'm happy to discuss this further with you. 
 
Thanks so much for taking the time to post a thoughtful comment!

I recieved a parking just yesterday for "No Standing". When i originally parked im causious on what meters I park by. I noticed a sign that says "1 hour parking Mon - Saturday". I came out of a store 10 mins later and I had a ticket. I said to myself where is the "no standing sign" it was farther down the block and obstructed by beams that hold up the train that runs above ground. How was i supposed to be aware of a sign that No standing behind a beam farther down the block and a sign i parked in front of that say 1 hour parking. Living in NYC has become a nightmare

Benny, 
 
Believe me, I feel your pain. Missing, illegible or confusing signs are a defense to parking violations. You may be able to argue that the location of the sign prohibiting parking was not readily visible.  
 
Happy to continue the conversation if you'd like to drop me an email. 
 
Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps all of us to know these traps.

I had 3 minutes left on a legit parking meter in Park Slope, BK, and I was issued a ticket! I took some camera phone pics of the meter, but how do I go about fighting it? It's total BS!!

Benita, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a comment. Does your camera phone picture show there is time left on the meter? If so, please email me the photo and a telephone number to call. 
 
I'm happy to explain how you can fight your parking ticket

while I was paying at the meter I was given a ticket. I spoke to the traffic agent who then told me I was in a commercial meter zone. I offered to move my car as I was there less than one minute and had in "good faith" been paying at the meter. his car was blocking me in and he refused and wrote me a ticket. 
 
do I have any hope?

I received a ticket today for parking in an area close to a sign that said "No parking 8am-6pm" with an arrow pointing one way. I was across a parking lot entrance and another car was parked in front of me. There wasn't another sign indicating where that no parking area ended. I checked all the way to the corner. Any chance of getting out of this. I took pictures before I moved the car.

I received a double parking ticket while receiving a passenger on a residential street in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was placing construction materials in the bed of my pickup truck and was about to get into the car when the officer raced over and "zapped" my registration on the front window with his reader. Can I fight this? I was not double parked for more than a minute or two and there was no parking spot large enough to fit my truck to receive the heavy construction materials.

Hi Chris, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website. I hope you found some useful information.  
 
Yes, you may be able to beat your ticket; or reduce your fine. I suggest you email or fax me your parking ticket and photographs. I will review them and get back to you with an answer within 24 hours. 
 
You can also reach me at our toll free number, 800-249-5048. 
 
I look forward to your reply.

Sam, 
 
Great question. You can beat this ticket. Please contact me so we can discuss at your convenience. 
 
A commercial vehicle is permitted to double park while expeditiously making a pick up or delivery. A private passenger is permitted to double park while receiving or discharging a passenger. 
 
You win!

I recently received a ticket for parking at a failed meter for more than a hr. The meter failed after I put 3 quarters into it. Based on the law that Mayor Bloomberg signed and took effect March 1, 2009, it stated that you can park for the max allotment of the sign. I took an article and the written law to a judge this morning and was still found guilty, as he didn't intepret it that way and I should have moved after a hr. If there are laws on certain things and the judge doesn't follow them, is there any course of further persuing these tickets?

Bill, 
 
Here's the text of the new law you refer to in your question. 
 
By Council Members Felder, Avella, Brewer, Comrie, Fidler, Gentile, Jackson, Mealy, Nelson, Palma, Nelson, Recchia Jr., Stewart, Weprin, Gerson, Monserrate, Vallone Jr., Dilan, James, White Jr., Lappin, Reyna, Liu, Eugene, Garodnick and Sears 
 
..Title 
 
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the City of New York, in relation to allowing parking at missing or broken meters or muni-meters up to the maximum time permitted in that parking meter zone. 
 
..Body 
 
 
 
Be it enacted by the Council as follows: 
 
 
 
Section 1. Subchapter 2 of chapter 1 of title 19 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 19-167.1 to read as follows: 
 
§ 19-167.1 Parking at broken or missing meters or muni-meters. a. A person shall be allowed to park at a missing or broken meter up to the maximum amount of time otherwise lawfully permitted at such meter. 
 
b. If all muni-meters in a parking field or on a block are missing or broken, a person shall be allowed to park in such parking field or on such block up to the maximum amount of time otherwise lawfully permitted by such muni-meters in such controlled parking field or block. For the purposes of this subdivision, “muni-meter” shall mean an electronic parking meter that dispenses timed receipts that must be displayed in a conspicuous place on a vehicle’s dashboard. 
 
§ 2. This local law shall take effect ninety days after it is enacted into law. 
 
What's your next step? Good luck! 
 
 
 
 

Larry, 
 
My father just received a ticket for no standing, my mom got off the car, but then a traffic cop ran from the other side of the street, block my father from driving away and issued a summons. I checked the NYC Traffic Law seciton 4-08, it states that we can offload passengers it is allowed. 
 
Do you know how we can fight the ticket. I felt this is so unjust. Since it's now the 26th of June, they are trying to meet their quote. Since there is no proof and it's basically our word against his, how would we fight this?

Pete, 
 
Thanks for your thoughtful and absolutely accurate comment. As long as the parking sign did not prohibit STOPPING, you are permitted to temporarily stop your vehicle to discharge or pick up passengers. 
 
Please feel free to call me at our toll free number and I'm happy to explain how to proceed; and how to document your dispute.

I received a ticket as a result of a new sign being hung. In other words, my car was parked legally in a zone that had no signage. The following afternoon a crew hung a no parking 6-am to 6pm sign and I was ticked an hour later. What are my options?

Steve, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a comment. I hope you found some helpful information. Just when I thought I heard everything... 
 
I suggest 2 options: 
1. Plead NOT GUILTY, request an in-person hearing, sign the back of the parking ticket and send it by certified mail, RRR to the address on the back of the ticket. You will receive an offer to reduce your fine in about 3-4 weeks.  
 
2. Plead NOT GUILTY, compile the appropriate documentation and affidavits and fight the ticket 
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Good luck!

I received a ticket running rush hour leaving the city. I was try to go to the Lincoln tunnel when the car in front of me stopped and i was lightly still in the intersection. The officer gave me a parking ticket instead. There were another car besides me which was also blocking the intersection and did not receive a ticket. I want to fight this ticket since i am from out state and cant appear in court physically. Please advise

Pete, 
 
Boy, it irks me to tell a visitor to our website that I don't think you have a fight you can win. Blocking the Box (VC 9) was recently added to the arsenal of NYC parking violations. The good news is that it does not carry any points. 
 
You may wish to try for a reduced fine. Here's what you do: 
1. Plead NOT GUILTY 
2. Request an IN PERSON hearing 
3. Sign the back of the ticket 
4. Send it to the address on the back of the ticket by certified mail, RRR 
 
In approximately 3-4 weeks, you will receive a letter from the NYC DOF offering you a reduced fine, in exchange for changing your plea to GUILTY. Don't worry, you will not have to attend an in person hearing if you accept the fine reduction. 
 
Good luck!

I am so upset because same thing happened to me today with the blocking of the box. I was following two cars to a tournament today in central Parl. We were at a red light - it turned green the two cars in front of me went. There were police officers that had cars pulled over to give them tickets which in turn kept us from going though the light and now all three of us get pulled over and ticketed for blocking the box. The first car did not get a ticket - retired police officer but the other two of us did. I know you told the previous poster not to bother trying to fight it but when you say reduced fine - how much are we talking?

Denise, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a comment. I feel your pain. You were not treated reasonably.  
 
It is our custom and practice to consider each ticket on its own merits; and apply your unique facts to the parking rules, regulations and defenses available to arrive at an opinion about whether we can fight and win. 
 
In your case, I would like to know: 
1. The number of traffic lanes in the direction you were traveling 
2. Which traffic lane(s) were blocked by the cars receiving tickets 
3. What you were able to observe when the light turned green for you. 
 
It is apparent that "blocking the box" has become a very popular ticket for traffic/parking enforcement officers. One way to defeat VC 9 is proving you entered the box in the process of making a left turn. 
 
In response to your direct question, you will receive an offer to reduce your $115 fine to $90. 
 
I'm happy to discuss your options in more detail. Please feel free to call. 
 
 
 

Larry, 
 
 
 
Cant the fine be reduced further? I mean $25 is not much differece for a $115 ticket. Please advise what steps we need to take so the fine can be lowered further. Thanks!

Peter, 
 
I hear you, Peter. I wish I could suggest a way to lower the fines.  
 
Here's a blog article I posted about the process to follow to obtain a reduced fine. I hope it's helpful. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/13730/4-Well-kept-secrets-to-reducing-your-New-York-City-parking-ticket-fines 
 
I enjoy our conversation.

HERE IS YOUR ANSWER:  
Found ticket on car, for street cleaning. No sign, finally found partially hidden sign at other end of block. The following website: 
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trafrule.pdf 
 
UNDER SECTION 4-08 
(i) Sign placement. For purposes of this section 4-08, one authorized 
regulatory sign anywhere on a block, which is the area of sidewalk 
between one intersection and the next, shall be sufficient notice of the 
restriction(s) in effect on that block.

Tony, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website, and posting a comment with valuable information to share with our readers. Many members of the parking public believe that a sign must be located near a parking space to control the parking rule for that space.  
 
As you aptly point out, the law only requires on sign, anywhere on the block, to control the parking rules on the block.(check the direction of the arrow on the sign) 
 
You may be interested in a Blog article I posted on my Fox 5 News Blog. Here's a link. 
<a>http://community2.myfoxny.com/_How-to-read-NYC-parking-signs-and-save-money/blog/265558/6475.html

Can you, please, comment on this? 
I got ticket for double parking ($115) and paid reduced amount in the office ($90). Today I was notified that I still own $100.  
Ticket Details:  
Fine: $ 115.00 
Penalty: +$ 10.00 
Interest: +$ 0.00  
Reduction: -$ 65.00  
Paid: -$ 90.00  
--------------------------  
Balance: $ 100.00

Oleg, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and taking the time to comment. We manage commercial organizations in the Stipulated Fine Program and Commercial Abatement Program. We check every weekly report for errors.  
 
Some times payments are not applied. Other times, there are double charges. While this is not a frequent occurrence, we have to be vigilant to protect our clients. 
 
It sounds like a mistake by the DOF. I suggest writing them a letter explaining your situation and enclosing your parking ticket and proof of payment. Hopefully, this action will resolve your challenge. 
 
Should you wish to discuss this further, please feel free to call us.  
 
Good luck!

Hello Larry, 
I parked about 25 feet from a "no standing" bus stop this morning and got towed away. I can't find anywhere what the exact rule/law is for this kind of signs. There was no other signs in the street (295-305 Bergen St in Brooklyn) to tell me how far from this sign I should be. And it is allowed to park in this street and side because there are signs prohibiting parking at certain hours for cleaning. Could you help me please? the total amount is huge ($300) and I can't really afford it at that time... (I already had to pay by credit the $185 to get the car back from the tow station). Is there anything I can do? Where could I read the law on that subject? 
By the way, the car is registered in MA (does that change anything?). 
Thanks a lot for your help.

Antoine, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a comment. It is helpful to all of us to learn from each other's experiences. 
 
Reading NYC parking signs is very difficult. Understanding the signage on a City block is impossible. Generally speaking, the arrow at the bottom of a parking sign controls the direction of the parking rule. The parking rule on the sign regulates the parking spaces on the block UNTIL the next parking sign in the same direction as the arrow points. 
 
If there is no addition signs, then the rule on the parking sign covers the entire block. 
 
A NYC bus is approximately 40-45 feet long. Parking 28 feet away from the bus stop sign, would not leave enough room for one bus to pull to the curb. If you would like to discuss this further, please post a reply, call or email. I'm happy to continue the conversation 
 

Hi Larry.. 
 
 
 
I received a ticket for "failure to display muni receipt"  
 
 
 
The muni reqirement is 10a-10p. Electronic ticket was written at 10:04am, but I got back to my car just before 10.  
 
 
 
Any chance of fighting that the time was so close and in error? (or just pay the reduced fine?) 
 
 
 
Thanks

Drew, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and taking the time to leave a comment. There is a wonderful NY Supreme Court case directly on point. You can download a copy of the decision on Larry's Blog. The title of the blog post is, "NY Supreme Court backs citizen against the Parking Violation Bureau". 
 
The issue comes down to persuading the hearing official that you moved your vehicle before the Rule change went into effect at 10 a.m. The decision tells you have Mr. Young proved his point about the time of violation. 
 
I'm happy to continue our discussion.

Dear Larry, 
Like a previous writer, I received a section 4-08 violation for obstructing the intersection. I was travelling east crossing 9th Ave. at 40th st and was the 2nd or 3rd car to enter the intersection once the light turned green. Once I was half-way across the intersection, I saw a traffic officer standing in the middle of 40th, on the other side of 9th, impeding the flow of traffic as she pulled over cars to issue tickets. She was standing in the middle of the street, right before the bus entrance to the Port Authority terminal and just above where the street narrows to one lane due to construction on both sides of the st. She was flagging cars, who couldn't pull over because there was nowhere to go. So I had to sit in the intersection and then in the crosswalk while she pulled over 5 cars at once. I got caught in the intersection because of her actions and now am being fined $115. She was basically creating the situation that then allowed her to issue violations. Do I have any recourse?

I recently got a ticket for double parking. I am a private investigator and was printing a report to deliver to be used as evidence. It was not fined printing at 10:29 A.M. so I ran downstairs to move my vehicle for alternate street cleaning, I also heard the street cleaner in the area. I moved the vehicle to the other side of the street and "double parked" with the car running and the windows down. I ran upstairs, stapled the report and looked out my window. An agent was writting me a ticket. I ran downstairs and the agent was gone. I had a $115 ticket for double parking when I would have had only a $45 ticket for blocking the street cleaner. What can I do about this injustice?

It should also be noted that I caught up to the agent at the next intersection and asked for an explanation. Not only did I not get one, she became belegerent with me, like I was there to argue you her to no end. Then I was stalked when I left the area. I have a short video and pictures to prove it. I feel i'm going to get tickets in the mail for failure to pay tickets in a few months, that they may have made up. (I have received a ticket like that when I explained to the agent what I was doing and he walked away like he understood, he also did not speak English, how does that happen? New York is a nightmare and I'm moving back to Long Island when my lease is up. I can write a book with the experiences I had.

Debra, 
 
Thanks so much for visiting our website and sharing your "Blocking the Box" experience. We have received many, many complaints exactly like yours. 
 
According to the technical, unreasonable letter of the law, there is probably no defense to the predicament you found yourself in due to the actions of the NYC parking enforcement warrior. But, I think there may be a way to attack this challenge. 
 
I am going to post a Blog article on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 with my thoughts about a strategy to fight this problem. I don't believe the evil that Code 9 is seeking to eradicate is congestion caused by the behavior of NYC parking ticket warriors. 
 
Driving public, get your cell cameras ready. More on Tuesday. 
 

Daniel, 
 
I hear you. I wish I could offer you a reasonable way to fight the ticket for double parking; but, I don't have a defense that will work.  
 
My suggestion is to take the fine reduction on this one. If you are not sure about the process to obtain a fine reduction (to $90), please communicate with me and I'll walk you through the process. 
 
Thanks, Daniel, for stopping by, and more importantly, sharing your parking ticket experience. Believe me, it helps all of us.

Daniel,  
 
On your second comment, save your video. If you do receive a parking ticket you do not deserve, please feel free to contact me. I'm happy to help. 
 
Good luck!

Ooh, is my face red! 
 
I was reviewing some of the comments and my reply, and I noticed a blunder of mine. Double parking is a violation of Code 46, not Code 45.  
 
My apologies to one and all. I deserve a parking ticket.

I parked my car at the street that have this sign of NO PARKING ANYTIME - Temporary Construction for about 3 months since there were developing a new condominum. However a No parking Wednesday 8:30-10am sign had gone up above this sign recently, and everybody started to park again. 
My car was towed and issued an violation ticket of 20, stating i parked at a temp. construction site, meanwhile, NO OTHER CAR received a ticket or towed. 
SO now i m responsible for a $185 towing fee + $60 ticket.  
Is there anyway i can fight this ticket? its such a great amount of money that i felt i m totally innocent of this case!!! 
 
thanks

Yu Yu, 
 
Thank you for stopping by and posting a comment. Wonders never cease when it comes to NYC parking ticket warriors. 
 
It's almost impossible to make any sense out of the two inconsistent parking signs you describe. It's easy to look back and say it's always best not to take a chance when one sign prohibits parking any time; but that's not going to help you at this point in time. 
 
Here's my suggestion: 
1. Check the front of the parking ticket for any missing required elements, such as; correct time, date and location of violation, make, model, license plate number, date of registration expiration, etc. If yes, you win. 
2. You may wish to base your defense on confusing parking signs. You are required to take overlapping photos of the entire block, and front and back photos of every sign 
3. Explain why the signs are confusing 
4. Sign the back of your parking ticket 
5. Enter a plea of NOT GUILTY 
6. Send everything to the address on the back of the ticket by certified mail, rrr 
 
If you need our help, please feel free to call or write. 
 
Good luck

Hi, 
 
I received a $115 ticket at 99 Battery Place this past Tuesday for "No standing bus stop". I was parked on an alternate parking block that allowed parking on Tuesday. On the block is a bus stop, but I was at least 20 yards before the bus stop. In fact if you go to google maps, 99 Battery Place, you will see a car parked (the black Ford) exactly where I was parked all the way at the beginning of the block. How do I fight this? I am located in Philadelphia, I did not take a picture at the time (I was fuming).

Matt, 
 
Sorry for the unkind welcome to the mean streets of NYC. I searched Google Maps as well as the integrated maps on our website and saw the black Ford. I wasn't able to locate a bus stop sign. 
 
Here's the rule...Locate the bus stop sign and the arrow at the bottom of the sign. The arrow points in the direction of the bus stop zone and regulates that portion of the block UNTIL THE NEXT PARKING SIGN. 
 
Once you locate the next parking sign in the same direction as the arrow points, that will tell you the size of the bus stop zone; and whether you parked inside the bus stop zone. Do you recall the location of the bus stop sign and the next parking sign? 
 
Please let me know. That will give us the answer whether or not you can beat your bus stop parking ticket. I'm happy to help you.

Matt, I think I was parked right in front of that black Ford (See 92 Battery Place) on the Saturday before you got ticketed. Also an out of towner that received a ticket (luckily only one) on the following Sunday, the car behind me (in the Ford's place) had a ticket as well. I did not see any no parking signs anywhere. Parked well back from the bus stop, on a quiet street where a bus would probably not even need to pull to the curb. $115. Of course no yellow markings to help you out like in most cities. Oh well...

Hi - I was towed and ticketed yesterday and need your help in deciding whether I should fight the fines. I was parked in LIC on Center Blvd off 50th Ave. Although my car was parked in an area where there were white lines perpendicular to the curb, there were no signs of any kind indicating no parking or no standing. In fact there were no signs at all. The ticket states the violation is for parking in a Safety Zone (f) (6).  
 
 
 
My question is, should I have known that white lines perpendicular to the curb indicate a safety zone? Shouldn't there be a sign indicating no parking, no standing?  
 
 
 
Thanks for your time. I will anxiously await your response and advice. 
 

I recieved a "No Standing(c)" $115 on Monday. I found: 
 
1. Name of complainant wrote as "Lee" instead of a full name. 
 
2. Location wrote as: "C/O of 37th St.+ Frame Place". I read a book called The New York City Motorists' Parking Survival Guide. google book link:http://books.google.com/books?id=STx3XHc5gSQC&pg=PA114&lpg=PA114&dq=parking+ticket+%22corner+of%22+survival&source=bl&ots=xD0k32gxbq&sig=zEW1suA3q7_DtsHQ0tfaZKq8te0&hl=en&ei=hO2VSvGKJY6I8QaDvqy1DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false. On page 114, it says the ticket defects if it does not clearly indicate the location of the offense. "C/O" is not good.  
 
 
 
So do I have enough ground to dispute this ticket? 
 
 
 
Thanks.

I have got another ticket where it wrote as "C/t 41th Rd". 
 
C/t must be a spelling mistake. but is that ground for appeal? 
 
thanks

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question. I received two tickets, failure to display muni meter strip. The first ticket I never received the second was on my windshield which I paid the next day and plea to a lesser amount. The first ticket was at 9:55 am and the second was at 3:00 PM or thereabout which I paid after receiving a default judgement in the mail. Is it legal for the City to issue two tickets for the same infraction within 12 hours? I was guilty for leaving 1/3 of my mini van on the muni section adn the 2/3 on the free parking section. Is there anyway for me to appeal? Many thanks

Two tickets. First was for allegedly blocking a pedestrian ramp. I was parked at an unregulated T intersection, which, according to the Parking web site, is an area where it is allowable to park in front of a curb cut. Nowhere does it say "a curb cut UNLESS it is a pedestrian ramp," and nowhere can one find a definition of a pedestrian ramp on the web site. This is a pretty poor pedestrian ramp; really a curb cut with a couple of lines cut in it. I disputed this one and lost and am now getting ready to go back for round 2 and appeal as the official website indicated I could park here. Can I just show up at a finance office anytime and do this? (there's one quite close to my office in Manhattan though I got the ticket in the Bronx). 
 
Second ticket was a tow- right across the street. Same alleged violation, and this time I was in front of a mangled curb; no stripes, cuts, bumps in it to even marginally indicate a pedestrian ramp, just a cement sidewalk that looks like someone took a sledg hammer to it when the cement was drying - like 6 -8 feet of irregular height curb. Sure looks like, at best, a non-pedestrian-ramp curb cut. Also, it's not even close to aligned across the street from the one I was ticketed at the first time. Again, unregulated T intersection, no crosswalk. 
 
This one I haven't challenged yet but want to be sure I do it right because I want the tow fee back too. Is past 30 days but that shouldn't matter if I win, correct? 
 
I've parked at these spots tons of times in the past. Am thinking it's out of state plates combined with the rumored recent pressure to make 4 tows a shift, but I'm not going to subsidize this with my hard earned money. Please advise!! 

Hi A, 
 
Thanks for stopping by and posting a comment. This helps all of us; and in this case, especially me. We have never defended a parking ticket for a "safety zone" violation, so let's see if we can figure this one out together. 
 
VC 53 prohibits: Standing or parking in a safety zone, between a safety zone and the adjacent curb, or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone 
 
4-08(f) states: No person shall stand or park a vehicle in any of the following places, unless otherwise indicated by a posted sign, markings or other traffic control devices, or at the direction of a law enforcement officer. 
(6) Safety zones. In a safety zone, between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone. 
 
My first question is "What's a safety zone?" I was unable to find a definition anywhere in the myriad NYC parking rules, laws, brochures, etc. I'm sure it is there someplace, but I sure as hell couldn't find it. So, I looked for help in other jurisdictions; and Cambridge came to my rescue. 
 
Their parking rules define safety zone as: 
 
"...an area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians. A channelizing island is a traffic island located to guide traffic streams along certain definite paths. Vehicles stopping, standing or parking in or on these areas create safety hazards to pedestrians and traffic.  
 
Any vehicle stopping on or next to any marked or signed safety zone or median strip or island will be ticketed.  
 
So, with the benefit of hindsight, those unusual perpendicular white lines were probably identifying a "safety zone." Who knew? 
 
My next question is, "Is there a requirement in NYC that there be a sign posted specifically telling the driving public, this is a "safety zone?" That would be too easy. Nope, no requirement for any warnings. The language in the rule says you can only stand or park in a safety zone if there is a sign, etc. permitting you to park. 
 
This reminds me of "Catch 22" logic. If you ask to be relieved of combat flight duty because you're crazy, your request will be denied Why? Because any one asking to be relieved of their flight duties is certainly not crazy. 
 
We both took a trip down learning lane. My considered opinion is that, of course you didn't know it was a safety zone, but it was. I think it will be difficult for you to fight and win. You may wish to consider applying for a reduced fine. 
 
Hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact me; post another comment to continue our discussion.  
 

Alex, 
 
I agree with the esteemed author of "The NYC Motorist Parking Survival Guide" when he says "C/O" is not sufficient to identify the location of violation. Nor is "C/t." 
 
My suggestion is to fight the tickets based upon 39-02(a)(3), a misdescribed required element.  
 
Kudos for taking the time to research the rules and find a viable defense. Please let me know the outcome of both parking tickets. 
 
Good luck

Imtiaz, 
 
Great questions, but my answers will not help you beat your parking ticket. A rule of thumb when receiving a series of parking tickets against the same vehicle, for the same violation is that, IF THE SECOND TICKET IS ISSUED WITHIN ONE HOUR OF THE FIRST TICKET, THE SECOND PARKING TICKET WILL BE DISMISSED. Otherwise, one or more parking tickets for the same offense may be issued to your vehicle during the course of the day. 
 
The reason for the rule is to prevent the driving public from taking a hit and simply leaving the car parked in the space for the remainder of the day. You may remember the story of a van being ticketed for several weeks with a dead body inside. 
 
You did the right thing in paying the second summons. Here's a quick "heads up." We have good luck fighting a parking ticket for failure to display a muni-meter receipt when, in fact, the member of the driving public paid for parking. Sometimes the receipt is placed, faced down; or loses its spot on the dashboard. 
 
A respectful letter explaining the circumstances and attaching the original muni-meter receipt oftentimes will result in a dismissal of the parking ticket. The evil sought to be punished is failing to pay. The DOF will sometimes excuse our minor blunders. 
 

Hi Larry,  
 
Thanks for the advice. I decided to dispute the ticket online. here is the letter I have drafted. Can you have a look and see if it is suffient or correct.  
 
Thanks in advance: 
 
------------------ 
 
Dear Sir or Madam: 
 
 
 
I believe the enclosed notice of violation should be dismissed pursuant to 39-02(a)(3) of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law because the “C/O” is insufficient to describe the exact location of the incident (there are 4 corners of a T inspection and 8 corners of a regular intersection), as required by the applicable law.  
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter. 
 
 
 
Very truly yours, 
 

Alex, 
 
You're hired! Nice job. I wouldn't change a thing.

Hi Julie, 
 
Great questions. In order to appeal from an adverse decision, you are required to file your appeal within 30 days of that decision. There is a form to complete on the DOF website. Indicate that you wish to appear in person, and a date will be set for your hearing. 
 
The standard for review is different from the standard for the first bite of the apple. You cannot submit additional proof, unless you obtain the consent of the respondent (DOF). You may wish to read, Chapter 39 of title 19 of the Official Compilation of Rules of the City of New York. Section 12 deals with the rules for appeals.  
 
Your proof should be directed at the change in the pedestrian ramp law in December, 2008, which was obviously not considered by the original hearing official. I trust you previously submitted photographs of the ramp in question. 
 
Second question is yes, you should absolutely dispute your ticket and tow. You are permitted to request a hearing within 100 days of the issuance of your summons. You will be refunded your tow charge, if you win. 
 
Good luck.

Hi Andrew, 
 
Thanks for your response. I actually didn't submit photos initially, because I appealed online and stupidly thought that saying, look, here's your rule, and the intersection I was parked at is a T intersection would be sufficient; that anyone with a map could see that. Since I wasn't claiming to not have been at all in front of the alleged ramp, pictures didn't seem necessary for a defense based on the law not applying to that intersection based on a characteristic that should be apparent from any map of New York City. 
 
Am I toast on this? That seems completely out of whack that I'd lose because I didn't submit proof of a commonly available piece of information; one which is indisputable. I know that logical and rational is irrelevant here though.

Julie, 
 
I'm a little reluctant to comment further on a case you already presented, without reviewing everything. 
 
I will say this...When you choose to proceed with an online hearing, you are waiving your right to submit any documents in support of your defense. You may wish to reconsider that approach in the future. 
 
In order to prevail at a hearing, you must understand the elements you need to prove in order to establish your defense; and the proper documents you are required to submit. How about a photograph of a Google map street view showing the exact location where your summons was issued, which includes the so called ramp? 
 
Our business is to fight your NYC parking tickets. I try my best to educate the driving public of their rights; and respond to questions to the best of my ability.  
 
I hope this information helps. 
 

Thanks for taking the time and for your advice, Larry. I too was unable to find a description of what constitutes a safety zone in NYC law. I am still planning on appealing by mail and will let you know how I make out although I think I already know that answer...lol!

Interesting updates - and thanks for all the advice! Went today to dispute ticket 2, realized on the way I was cited for parking at the corner of 179th when in fact I was a street over. This was to be my first protest (and I had played out in my head the Kafkaesque exchange already - "can you prove it? Have a photo?" "No, because you towed me!") when the judge, very nice man, said, "I'm not even going to swear you in because there are three problems here - the address isn't listed properly, no expiration date for your registration is given, and the make isn't listed." Big score! Very nice judge. 
 
Now, back to ticket 1. Unfortunately my hearing was 7/23 so I am past the 30 days to appeal that. However, on that ticket, registration was marked N/S but I clearly have a registration sticker on my license plate and under 39-02 that's a fatal error. Wondering now if the 30 days to appeal is only based on the merits? Is a defective ticket worth trying to get it overturned (I paid it yesterday online in preparation to appeal) this late?  
 
Thanks so much again for all the info. It's great to have someone who's willing to give solid, no-nonsense advice!

A, 
 
Good for you! I wish you well. Please let me know the outcome of your quest.  
 

Julie, 
 
I am thrilled about the outcome of your hearing. Way to go! I love your spirit.  
 
Here's one option you may wish to try. Notwithstanding you are beyond the 30 day time limit to appeal, the hearing officials have the discretion to permit your appeal anyway, "IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE." Since you are claiming a fatal flaw in the parking ticket, i.e., a required element is missing, they may hear your appeal.  
 
Here's a tip: It may be sufficient that the warrior inserted N/S to overcome a missing required element presumption. I would politely point out that the information was available and should have been included. 
 
I hope your story has a happy ended. Keep me posted.

How do I beat No-Standing tickets? 
 
I have a No-standing Exec Auth vehicles 
 
3 No standing all Day/Time Limits 
 
a No standing exec truck loading 
 
Finally no parking st cleaning 
 
I was considering saying I was dropping someone off for No-standing ones and st cleaning say my car was broke and wouldn't start 
 
Any Help would be great! Thanks guys! 
 

Hey Mark, 
 
Great questions. It is difficult for me to focus my answer on your special facts, absent knowing the details. Generally speaking, stopping temporarily to discharge or receive a passenger is a defense to a general no standing, street cleaning, or no parking except authorized vehicles violations. 
 
Simply regurgitating that defense won't beat your ticket. If so, I'd be out of business. You really have to align your facts with supporting evidence. Not an easy task. 
 
Good luck. 
 

I received a ticket under rule 4-08 (j)(3) for improper display of registration sticker. The sticker was properly affixed on the right windshield location. The sticker had become a bit loose and I had put a piece of tape to help keep affixed, but still the right edge had become a bit loose. However, the sticker was perfectly legible from any angle. I took a few pictures of the sticker showing it was still affixed and legible. Can I fight this?

Axel, 
 
This NYC parking ticket is worth fighting. Ultimately, the outcome is up to the judge's discretion. NYC has experienced some problems with the adhesive on the back of registrations. It isn't unusual for a registration to come partially or completely undone. 
 
First, though, check to see that all the required elements are described properly. If any are omitted, misdescribed, or illegible, you automatically win. 
 
Good luck. Please let me know how you make out.

Hey, I'm trying to beat the OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTION ticket in NYC and looking for some defects. Not only the officer who issued the parking ticket was lazy sitting in the shadow to avoid the sun -> not observing the situation [got up to issue few tickets and went back sitting probably waiting for another red light and its trapped vehicles], she didn't ask me for any ID or driver licence, however she wrothe REFUSED NAME on the ticket. Is this enough for a defective ticket? I have other statement to plead not guilty, but if that makes my ticket defective, I would go with the defect ticket.  
 
Thanks for your reply, 
 
Anna

Anna, 
 
I'm mad as hell and not going to take the way blocking the box is improperly enforced. I posted some articles and videos on the subject. VC 9 is not being enforced the way the rule was written. 
 
In response to your question, most judges do not consider a missing name as a omitted required element entitling you to an automatic dismissal. My suggestion is to fight the parking ticket if you have a legitimate defense that you can prove; and include the missing name as a separate defense. 
 
Good luck!

Thx again for your reply :)  
 
I will definitely fight this ticket.

Hello Larry, i jsut got a ticket today for blocking the intersection on atlantic ave near the mall and i just want to know how to fight it because it wasn't really my fault. i was moving and i realized i have enough space to get out to the box until a car suddenly cut me off in front becaus ethe driver was trying to avoid being trapped in the box. this is not a fair ticket and i just want to know what i can do becaus ei cannot afford the $115 fine. it also said refused name on the ticket i hope this is not a ba dthing, please let my know, my email add is habbylove@gmail.com

hi Laryy, i need some advice regarding a no standing ticket i received last week, i just parked to use the bathroom for like 1 min with my sister in the car when i saw this officer scanning the screen, and i tried to talk to him but he wouldn't listen. i had a bladder issue so i couldnt help but stop after having being stuck in th elincoln tunnel for 2 hours, please let me know how i can fight this because the ticket is on "hearing pending" now, thank you, Temmy

Hi Larry, 
 
I just wanted to let you know that I beat the ticket for Blocking the Intersection. Thank you for your advice in responding to the ticket. 
 

Denean, 
 
I am thrilled for you. If it isn't too inconvenient, will you kindly email me a copy of the document you submitted to the DOF for your dispute. 
 
I'd love to share your success with our visitors. It is a great way to learn. 
 
My heartfelt congratulations; and I sincerely appreciate your kind words.

Temmy, 
 
I am 60 years old, so no one is more sensitive to the reason you were forced to stop than me. Unfortunately, the DOF is not sensitive to our plight. 
 
The exception to No Standing, is "I stopped temporarily and was in the act of picking up or dropping off a passenger." Waiting is not a defense. 
 
Before you give up all hope, please check the front of your your ticket for mistakes. An omitted, misdescribed or illegible required element is grounds for a dismissal. 
 
Thanks for visiting and posting your comment. It helps all of us.

HABEEBAT, 
 
Here is an outline of what is expected of the driving public before entering the box: 
1. Light turns green 
2. Before you enter the intersection... 
3. The traffic on the opposite side of the box must be moving for your lane of travel; of 
4. If traffic is stopped, there must be sufficient unobstructed space on the opposite side of the box for your car to fit, in your lane of travel. 
5. If either of these 2 conditions exist on the opposite side of the box when the light turns green, IT IS OK TO ENTER THE BOX 
 
No one has a crystal ball and can tall with any certainty what may happen during your perilous journey through the box. So, the law only requires you to make the 2 foregoing observations in order to enter the box. 
 
If you are right, FIGHT! 
 
You may be interested in reading Denean Burke's comment below yours. She beat a blocking the box parking ticket based upon the same information I am sharing with you. 
 
Good luck. Please let me know how you make out.

Hi, I received a parking ticket voilation for parking near bus stop. But I had parked my car well leaving about 4-5 car distance from the posted sign of the bus stop which is near the corner of the block. Also there is another sign near my car that says parking allowed except cleaning hours and I'm well covered for those hours. Also there is store in that block that mentioned to me there was a pole that should have had a sign to mention the limits of the No parking sign of the bus. But infact there is no sign but just the pole. I took photos of everything including a bus completely parked in the spot before my car. I'm from out of state and visited NYC for the first time on car. Is there a way to fight this ticket.

I was given a ticket for Blocking a Pedestrian Ramp (f)(7). First, my bumper was maybe 3 inches into the ramps space. Second, the ramp was 2 feet away from the cross walk. Finally, there were 2 ramps, the other one was actaully half in the crosswalk, half on the other side.

Siva, 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a comment. Your parking experience will benefit us all. Here's some suggestions: 
 
1.Navigate to the parking guide page on our website. Scroll down until you reach the bus stop sign. I explain in detail how to read a bus stop sign, and beat a bus stop ticket. 
 
2.If you wish to email me your photographs, I'm happy to look at them and tell you whether to fight your ticket; or apply for a reduced fine. 
 
Good luck!

Matt, 
I feel your pain. Those pedestrian ramps are nasty, to the tune of $165. You may wish to read my posts on how to beat a parking ticket for pedestrian ramps.  
 
It's difficult for me to give you a 100% answer without viewing some photographs. If you took pictures, I'm happy to review them and suggest how to proceed. 
 
Good luck

Hi -  
 
I too had parked in LIC on Center Blvd. right near 50th St. in the apparent 'safety zone'. When I parked there were cars everywhere else in the striped zone, and when I found my car missing there were cars parked there as well - none with tickets, and even a car in the exact spot where I'd parked! And yes, my car was missing when I got there because it had been towed on top of everything else - so now I have 2 $115 tickets on there for the same thing, as well as having payed the towing fee. In addition, there were no signs anywhere on that block indicating that there was a 'safety zone', and no where on the DOT website is a 'safety zone' defined. I'm very interested in what the previous poster's outcome is, as well as any other defenses that would make sense in this situation. 
 
Thanks!

Hi, I recieved ticket for Failure to Display Registration, in violation of Section 14 of NYS V&T law. In my defencevia web I explained that dispite have been registered on time I didn't recieve my registration from DMV on time because they sent it to the wrong address. Judge dclared I'm guilty, because I admiited there was no updated sticker attached and that not recieving sticker on time is not excusing me because it has nothing to do with 
 
law/regulation statement. So, they fine me for $65.00. Anything I can do to fight it? Being honest I'm so tired of this City Hippocrats, that with all my feelings towards New York and I do love New York, I probably will look to settle somewhere else, where authorities still have some sense of conscious, moral values and empathy.

I was parked in a "no parking from 8am-7pm except for trucks loading and unloading" during 8am-7pm, but I have a handicapped sign hanging from my rearview mirror. I thought this would allow me to park there without being ticketed. I did see other cars parked there with handicapped signs who weren't ticketed, but I have an out of state license plate. Could this be why and am I allowed to park there?

I was ticketed in Astoria a few years ago for parking somewhere during street cleaning. The problem was that 1/2 the street is no parking mon/thurs and the other half tues/fri. I was ticketed on a Thursday for no parking tuesday/friday. I took pictures of the car directly in front of the sign and the address and actually disputed the ticket online as well as going to the courthouse and they still would not admit they wrongfully ticketed me and the ticket still stands today! I refuse to pay a ticket for something I'm not guilty of, especially when I have proof!

Dina, 
 
I applaud your gumption, but worry about possible consequences. Are you concerned about a judgment entered against you for the fine, penalties and interest? 
 
If so, please feel free to call me so we can discuss your options. 
 
Thank you for taking your valuable time to share your parking experience.

Hello Larry, 
 
Just reporting back on the outcome of my appeal regarding the LIC "safety zone" ticket and tow. Decision: Guilty - violation of Traffic Rule 4-08(f)(6)..."by standing or parking a vehicle in a safety zone, or between a safety zone and its adjacent curb, or within thirty (30) feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone". Oh well - live and learn!

A, 
 
I was afraid of that outcome. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you let me know of your outcome. This helps all of us when we decide whether to fight a parking ticket. 
 
I know you thought you were right. I applaud the fact that you took a shot and fought your ticket. 
 

I have a question or 2... If you go to traffic court do they automatically reduce the fine? 
And I received a ticket (Many cars did) on a manhattan block but the sign was all the way at the end of a corner, and the ticket has my car color as silver when its grey

John, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and sharing your parking experience. It is a help to all of us. You will be offered a reduced fine for certain NYC parking tickets on-line, and while you are waiting for your turn to see a hearing official for an in-person hearing.  
 
Unfortunately, the color of your vehicle is not a required element entitling you to a dismissal if it is misdescribed...Sorry about that. 
 
The parking rules allow one parking sign located anywhere on the block. If the arrow points in the direction of your parking space, and there is no other sign on the block, it regulates the entire block. 
 
If you have no defense, you may wish to obtain your reduction online. I have posted a slide show on Larry's Blog that will walk you through the process.  
 
Good luck!

hi, 
 
i was one of the victim that got a nonsense violation traffic ticket, and through your help, i happened to fight it off. Thanks so much!!! 
but i m not having another issue, i own an old mini van and back to december 2008, i decided to donate it because i dont need to have a car anymore, i simply returned the plate, but the whole time i parked it in the garage of my uncle's apartment building, he lives in an affordable housing unit and he owes a parking space. I meant to donate it but i never got a chance and i forgot about the mini van. Recently i got a mail stating i am overdue with 2 violation tickets of EXPIRED REGISTRATION. i wonder if this make sense since the car has no plate, it simply not drivable and i still receive the tickets? What can i do to fight this off? 
 
thanks again for your help 
yuyu

Yu Yu, 
 
Thank you for the kind words. It means a lot to me. Do you have a receipt from motor vehicles proving that you turned in your plates? If your parking tickets were issued AFTER YOU TURNED IN YOUR PLATES, I recommend sending in your receipt with an affidavit explaining that you were no longer in possession of the plates on the date of violation. 
 
Or, you may wish to obtain a formal letter from DMV confirming the date you turned in your plates. 
 
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!

I pulled to the curb in front of my daughters apt. Approaching was the meter maid and I asked if I could let her out with heavy bundles. She said I was in a bus stop. I requested again but my daughter insisted I leave. we parked elsewhere. Seven months later I recieved a bill from the department of finance for a ticket issued that day. I am sure the original landed in the nearest trash. I am a civil servant and face production goals but this devious practice is despicable. I am going to file a hearing by mail and provide documents to support. any thoughts? does the discharging passengers apply?

Sheshe, 
 
Thanks for sharing your parking ticket experience with us. What a shame. When you are right---FIGHT. And, you are right! 
 
You are permitted to stop temporarily to expeditiously discharge a passenger in a bus stop zone, as long as you do not block a bus from entering or leaving. The fact that your daughter was carrying heavy groceries has no bearing on the outcome of your dispute.  
 
I recommend that you either fight your parking ticket by mail or in person. Do not fight this ticket on line because you will definitely lose. 
 
You will need an affidavit setting forth the facts in a clear, concise manner. No editorials. No emotion. Stick to the facts. I suggest including an affidavit from your daughter telling the story about why you stopped there, for how long, etc. 
 
Before you submit your defense package, check your parking ticket on line for mistakes. If a required element is omitted, misdescribed or illegible, you win. 
 
Good luck. Please let us all know how you make out.

I recieved a ticket for double parking at 4pm on 10/27/09. It was a handwritten summons. The officer wrote the date date of offense as 10/28/09. How do I prove when I got the summons?

Michael, 
 
Great question. You may wish to check your schedule to prove that you were at the place of occurrence yesterday, rather than today; and back it up with a witness statement. You stopped there for a reason. Verify the "reason" with a witness statement. 
 
If you wish to share more info, I may be able to provide you with a more specific recommendation. I'm happy to help.

I had my letter of defense notarized and asked the notary to handwrite the current date and time. I then sent the letter by certified mail and included the receipt from the USPS indicating the date and time that I mailed the letter. I hope that this will provide enough evidence to show that the ticket was issued on the 27th and not on the 28th and is therefore defective. 
 
Thanx for your response though.

Michael, 
 
If you displayed the reaction time of a Olyimpic sprinter, and completed and mailed your documents yesterday, YOU WIN. 
 
Nicely done.

recevied ticket for overtime pkg (d) time limit post days/hrs . no metr signage only ?

Dawud, 
 
I apologize for the delay in responding to your comment. I just returned from a family vacation. 
 
I don't quite understand what you are asking. There must be a parking sign that displays the parking rule regulating your parking space. Further, your parking ticket must have the days/hrs inserted and the parking meter number. 
 
If there was no signage; or your parking ticket is missing the foregoing required elements, you should fight your parking ticket. 
 
If my reply was not responsive to what you were asking, please provide me with a little more detail, and I will be happy to respond.

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
I received a ticket for "No Standing Commercial Meter Zone" while dropping off my friend to the doctor's office. The whole process only lasted less than 2 mins. Do I have stand a chance to fight and dispute my ticket?  
 
 
 

Annie, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting your comment. Your NYC parking ticket experience helps all of us. 
 
Stopping temporarily to discharge a passenger is a defense to a parking ticket for "No Standing..." 
I recommend providing the hearing official proof of the doctors office visit; and a witness statement from your passenger. 
 
Please do NOT request an on-line hearing.  
 
Congratulations!  
 
Please let us know the outcome. Good luck.

I received a ticket for placing the muni meter receipt face down (my friend did it). Can i mail in the receipt and beat the ticket?

Kathy, 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting your excellent comment. We have successfully defended a charge of improper display of Muni-meter you describe. 
 
I suggest you submit your dispute by mail, or in person; rather than online; and prepare your defense in affidavit form. I suggest you explain why it was placed face down on your dashboard. 
 
Please be sure to attach the Muni-meter receipt to prove you paid for your time at the Muni-meter. 
 
Good luck.

I just got a ticket for obstucting traffic I was going down 96th to get on the FDR. After proceeding 3/4oe more thru, the taxi to my right ( I was in the left lane) decides to make a left in front of me, so I stop to avoide hitting him.I thne move up and am at the box, but there are a few people running thru. THe car infront of me another taxi is also stopped so I can't move. There is a person standing in the middle of the road so vehicles are passing him. ANyway, my light is still green as the traffic to my left is still stopped. SInce I am not blocking the box, people bicycles etc are going thru. FInaly, the car ahead of me moves and I go thru. THe person who was holding up traffic, now waves me and the ar to my right over towards the curb. The taxi just drives thru. As I move to the right lane because the person in standing in the left lane, I realize he is a traffic cop based on the isignia on his jacket. As I slow down he comes over, scans my registration. I ask him what I did and he sid I blocked the box.I tell him i did not block it because people were going thru as HE was standing in the lft lane prohibiting traffic movement. He just said I should have made a left. I asked him since my light was just green and he handed me the ticket. 
 
Needless to say I was blown away. HOw can a traffic cop hold up traffic and then blame a driver for obstructing traffic. Had vehicles been going araound me I could understand but that is not the case. 
 
 
 
I normally do not drive inthe city much as I was only there to visit someone in the hospital. ANyway, do you think I can successfully plead nont- guilty. I feel like the ticket is a form of entrapment.  
 
Thanks and sorry for being so long

Elaine, 
 
When you are right-FIGHT! Blocking the box is not eligible for a fine reduction. The tipping point is whether the traffic was moving beyond the opposite side of the crosswalk when the light turned green; or whether the traffic was stopped when the light turned green, but there was sufficient unobstructed space for your vehicle to enter the intersection. 
 
It doesn't matter if you end up in the box when the light turns red. I encourage you to read my blog posts on the subject; and listen to my videos. It will tell you all you need to know to fight this ticket. 
 
Good luck!

I was issued a ticket for overtime parking (3 minutes) in Queens NY today (Nov. 18,2009). As I have checked on google there is a recent 5 minutes grace period passed by the councils this Monday (Nov. 16). I wonder do I have any chance to beat the ticket? if so can you please provide me some professional suggestions?

Hi - Great Website! 
 
This week I was issued a parking ticket for "No Standing; Mon-Fri/4 PM - 7PM". I was allowed ot park there before $4.00 and unbelievably received this ticket at 4:01 PM. Would this newly approved 5-minute grace period apply to my argument? 
 
I was really dismayed by this as I was returning from making a Bank Deposit before the 4:00 deadline. More bothersome was the fact that the Bank Parking Lot had construction being done, which prevented me from parking there. Any advice on using that in an argument or getting a written statement from the Bank if the 5-min grace period doesn't apply? 
 
Many Thanks!

Frank, 
Thank you for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post an excellent question. We really appreciate your kind words about the website.  
 
I am sad to inform you that the grace period bill will not take effect until 90 days after the Mayor signs it into law.  
 
I suggest you check the front of your parking ticket for omitted, misdescribed or illegible required elements. If none, you may wish to apply for a reduction of your parking ticket. 
 
You can locate our "how to" guide to apply for a reduction. Scroll down to posts by category on the right hand side of Larry's Blog and look for "reduction of your parking ticket." Click on the link and follow the step-by-step instructions in the slide show. 
 
Good luck!

Hi Cindy, 
Sorry for taking so long to reply to your comment. Thanks for visiting! 
 
The Grace Period Bill takes effect 90 days after it is signed by Mayor Bloomberg. Sorry. 
 
I suggest your check for mistakes on the front of your ticket. If none, you may wish to apply for a reduction. 
 
Please see my response to the prior post about how to apply. 
 
Good luck!

Dear Larry, 
 
Thank you very much for the response. My fiance and I were extremely frustrated over the issue since we just moved to NY from FL less than two weeks, and our car plate still not yet changed. As I checked the ticket again today, there is indeed a mistake on the ticket, the color of our car is miswritten (he put GRY on the color slot but the car is tan/beige). It is an electronic ticket. I am not sure is mistake too minor to fight?

I am sorry to open a new post, but I forgot to mention. The officer left the first part of the ticket blank (permit displayed, permit #, type)he put N/S and N/A for all but we were there when he was issuing the ticket, I wonder could this be an important element also?

Cindy, 
Sorry for your harsh welcome to our fair city. You passed your initiation by parking ticket with flying colors. I'm sorry for reporting that The color of your car is not a required element, entitling you to a dismissal if misdescribed. 
 
You may wish to apply for a reduction of your fine. 
 
It will get better, I promise.

My case is similar to the case above, I too from out-state and received a ticket for expired muni-meter in a parking lot today. I was there when the agent writing up the ticket, she had never ask me for an ID just stated N/S on the permit displayed slot. And the plate type she put down is PAS whereas my vehicle registration states RGS. Do they mean the same or I could ask for a dismissal in this case? 
Thank you very much for your time. Look forward to hear from you soon.

I was ticketed for parking in a "safety Zone". 
 
The street is four lanes wide, 3 for driving, 1 adjacent to the curb for parking. I was 2 feet from the designated cross walk lines but there was another line about 5 feet back, only covering the 3 lanes for traffic. I believed this to be a stop line for traffic before the crosswalk. 
 
I have parked this way many times, even seen paking meters within these lines, and I was issued a summons for parking in a safety zone, the line did not extend into the parking lane! I would appreciate any help in this matter.

Harry, 
Tough question. You ladies and gents are keeping me on my toes. I have to wiggle a little by asking to see a photograph before offering my opinion. If it isn't too inconvenient, will you kindly email or fax me a photo. I will be happy to reply. 
 
(Whew...I think I bought some time)

Hi Larry, 
 
I would like to hear your professional suggestions on my two tickets.  
 
First, I received a ticket in mail saying that I haven't answered the parking ticket in 30 days. The fine is $65 plus $10 penalty. I have never seen the ticket on my windshield. It's possible that someone took it away from my car. My question is am I able to get away the penalty and is there any reduction if I plead not guilty? 
 
Second, I got a double parking ticket today on 86th St. Brooklyn. I dropped off my freind and was looking for direction to my next destination. I was there less than a minutes. All a suddent an agent came by and scanned my car registration. There are over five cars double parking on that block at that moment. The agent only picked on me and allowed other cars to move away without issuing a ticket. I feel so bad given the fact that I was about to leave and she only picked on me. I am planning to plead not guilty on this one. How can I effectively defense myself on the hearing? Should I do a hearing via Internet? 
 
I appreciate your help. 
 
- Ray

Hi Larry, 
 
I was about to pay for a No Standing parking ticket, and noticed my Vin # was missing. If I apply Not Guilty, would this be a valid excuse for a dismissal? I'm aware that the car color does not need to be listed, though figured the Vin Number was a more important detail that the officer failed to note. 
 
Many Thanks, 
Dan

Dan, 
Thanks for stopping by our website and posting an excellent comment. It hurts me to inform you that a VIN number is not a required element, entitling you to a dismissal of your parking ticket upon application. 
 
You are correct about color. 
 
You may wish to apply for a reduced fine, if you have no defense to the "No Standing" violation. A defense is stopping temporarily to discharge or pick up a passenger. 
 
Good luck!

Ray, 
Great questions. Generally, when you apply for the reduction, penalties are eliminated.For example, a $115 ticket with a $10 penalty will be reduced to $90. The normal reduction for a $115 is to $90. So, in effect the penalty is eliminated. 
 
The defense for double parking with the proper proof is, "I stopped temporarily to discharge or receive a passenger." I sincerely regret to inform you that there is no exception for stopping to look for directions.  
 
I always encourage our visitors and friends, when you're right-FIGHT. Your behavior is consistent with what any member of the driving public would do when looking for directions. The big but is, to keep in mind that it is a long shot to win your case. I have absolutely no explanation for why you were singled out among other drivers who were double parked.  
 
I applaud your passion and commitment to right a wrong. 
 
Good luck. 
 
 
 

Thanks Larry! Too bad about the Vin # not being a requirement, but I appreciate your post, as it saves me time and energy. What a valuable site you run! I've been spreading the word of mouth. 
 
You mentioned potentially using a defense to the "No Standing" violation of stopping temporarily to discharge or pick up a passenger. In your professional opinion, would you advise applying Not Guilty and using that excuse or just accepting the reduced fine of $90?  
 
Thanks Again!

Dan, 
Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot to me. 
 
The process to follow is this: 
1.Look at the violation 
2.Learn the defense 
3.Marshall the facts 
4.Apply the facts to the law 
5.Do you have the proper proof 
to support the facts, i.e., 
witness, documents, receipts. 
Google maps, ect... 
6.Prepare affidavits 
7.Put together your documents 
8.Submit by mail; or in person 
hearing 
9.I don't recommend you fight a 
parking ticket on-line 
 
When you're right_FIGHT. When you're not right; or can't prove you're right...Apply for the reduction; and fight the good fight another day. 
 
Good luck.

Thank you so much for the quick response. 
 
For the double parking ticket, would you recommend internet, mail, in-person hearing?  
 
Thank you.

Ray, 
Welcome back. Let me say this, absolutely, positively do NOT fight your parking ticket on-line. I'll leave the choice between mail or in-person up to you. 
 
If you choose "by mail," you must submit affidavits.  
 
Let me know how you make out. 
 
Good luck.

Hi Larry,  
 
I e-mailed you some photos as requested, but not heard from you. 
 
I e-mailed to nyparkingticket@optonline.net, is this correct?

Harry, 
I can't seem to locate your email. I even looked under the bed. I've sent you an email in response to your comment. 
 
Please excuse any inconvenience this causes you.

While parking tickets and those who write them can occasionally be onerous, let's not forget the people who you inconvenience by parking where it is prohibited, and those backed up by your 'Double Parked' vehicle because you rate your inconvenience more pressing than the people that YOU inconvenience. Manhattan is a place where most cars should be banned at this point. The mass transit serving the city should be sufficient to leave your beater someplace else and ride a train, bus, taxi, subway, bicycle, or shoe leather into Manhattan. Get Out of Your Car People, Americans are too obese already, Try a little Exercise ! 
 
 
 
OR . . . PAY A PARKING GARAGE TO HOUSE YOUR BEATER THE WAY SO MANY PEOPLE DO.

Ed, 
Thanks for visiting our website and sharing your opinions. It's always helpful to examine issues from different points of view. Well said. 
 
Members of the driving public who disregard the parking rules and regulations are penalized heavily. Violating the prohibition against double parking costs $115. A violation of the rule against standing in a bus stop will part you and your money to the tune of $115. 
 
But, what if you obey the rule and stop temporarily in a bus stop zone to expeditiously pick up or discharge a passenger, the parking ticket warrior observes you engaging in this legal activity; but still issues you a $115 parking ticket?  
 
When you're right-FIGHT. When you're wrong, apply for a reduction and pay the piper. Regardless of the circumstances, always act with respect. 
 
Please join us. Your opinions are helpful to all of us.

I just purchased a new (2010) pickup truck and I park it on street parking in the five boro's.of NYC. My question is that my know it all neighbor has told me that my pickup must have a cover/alterations done to the bed of the pick up if I wanted to park it over night. Is he correct and do I have to make alterations to my pickup bed? I have passenger plates on my vehicle.  
 
Thanks 
 
Milton

Milton,  
 
 
 
Thanks for taking the time to visit our website, especially in aftermath of the blizzard.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Great question. One that is confusing to all. Here's a link to a detailed article I wrote on the subject. I hope it helps.  
 
 
 
Your know it all neighbor got this one right.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If you need some more help after reading the post, please feel free to post a follow up comment.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Holiday!  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/?Tag=pick+up+truck%3a+commercial+or+passenger+vehcle%3f

Hello, On Saturday of the XMAS weekend I parked on a street where a small sign was added to the regular sign stating that it was a construction site parking only by permit. The street was filled with parked cars, and since the sign wasn't above my spot, I parked. I assumed even if it applied to the entire street, it wouldn't apply on a holiday Saturday when no work was being done. Low and behold I got a 65 parking ticket. Any recourse?

I received a parking ticket for 'Failure to Display Receipt'. The receipt was in fact on the dashboard, albeit, upside down (and, shifted over from where I left it, it may have flipped when I closed the door). 
 
I drafted a very respectful letter, included photocopies of the ticket and the receipt which clearly shows that the ticket was written while my receipt was valid. 
 
Today I received a letter which is offering me a reduced amount (from $65 to 43) or to do nothing and have it reviewed by a judge. 
 
What should I do? Can I win this by showing that my receipt was valid when the ticket was written? 
 
Also, my understanding is that the information on the receipt is immediately communicated back to a central data base, as the reverse side has a bar code, why can't they scan that obviating the need to write tickets of this nature (or, printing the times on both sides of the ticket)? Or, is this an NYC money maker, you're not at fault but they are charging you anyway? 
 
Has anyone successfully beat these tickets by mailing in (not showing up in person) the valid receipt? 
 
Any insight is greatly appreciated.

I received a ticket today for not getting my car inspected. The sticker expired December 2009. 
The agent told me if I went to get the car inspection done tomorrow, that I would not pay the $65 fine. 
If I get it done tomorrow, do you suggest that I mail it in with a copy of the new sticker? 
Do you think the agent lied to me to just calm me down or is that the law? If someone gets a ticket for an expired inspection sticker and if they gey it done and mail it in the next day, do people still pay a fine? 
Should I instead go down in person and pay the reduced fee of $45? Or tell the judge what the agent told me?  
Thanks!

David, 
I'm sorry to be the messenger on this one. Getting an inspection sticker the day after you receive a parking ticket, is not a defense to your ticket. The parking ticket warrior behaved badly by giving you bad advice. 
 
I suggest you apply for the reduction ON LINE. You can find a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an online reduction on our blog. No need to waste your time waiting to pay the DOF money. 
 
Thanks for visiting. I hope the information on our website was helpful to you. 
 
Good luck.

OK, I was stupid & double parked on a commercial street while I ran into a business for 2 minutes. Others were dble parked, but when I came out to find the ticket I was the only one left. There are no mistakes on the ticket--I don't think those exist anymore since they scan the registration. Anyway, is there any way I can plead to get the $115 fine reduced (by more than $25)? Could I try sending photos of all of the other double parked cars? Or could I try pleading financial hardship as I'm unemployed? 
 
Thanks,

Anita, 
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience with us. Experience is a great teacher. It's amazing how fast a warrior can appear out of nowhere and sting you with a scanner. We all learn from each others experiences. 
 
I am unaware of any other way to win a bigger reduction of your parking ticket. Pleading hardship doesn't work under the circumstances you describe. 
I think you may be forced to bit the parking ticket bullet. 
 
Good luck.

I double parked my car one morning for alternate side street cleaning which is allowed in my area. 
problem is, i forgot to move it after the time, when i remembered that i had double parked it (2 hours later) i discoverd that i had 2 double parking violations on my window. 
one for 10:25 am and another one at 11:28 am 
My question is if its possible to receive 2 violations for the same offense? 
should i rather accept the discount offered on both or only one and try to fight the other one? 
thanks for your time

Ralph 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and pose your excellent question. You're not going to believe this one....A parking ticket hearing official will generally dismiss a second parking ticket for the same violation, in the same space, issued within ONE hour of the first parking ticket. 
 
If you can somehow prove the time of violation inserted on the second ticket is wrong; and was issued within one hour of the first parking ticket, you have a defense to the second parking ticket.  
 
If not, check both parking tickets for mistakes. If none, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine for both tickets. 
 
Good luck.

I have a question. I live in NY and have been parking on the same block for well over a month. The two signs posted are no parking 8am-9am for street cleaning and 1 hour parking from 9am-7pm. This block does not have meters of any kind on it. My question is, how do you regulate one hour parking without parking meters or munimeters. Unless a cop is literally standing on the corner watching my car, how can they say for certain that I did not go around the corner and come back & park in that same spot. I received a 65.00 ticket and I would like to know what, if anything I can do to fight it. thanks so much

One more question. last year in September I got a ticket for following too closely, which I am still baffled about to this day. The court date was in october and the officer called 6 minutes before the judge would have dismissed the case stating that he had been injured in the line of duty. The case was rescheduled for November 19 but was then administratively adjourned until January 22. Although, I am hoping that the officer does not show u, in the event that he does, What is my best defense for this type of ticket to avoid 4 points on my license? This took place on the grand central parkway during the US open in which the highway was full of nothing but police so I would have to be a complete idiot to tailgate with that many cops out there, in addition, that is just something I don't do. I have never had a moving violation of any kind ever & I know that he can't even tell me something so simple such as how fast I was going because he was in the far right lane of the highway and literally cut across all of the lanes to get to me, in addition, when he pulled me over there were NO cars in the front of me. Please advise, thanks :)

Hi there. I received a parking ticket for violation code 38, failure to display the parking meter receipt. I do not live in NYC and I was using the new printed receipt system for the first time. I inadvertently left the receipt on my dash board face down so that the time expiration was impossible to read. I appealed the ticket with a copy of the receipt showing that I had actually paid for the parking through the time that the ticket was issued. I received a reduced ticket of $43. should I refuse the reduction offer and let a judge review the case? it says that if the judge reviews the case and finds me guilty, I will then owe the whole amount of $65 instead of $43. Should I take the risk or pay the $43? Thanks.

Ali 
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your NYC parking ticket experience. I can't advise you what choice to make. But, I can say that we have been successful fighting this violation when the muni receipt is placed face down on the dashboard.  
 
The bad behavior is not paying for parking. Many judges will dismiss a parking ticket when you prove that you paid for parking; but inadvertently placed the receipt face down. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know your decision.

Kisha, 
Great question! A warrior should insert "Date/Time 1st observed" on the parking ticket. When the summons is issued, "Date/Time of Offense" should be more than one hour later. 
 
What's entered on your parking ticket?

Kisha 
You're on a roll, Kisha. I'm old and have very limited fields of expertise. One is not traffic/moving violations. Many of our customers ask for help with traffic tickets. We heartily recommend a dear colleague of ours, Matthew Weiss, Esquire. He limits his law practice to fighting traffic tickets. 
 
You may wish to click on "Traffic Tickets" in the navigation bar. You will find Matt's contact information. 
 
Good luck!

Just got ticket for "sticker on right side of windshield. 
 
Totally ?,  
 
I noted my inspection sticker was placed above my registration sticker. Should it be to the right? 
 
Can I change the position and fight it. It seems like a new NYC technicality for income.

Marc 
Great to hear from you. Here's a link to an article and photograph of how the stickers should be placed on your windshield. Good luck. 
 
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/The-Non-Stick-Sticker-64086922.html

I received a ticket for parking a U-haul cargo van overnight on a "residential" street. But this street is as commercial a street as you could imagine. Virtually the entire block I was parked on (6th street between 3rd & 4th aves) is taken up by the U-haul location and storage facility, the other side of the street is filled with huge warehouses where trucks are always delivering and picking up. There are two little residential buildings on that side of the street though. 
 
I haven't found any list or definition of what a "residential" street is or how you would know you were on one. Any sane preson would think this was a "commercial" street if such a thing exists. Someone at U-haul suggested I explain my thinking & plead "no contest" and I might get the fine reduced or dropped. What could I do, and would I have a better chance if I did the hearing in person rather than web or mail? The latter would save time of course; I'd be willing to invest a couple of hours in showing up to avoid $65 but not more than that. Any advice greatly appreciated, thanks!

FYI the location was 6th street between 3rd & 4th aves in Brooklyn near the Gowanus Canal.

Konrad 
Terrific and challenging question. Terrible advice from U-Haul. One of my major pet peeves is when people give advice about subjects they no nothing about. With that being said, I don't know the answer to your question about how to define "residential street" for NYC parking purposes. 
 
Here is my educated guess: 
1.There is no definition of residential or commercial street in the RCNY 
2.I suggest looking at the definition of residential and commercial for zoning purposes.  
Here's the link... 
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/zone/glossary.shtml 
 
3.I infer that a residential street runs through a residential neighborhood 
4.If the location where you parked is designated "residential" for zoning purposes, my guess is that the streets in the neighborhood are considered "residential streets" for NYC parking ticket purposes. 
 
I would check the zoning for the street where you parked. If in a residential district or residential district equivalent, the streets are probably residential streets where the overnight parking of commercial vehicles is prohibited. 
 
On the other hand, if the zone where you parked is a commercial zone, I suggest you have a strong argument that you did NOT park on a residential street. 
 
I invite our other visitors and friends to share their opinions. Please help us. 
 
I am also going to ask the DOT for an answer on twitter.  
 

DOT_NYC was kind enough to promptly reply to our question about how to determine whether a street is residential or commercial for NYC overnight parking for commercial vehicle purposes.  
 
Here's the answer: 
 
"NYC_DOT@LarryBerezin Residential area is determined by zoning law. See sections 105 and 138 of NYS traffic law for definitions. 31 minutes ago from Tweet in reply to LarryBerezin" 
 
NY State Vehicle & Traffic Law ("VTL"): 
 
105. Business district. The territory contiguous to and including a highway when within any six hundred feet along such highway there are buildings in use for business or industrial purposes, including but not limited to hotels, banks, or office buildings, railroad stations, and public buildings, which occupy at least three hundred feet of frontage on one side or three hundred feet collectively on both sides of the highway.  
 
§ 138. Residence district. The territory contiguous to and including a highway not comprising a business district when the property on such highway for a distance of three hundred feet or more is in the main improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.  
 
My guess is right in this instance. But, as I stated in my prior reply, you can't leave a friend or client with a guess, despite your best intentions to help. You must continue your research until you find the CORRECT answer. The wrong guess will cost your friend/client wasted time and money.  
 

I have an interesting situation. I received a $115 parking ticket on my NJ-registered car last August for parking in a "No Standing" area. There were two massive dumpsters on the street blocking visibility of a sign about 80 feet down the road. That, in addition to it being night, led me and two cars behind me to get tickets. I disputed the ticket by mail, sending photographs I took the next day to show the obstruction, and even having my friend who had been with me add a letter of testimony which we got notarized.  
 
Months passed, and I would check online to see the ticket status. On one of these checks, my girlfriend noticed that the license plate number on the ticket was wrong! I regretted having responded to the ticket, though since four months had passed, it seemed the ticket was lost in limbo. 
 
Now, finally, I received a letter (they manually copied down my return address from my own letter, even misspelling my name), stating that the verdict was guilty. However the license is still wrong. I called 311 and was told that they could not locate the vehicle's owner, so they sent the letter to me. 
 
My question: is a ticket legally bound to the vehicle owner? Do they have the legal authority to investigate or charge me as the "respondent" in this case, or will I simply receive notices of increased fines for this "unidentified" vehicle, with the ticket eventually being thrown out?

I pulled up right next to a muni-meter as I saw a cop walking my way about 50 steps away. I was dropping off my wife who was in the backseat with my 1 yr old baby daughter and 3 year old son, who were both in carseats. My father in law was in the front seat with me. 
As soon as the cop got to my car, he started writing a ticket. He was saying that I was stopped at a no standing anytime due to construction zone. I did not look at any signs before stopping since I was stopping right in front of the munimeter, but after he wrote the ticket I saw that in both of the signs that said no standing anytime there was a small plaque that said construction zone.  
Now my question is if that applies to the area where there's a muni-meter. If so, can I fight this ticket being that I was dropping off my wife and kids? 
If this is the case, what type of documentation can I send or bring with me to court to prove my case and fight this ticket. 
 
Thank you in advance for your advice. 

Steve 
A very interesting story, indeed. Thanks for sharing it with us. 
A parking ticket is issued to the owner and operator of a vehicle. Both may be held responsible. 
 
If the plate number is wrong, you can fight it for a missing required element, present the proper proof properly and win. The twist here is you fought the ticket, but may not have directed the hearing official's attention to the wrong plate number and provided the proper proof. 
 
Once you receive a guilty decision, you have 30 days to appeal. Once a hearing is held and time for appeal expires, you are out of viable options. 
 
Sorry about that. 
 

David 
There are twists and turns that reveal themselves in the process of fighting a parking ticket. It is not fair to you to try to give you a thumbnail sketch of how to fight your specific ticket, especially with the facts you present; and other information I'd need to know. 
 
I will say this. When you are right-FIGHT. As a general rule, you can stop temporarily in a no standing zone to pick up or discharge passengers. Temporarily means 2 minutes or less.  
 
It is important to check for any comments by the warrior; for mistakes on the front of your ticket; and make sure you know how to present your proof properly. 
 
I've written blog posts on all of these areas you can read to help you prepare your case.  
Good luck.

I received a parking ticket in the mail that stated that i was double parked but from the photos that i took, i wasn't even a foot away from the curb. It was my first time taking my dad's car to queens and it was the first time that i parallel parked perfectly so i took the picture to send it to my dad and my girlfriend. Its parked right outside of my school which is visible in the photo as well as the street sign but there is no way that i double parked. There is no time stamp on the photo but it may be because when i uploaded it to my computer, the date in question came up as the title. Is there anything that i can do to help the situation? I am desperate to prove to my dad that I am responsible and that i did not lie and i can't have him pay this ticket because he will never let me use his car again. Thank you for taking time out to read this. 
-Tomas V.

Tomas 
As a Dad, I hear ya. 
Why not email me the photo you took. I'll take a look and make some suggestions. 
 
nyparkingticket@optonline.net

Hi Larry, 
 
I am currently have two questions about the same ticket. First, I received a parking ticket in my neighborhood because I was parked on the wrong side during alternate side street cleaning; however, I was parked there because, when I went out to move my car, I discovered I had a flat tire. It was not only visibly flat (driver's side in the front), but I left a note in the car window to that effect. In the time that it took me to return to my apartment to let my fiance know I was taking the car to have the flat fixed, I received a ticket. Alternate side parking began at 12 and I received the ticket at 12:08. Is there any way to fight this? There just seems to be such an inherent lack of civility in receiving that ticket-the impoliteness truly bothers me more than the fine. 
 
Secondly, there is now a judgement against this ticket. I paid it online, but am wondering if this will impact my credit (I received the ticket on 9/18/09.) 
 
Thank you, 
 
Jenny 
 

Jenny 
Great questions. 
Once your parking ticket lapses into judgment, your options are limited. You may be able to request a hearing after judgment. You may wish to check out our blog post on the subject. 
 
Your success will depend upon whether your reason for ignoring the parking ticket amounts to "excusable neglect" in the eyes of the NYC DOT; and whether you can present a "substantial defense" to the violation. 
 
You may be able to argue that your vehicle was disabled and you were fixing it "expeditiously."  
34 RCNY 4-08(a)(8). 
The defense may not be available for street cleaning days and a flat tire. 
 
Here's a link to a Q & A about the impact parking tickets may have on your credit report. 
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Creditors-Bankruptcy-Q-1086/parking-ticket-credit-bureau.htm 
 
I suggest obtaining a free copy of your report to see if the parking ticket is included.  
 
Good luck. 
 

Hi, 
 
Similar to Matt's Tuesday, December 29, 2009 2:13 PM posting, I received a parking ticket for 'Failure to Display Receipt'. The receipt was in fact on the dashboard, albeit, upside down... I (also) drafted a very respectful letter, included photocopies of the ticket and the receipt which clearly shows that the ticket was written while my receipt was valid.  
 
Today I received a letter which is offering me a reduced amount (from $65 to 43) or to do nothing and have it reviewed by a judge.  
 
What should I do?  
 
Has anyone successfully beat these tickets by mailing in (not showing up in person) the valid receipt?  
 
Any insight is greatly appreciated.

MeghanJeanFitgerald 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post your comment. It is very important to share our experiences. 
 
When you're right-FIGHT! The violation is targeting people who do not voluntarily make their donation to the toll on the poll. You made your contribution, but inadvertently did not display your receipt properly. 
 
If it were me, I'd do exactly what you did. Present the proper proof properly. So, I'll ask you, what do you think you should do? If you decision is to continue the good fight, I'm wit chu. 
 
Good luck. 
Please let us know the outcome.

Hi Larry, 
 
I'm happy to report that I took my "overnight parking a commmercial vehicle in a residential zone" to the judge and he dismissed it because it actually WAS NOT a residential zone. 
 
I brought the rules you found for me on the zoning definitions, photos of the area where I was parked. 
 
But as it turned out, the judge just looked on the nyc.gov website and used an interactive map to get the zoning for that block. The beginning of the URL was gis.nyc.gov. So next time this comes up the person should check that site...could save you a 2 hour trip! I'll check back to see if you found it...if not I'll try digging around for it next chance I get. 
 
(see my Jan. 21 comment above)

To be exact, judge didn't "dismiss" the ticket, he found me "Not Guilty."

I was on Nostrand Ave picking up my little sister. She got in the car. It was a red light so I was waiting on the light to change so I could get into traffic. "i had my indicator on and my foot on the brake!!" when out of nowhere she appears and scans my registration. 
 
I explained to her that i was waiting to get back into traffic and my car was in drive and she rudely let me know that she saw me parked.

Konrad 
Boy, I'm getting old. Sorry I missed your terrific news until today. Nicely done. I love the way you fought a very difficult ticket to beat and won! 
 
I also appreciate your kind words. I am happy I could help. 
Thanks for the "heads up" about the interactive map for zoning purposes. I love to learn new ways to help our friends and clients. 
 
You just earned your advanced degree in parking ticket fighting. 
Speak to you soon. 
Be well. 
 
 

Kristine 
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your important parking experience. Discretion is the better part of valor, except when a warrior pops your registration with a scanner. 
 
Where to begin...Welp, you are permitted to temporarily stop, drop or pick-up a passenger, and go. For example, if you pull to the curb and your passenger is on the sidewalk waiting for you; and walks to your car upon your arrival...YOU WIN. 
 
The farther away you get from that scenario, the more difficult your ticket is to beat. The key elements are the location of your passenger when you stopped...and the time spent waiting for your passenger to get into the car. 
 
The last piece is exactly how you departed from the zone...motor on, foot on the brake, and turn signal activated. How long were you waiting for your sister? Where was she when you stopped your car? 
 
I hope I've explained how to determine whether you have a parking ticket you can fight and win. Please follow up with another comment if you have any more questions. 
 
Good luck.

Is a parking ticket invalid when it describes your car as being a sedan when in actuality it is a coupe?

Joseph 
Thanks for posting your excellent question. I believe there are 4 types of body type descriptions entered on a NYC parking ticket. They are: Sedan, Van, Suburban or Truck.  
 
I've never seen the body type of a vehicle described as "coup." 
Ergo, a Judge will not dismiss your parking ticket for describing the body type of your vehicle as a sedan, when it is a coup. 
 
With that said, it may be worth a try to fight your parking ticket if your vehicle is registered in NY. If out-of-state, I recommend applying for a fine reduction. 
 
If you fight your ticket, please let us know the outcome.  
Good luck.

Hey Larry, 
 
I recently received 3 tickets. 1 for alternate side parking and 2 for an expired inspection sticker. For the alternate side parking ticket and 1 of the expired inspection stickers, I never got a paper ticket and online, it shows all the details of the ticket but not the digital copy of the ticket. It says the copy of that violation is unavailable. Where do I go from there? 
 
Also, the 2 expired inspection sticker tickets were given within 5 days of each other. Is it necessary to pay them both or is there some way that if I show a receipt of a car inspection, I could only pay one of the tickers? 
 
Thanks alot!

In January 2010, I received a $115 parking ticket for parking too close to a fire hydrant, and allowing only a 3-5 foot clearance. I was not aware it was manditory in the city of New York to remain 15 feet from a fire hydrant, because at the time I lived out of state, and in Pennsylvania, a yellow curb indicates where not to park. I assumed it was fair for me to park on the street as long as I didn't block the hydrant. After my car was ticketed, my girlfriend took a few pictures to prove me car was far enough not to block the fire hydrant. A month later, I spoke with the NYC parking authority to plead "not guilty". I wrote a letter and provided the photos as evidence, and the man I spoke to rudely refused to see either of them, and he then told me I am in fact guilty, and that I must pay the amount in full, and wouldn't give me a chance to argue on behalf of my innocence. 
 
 
 
I do not think it was fair how I was not even given a chance to show my evidence, and I feel as if the whole guilty-plea process was corrupt and mishandled. I would like to seek legal help to avoid this unjust punitive action. 
 
 
 
In other words, I know there's something I can do, but what can I do at this point?

Danny 
Thanks for visiting our website. Happy you arrived before the storm. 
 
It may take up to 2 weeks before the image of a parking ticket reaches its destination on the NYC_DOF; unless it is a handwritten ticket, which can take considerably longer. 
 
Unfortunately, you are required to display an up-to-date registration sticker on your windshield. Purchase, without display, is not sufficient to beat the ticket. Sorry about that. 
 
I suggest you check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes. If any required elements are omitted, misdescribed or illegible, you win. 
 
Otherwise, you may wish to apply for a fine reduction. 
Good luck.  

Julius 
I hear you loud and clear. There is no reason for a hearing official to treat you disrespectfully.  
 
Once you admit you parked your vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; and there was no licensed driver behind the wheel ready to move upon request to do so, between sunrise or sunset, you cannot beat a parking ticket for a fire hydrant violation.  
 
You may wish to consider lodging a complaint against the hearing official that did not hear your case.  
 
There is one possible alternative. You have a right to appeal the adverse decision, if you file within 30 days. When you appeal, request the tape of the hearing be produced. If it is not produced, you win. 
 
Good luck.

Ok so I got a ticket for $115.00 for blocking crosswalk which i didn't block in the first place rather I was parked in the parking space next to it. Today i went to get it voided ended up getting a blind judge yes he was really blind. The clerk that was acting as his eyes didn't interpate my photos correctly now they say to get an appeal i have to pay the fine first begin the judge said I was guilty. How am I guilty if he can even see my evidence in the first place. What should I do I did not commit the offense I'm being accused of. Should I pay the fine and wait on the appeal? Does anyone ever get there money back from this process? I'm unemployed i can't really afford this ticket to begin with and don't want to let it linger and pick up late fees because then that would be worse. Please can anyone give me advice as to what to do. This was not a fair hearing at all.

Hello Larry, 
Just discovered your website a day before going to traffic court. 
Received a citation 1174A (...overtaking... any school bus...which has stopped...for the purpose of receiving or discharging any passengers...).  
Citation was received in a police setup (quite detailed, will be happy to give whole story).  
Officer wrote citation as "Failure to stop for Parked School Bus." 
Do I have a defense that a "Parked" school bus is not in service? 
 

Raymond 
Thanks for visiting our website. Unfortunately, our expertise is in the realm of parking tickets, not traffic tickets. 
 
We have a great friend, who is a terrific traffic ticket fighter, Matthew Weiss, Esquire. His contact information is in the navigation bar. Click on "traffic tickets." I'm sure he is happy to help. 
 
Good luck.

JenJen 
Thanks for posting your great parking ticket story. It is hard to make this stuff up. If you are right, continue your fight. What do you have to lose? We have been successful on appeal; and clients do get their money back. 
 
Is your photo taken while your car was parked and ticketed? If so, clearly indicate that on your appeal. You have 30 days to appeal (from the date of decision). Make us proud!

I received a ticket for blocking an intersection. While driving my car was stopped at a red light but some of the front was in the crosswalk the car behind me was right on me - I had no room to backup. 
 
The violation code is 4-07b2 what fine or points does it carry and is there any way to fight it or plead it out? 
 
Thank You

Tovah, 
Great question. The violation code you refer to is a traffic violation called "spill back." It is not a parking ticket. 
 
Blocking the box has a dual personality. It can be a traffic ticket with 2 points; or a parking ticket with a fine of $115, no points, and no reduction. 
 
I suggest you call our great friend and colleague, Matt Weiss, Esquire. You'll find his contact information by clicking on "traffic tickets" in our navigation bar. Matt specializes in fighting traffic tickets! If anyone can help you, Matt can. 
 
Good luck. 
 

Greetings, 
 
Thank you Larry for taking the time to answer all of our questions. 
 
My car was ticketed in a meter area. I was out of the country at the time, but my friend borrow the car and parked in a expired meter 6 hour limit 9A-10p. I photographed the location and to my advantage; the sign says: 6A-10P. Should I contest this summons through the mail or go in person with physical evidence?

Aurelio 
Thanks so much for your kind words. They really mean a lot to me. I recommend you fight the ticket the way you feel most comfortable; as long as it's not online. 
 
You must submit your excellent photograph, if you choose to fight by mail. That's a critical piece of evidence.  
 
Please let us know the outcome. 
Good luck!

hi larry, 
 
i am your biggest fan, and through your blog here, i got some tickets disputed!!! recently, I received a pedestrian ramp ticket of $165, plus they towed my car!! it is a stick shift and i bet they didnt use a flatbed tow car, they even broke my hose!!! i m really upset because there isnt any sign of no parking, or any color that indicate it is a pedestrian ramp. Plus i had seen people parked on the same spot over and over. Do you think i can fight this ticket? and can i sue the city of breaking my car while they tow my car? 
 
The description: pedestrian ramp subsection of F7 
Location: At the intersection of E. 0Ft N/of Doughty St, brooklyn 
 
The problem is I parked on Everit st, which is an intersection of Doughty st, not on Doughty st. I swear that everyone parks there. And now my car is damage as well due to the towing.  
 
thanks for your time and any advise from you is greatly appreciated. 
 
yuyu 

HI Larry 
Last night I received a ticket for improper display of registration sticker-j/3 and the comment said sticker on dash. I have no idea what this ticket is talking about. My sticker is peeling a little bit on the corners (i just read that it is probably one of the defective ones) but it is not on my dash or anything like that. What should I do? Thanks so much!!!!

Yu Yu 
I'm blushing. Your kind words mean a lot to me. Thanks! Now, on with the show... 
 
The NYC_DOT in an email and a Twitter conversation with me has made the state of the pedestrian ramp law very clear...finally. It is legal to park in front of a pedestrian ramp located mid block in a T intersection; or in the middle of any block. SO LONG AS the ramp is not in a marked crosswalk or has a traffic control device regulating traffic. 
 
On the other hand, if a pedestrian ramp is located in a four corner intersection, it is absolutely, positively ILLEGAL to block/park in front of.  
 
Yu Yu, is the ramp located in a four corner intersection? If so, I suggest you check for defects on the front of the ticket because it is illegal to park in front of a four corner intersection pedestrian ramp.  
 
I'm rooting for you, Yu Yu. I hope the ramp is not located in a four corner intersection! 
 
You raise another important issue. The judges get zillions of letters from our friends saying that their vehicle was the only one ticketed. Unfortunately, it is not a defense to a NYC parking ticket. 
 
NYC is kind enough to permit the driving public to file a claim for damage to their car. I'd check online for the form and definitely submit it with the proper proof. If you cannot locate the damage claim form, let me know and I'm happy to find it for you. 
 
Good luck.

Beth 
The parking ticket warrior's never cease to amaze me. When you're right-FIGHT. Dispute the parking ticket by mail. Submit photographs showing the proper placement of the sticker in the windshield.  
 
I recommend you tell your story by Affidavit, since it contradicts the warrior's sworn untruth. Make sure you show the license plate of your car to match the sticker in the windshield. A witness statement that the sticker was in the windshield prior to the ticket being issue may strengthen your case. 
 
It will come down to credibility and how well your photograph shows you couldn't have placed the sticker back on your windshield AFTER getting the ticket. 
 
P.S. Check for mistakes on the face. If there are omitted, misdescribed or illegible required elements, you win upon application. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know how you do!

Hi larry.. I hope all is well. I came to visit my family in nyc and stayed here for awhile to help them out.  
 
I received a ticked in Violation of Sect. 4-08, No Parking (d) 
DAYS/HRS: Mon-Fri/8A-6P. 
Code: NS,  
Exp. Date: N/S, 
Body Type: 4DSD 
Color: BLK 
Make: HOND 
VIN: (there wasn't anything displayed.  
As I am typing this comment I just realize that the Car isn't a 4DSD, its a coupe. Also the color is green. What is code NS and Exp. Date N/S mean? It seems like there are a couple of faults on this ticket, however what are all the things stated in this comment that I can use to prove my case and dispute the ticked and successfully beat it?  
 
I have meant some judges and based on what the defendant states will use it to their advantage to bend the rules and not rule in the defendants favor. 
 
Thank you for your informative website on Parking rules in the NYC.

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
I received a Notice of Outstanding Parking Violation in the mail yesterday. I was totally dumbfounded as I was never given a ticket! It took me a while to figure out what this was. Thinking back to the date, yes, I was there and did stop to pick up my daughter (doctor's appt) and I was asked to move, which I did. Since this was on March 22nd, the notice also has a penalty fee added to it. I only know this as I went to the nyc website to look it up. I was able to find it by my plate. VC 14 No Standing (c) All days/All times. I live out of state and from reading this whole string, I have learn to look at the ticket. The Exp. Date has N/S, therefore I could use the omission of the Exp Date and request the the violation and fee be dismissed. Is this correct? Should I take a picture and send it in also. Should I print the ticket from the website to send it? Do I mention that it was never given to me, I was just asked to move, which I did. Is mail ok (I'm out of state) or should I go in person? 
 
 
 
I was at a loss last night and today decided to see if I could find information and found you. Thanks so much, I feel I've learned quite a bit today on NY parking!

Jay 
Things are great. Thanks for asking. Excellent question. Lately, judges don't seem to be dismissing parking tickets for 2DSD vs. 4DSD.  
 
Here is something to look for. A parking ticket warrior can describe your registration expiration date by inserting N/S, only if the month and year of your registration expiration date is not displayed on your windshield or license plate. 
 
If displayed, I suggest pleading NOT GUILTY for a misdescribed required element; and submitting a copy of your registration, and photographs of your windshield or plate as proof. 
 
Thanks for your kind words about our website. I'm very happy you found the information helpful. 
 
Good luck.

Lorraine, 
Thanks for your kind words. They really me a lot to me. I suggest you read my reply to Jay's comment. Is the date of your registration expiration displayed on your windshield or plates? If so, you are absolutely correct about the procedure to follow.  
 
I suggest you fight your parking ticket BY MAIL...NEVER ONLINE.  
Please send your defense package by certified mail, return receipt requested. Printing the parking ticket from the DOF website is fine. 
 
Good luck.

Are you allowed to park by a street marking next to the curb which is a solid yellow line right after a crosswalk that is drawn up to a driveway but does not go over it or pass through it? thanks.

I received a ticket for parking my personal vehicle in a temporary construction zone, VC 20. I am the construction worker at the site and the police never ticket me when I park my commericial truck in the same spot. Do I have a chance of beating this? and how?  
Thanks!

Hi, 
Today, received a double parking ticket at the end of alternate side parking time (11:00am to 12:30pm). I was there at 12:36pm, and even was seeing the officer. He told me once he has scanned the car, nothing can be done. Do you think that I can fight for that? I was waiting to signal to cross the street and reach my car and I missed it... 
Thanks 
Hamid

Anon 
Thanks for posing a terrific question. A painted curb means absolutely, positively NOTHING in the world of NYC parking tickets. 
 
Good luck.

Hamid, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and pose an excellent question about a rule that is often misunderstood. 
 
You can never, ever, under no circumstances double park on street cleaning days. EVER. 
Warriors may cut you a break and not issue a double parking ticket; until without any prior warning the break is over. 
 
Check for mistakes on the front of your ticket. If none, I recommend you apply for a reduced fine. 
 
Good luck. 
Park safely!

Larry, 
 
 
 
My question is similar to Lorraine's above, but I am not sure I can see your answer to it. 
 
I received the Notice of Outstanding Ticket for February 2010, which now carries a $65 late fee (it is for Alternative Street Parking). I can swear that I never got the original ticket, and this is the first notice of it in the mail. The "disappearance" of tickets from the windshields also happened in this area before (not sure who and why does that). I have no idea whether I parked on the worng side 4 months ago, but I might have. I am willing to pay the original ticket, but how do I fight the $65 penalty?? Is it my responsibility to "look for the ticket" if it's not on my car? How do I prove that there was no ticket? 
 
 
 
Thank you very much for your help, 
 
 
 
Alga

Alga, 
Terrific series of questions. The recent Supreme Court case covers when the DOF attempts service of the parking ticket by mail; not a notice of past due ticket. Unfortunately, I know of no way to prove to the satisfaction of a parking ticket judge that you never were served personally with the original parking ticket by either being handed the ticket; or having the ticket placed under your windshield wiper. 
 
I heartily recommend enrolling your license plate with PARKZING. Parkzing will notify you by email EVERY time you receive a NYC parking ticket. IT's FREE! You can check it out on our website. 
 
If your parking ticket is NOT in judgment, you can apply for a reduced fine and your penalties will be eliminated.  
 
Look on the right side of Larry's blog and scroll down to "Browse by Tags." This is an alphabetical listing of our 190 blog posts. Look under "A" for apply for fine reduction (short cut). Follow the power point instructions and it will whisk you to the DOF website and with a few clicks secure a fine reduction and eliminating of all penalties. 
 
Good luck!

I received a ticket in Battery Park City today that says "No Std for-hire veh only". Here's a link to where I parked: 
 
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.715344,+-74.016636&num=1&t=k&sll=40.711491,-74.016251&sspn=0.016917,0.032015&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=40.715403,-74.016612&spn=0.001258,0.002411&z=19&iwloc=A 
 
I didn't take pictures, but if you use Street View you can see that there are no signs on that entire stretch of street, nor any street signs naming that particular stretch of asphalt (the ticket says "Opposite 2 River Ter"). Would it be worth going back and taking pictures? How do you prove the absence of a sign anyway?

Shaul 
Great question. 
Here's a suggestion. DOT has a terrific tool that will solve your challenge of how to prove the absence of a parking sign. You can access this tool from our website. 
 
Click on "Find a sign |Find a street address" in our above navigation bar. When you land, click on the sign locate link. 
 
You will be whisked to a page in the DOT website. Scroll down...Insert the borough, main street, intersecting streets on both ends of the block, and Voila! 
 
You will see a listing of each sign on the block and the distance from each curb line. This tool is updated daily. 
 
If the sign is not shown, it doesn't exist. You can use this information and Google Maps with Street View to present the proper proof, properly. 
 
Let me know how you do. 
Good luck.

Hi, Larry 
 
Thank you so much for your website. I received a ticket for AND WAS TOWED AWAY for parking in a "no parking" zone from 8A-6P. My girlfriend parked the car late at night and didn't realize she had nosed into the 'no parking' zone. $65 ticket, $180 to get the car out of the pound. She was technically in the wrong. HOWEVER, the location on the ticket reads "E/S (that means east side, right?) 42nd st 15 ft N/of Greenpoint Ave".  
 
Here's the kicker - she was parked on the WEST side. The East side of 42nd st at that location is only regulated by street cleaning on Thursdays, which she was not in violation of. Easy, right? 
 
I have good photos of the entire block showing street signs and parking signs and am submitting them with a map of the street showing that the east side has no "no parking" signs whatever. I'm not going to bother submitting photos of the west side of the street (why should I?) where the car was in violation.  
 
Once I receive the dismissal, I am told that I can recoup the towing fee. Do you have any more advice, and wish me luck! 
 
-Dom

I received a $60 parking ticket which was dismissed since the "sign was wrongly stated on the summons, warranting dismissal." The car was also towed and it cost me $185.00 to retreive it. Can I recoupe this towing fee?

John R, 
Congratulations! You fought when you were right and won. Kudos. 
 
Here's a link to the form you are required to submit to secure your tow refund. 
 
http://www.nyc.gov/download/311/DOF/ParkingViolRefund.pdf 
 
Good luck.

Dom, 
 
Thank you for your very kind words. You may also wish to add the DOT official list of parking signs for the east side (you're right about E/S)of the street. Just click on the "find a sign" tab in our navigation bar, and follow the instructions. 
 
Here's the link to the form you are required to submit for a refund of your tow charge. 
 
http://www.nyc.gov/download/311/DOF/ParkingViolRefund.pdf  
 
Please let us know the outcome. Good luck! 
 
 
 

My boyfriend got a ticket for being parked in a no standing zone - trouble is, we didn't know it was a no standing zone because the car was in a metered spot on a city street and should have been fine since it was after meter hours. There was a paper inlaid sign inside the meter window that said no standing. I think it is a construction related temporary thing because just the spot we were in and the spot behind us had these tiny red signs inside the meter windows. We parked after dark on a Saturday night and didn't look at the meter window since it was not a metered time period. We discovered the 115$ ticket on Sunday evening. Help!

Hi Larry,  
 
I am glad I found your site. I have read most of the posts by others that seem to be similar to my situation. I received a ticket with the comment, "no receipt on dash". I paid for parking, put the receipt face up on the dash. However, my window shade slipped down and covered the receipt during the hour limit. I still have the receipt. I see that you recommend we submit our not guilty plea by mail or in person and include the receipt. I plan on submitting my plea by mail. Should I submit the original receipt or a photo copy? Also, how does one write an Affidavit? A quick google search says it needs to be signed by a "Commissioner of Oaths, Justice of the Peace or lawyer". Is it not enough to have it notarized? thanks!

Hey George, 
Well, we're glad you found our site, too. We're happy to help. 
 
I recommend you state in your affidavit you paid for parking and placed the receipt face up on the dashboard. (Then briefly explain how the receipt came to be covered).  
 
Attach a COPY of the muni-meter receipt to your affadavit.  
 
Any notary public with a seal can notarize your affidavit. Check on our website on the page entitled, Prove your case, and you'll see the correct form of affidavit. 
 
You're a winner! 
Good luck.

I received a ticket in Manhattan for an expired inspection. I agree that the inspection was expired by about 9 days, my question is, is the ticket valid if it is misaligned? I can see the tickets are printed using a portable thermal printer and in the case of my ticket, everything is misaligned by two lines. So for example, where is says "Make" on the ticket, it has my plate number and where it says "Plate" it is blank. 
 
 
 
Is it worth fighting this? There are a few things on the ticket not legible because they are printed on top of other words. I thought that may invalidate the ticket. Please let me know. 
 
 
 
Thanks for the help, 
 
Eric 
 
 
 
PS. I would be happy to send you a PDF so you could see for yourself.

Hi Larry, just wanted to check in and see if you had seen my question above regarding the paper inlaid 'no standing' sign inside the parking meter - we would quite appreciate any insight into this issue - I've never seen anything like it. So odd. Thanks so much for any help you can provide and I'll be sure to keep you updated if anything comes of the situation... have a great weekend!

Dana, 
I apologize for the delay in responding to your great question. Unfortunately, the DOT can hide the rule in the parking meter dome. It has the same force and effect as a parking sign. As a matter of fact, it takes precedence over a parking sign. 
 
I don't know how you're supposed to know that. Here's a suggestion...You can obviously apply for a reduced fine; but you may wish to argue "contradictory" signage. If two signs contradict each other about the parking rule, you can beat your parking ticket.  
 
Let me know your choice. If you decide to fight, I'll make some suggestions about how to present the proper proof, properly. 
 
Thanks for staying after me. Sometimes I need a little kick in the tush. 
 
Looking forward to your reply. 

Eric, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to stop by and pose a super question. I've never been asked something like this before. 
 
I'd love to take a look at the ticket, and compare it to the ticket on the DOF website. Please Email it to me at your convenience. Thanks. 
 
Verrrrry interesting! You may have something you can fight and win!

Larry, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Did you want this emailed to nyparkingticket@optonline.net or do you have a private address you want this sent to? I am sure this is obvious but I wanted to make sure that when I send you the ticket it would not be reposted on your site with any my personal info on the ticket. 
 
 
 
Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it. 
 
 
 
Eric

how to i beat an expired parking meter ticket?

n/a, 
 
I need a little more detail than that. I'm happy to look at your parking ticket. Please feel free to email or fax it to me. 
 
Good luck

I recently received a parking ticket for parking at a parking meter which was in a temporary construction zone. I only saw the sign after someone pointed it out to me, and I thought it was a normal looking meter, which I certainly put enough money into. My question is: Aren't they required to cover the meter if the spot is temporarily unavailable? This meter was definitely clear, uncovered and working.

Shaun, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and join the conversation. Great question.  
 
I'm sorry to report I know of no rule that requires a meter to be covered under the circumstances you describe.  
 
However, there was a bill passed by the NYC Council along with the 5 minute grace period bill. The bill requires the DOT to notify the driving public of the posting of a new parking sign. Notice must appear on the DOT website.  
 
If you receive a parking ticket within 5 days of the date the new sign was installed, you can contest the parking ticket "in traffic court." I'm trying to secure more info on this because I don't understand the reference to "traffic court." Why not parking ticket court? 
 
Your options are: 
1. Request a document from the DOT showing when the temporary sign was installed (apply under the Freedom of Information Act). If your ticket was within 5 days of the installation date, fight it by mail by sending your defense package to the address on the back of your ticket. 
 
2. Call the "traffic court" nearest the location of your violation. Ask whether the court hears defenses like yours.  
 
3. Apply for a reduced fine. 
 
Let us know your decision. 
Good luck!

Larry, 
 
 
 
I wrote to you back on May 8th. I wanted to follow up and let you know what happened. I sent in my package with photos of sticker, copy of registration and ticket. I was found guilty. Reason DSNC. Would you explain this? Basically, I told them I never received it. They said this is an affirmative claim wherein the burden of proof rests on me and that my claim is not supported by persuasive evidence. I also said that the ticket was missing expiration info per code 39-02. They again replied with the claim is not supported by persuasive evidence and doesn't persuasively refute issuer's allegation that such information was not shown, at time of summons, on the vehicle. The photo does not establish claim. Registration was noted with submission. 
 
 
 
So it looks like no matter what is provided for proof, the 'proof' is never persuasive to establish the claim. I had a brand new car 3 months old. Could I have it without registering it or having the sticker not be readable in 3 months? I feel no matter what, right or wrong, you end up paying. I'm guessing I have no other choice unless you can give me one, but to pay them. To add insult to injury, looking at the website, they charge $2 to make a payment. This is just so frustrating. They should have a rule that when a ticket is given to someone, that person should sign as receiving it. But, then again, they'll be ways around this too. Don't mean to go on, but.... Thanks again for your help!  
 
Lorraine

Lorraine, 
 
It is great to hear from you. 
I must I am astounded with this absurd result. Wonders never cease. 
 
You are absolutely, unquestionably right. You fought the good fight, and the right fight. 
 
Why don't you email me copies of the photographs you submitted with your defense. I'd like to take a look at them.  
 
You have 30 days from the date the judge decided your case to appeal the guilty decision. Are you still within time? It may be time for the 2d bite at the ole apple. 
 
Looking forward to your response. 
Thanks. 
 

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
Thanks for responding so quickly! I would like to email you the copies but like Eric above, I'm not sure of the email address. If you could email me and let me know. As for the the time, I've missed the boat on the 30-days so I suppose I have to pay them now. I put it aside, then 'life' happened (out of the country, mother in hospital, etc) and the time slipped away. My husband happened to question me on the outcome and then it dawned on me that I hadn't resolved it. I'd still like for you to see the package. Maybe I didn't do something correct and we could all learn from it. 
 
 
 
Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you. 
 
Lorraine

Lorraine, 
 
Good morning. 
Our Email address is: 
 
nyparkingticket@optonline.net 
 
Thanks.

Hi Larry, 
 
Thanks for taking a look at what I sent. I wish I were within the 30 days to appeal since things looked good to you, but I missed it. Otherwise, I'd go at it again. It would have been interested to see. Oh well... 
 
Thanks and have a great day. 
 
Lorraine

I have a ticket for selling/offer merchandise (h) (8) days/hrs: all days/ all times 
 
 
 
I read the sign to state that the area required paying the meter from hour parking 9-7 and paid the parking at the meter accordingly. Today is the last day to contest this ticket. Should I pay the reduced fine or contest the ticket? 
 
 
 
Thanks

Larry, 
 
My car was towed and I was given two tickets for parking in a No Standing/Taxi Stand spot (which was not marked). I fought the ticket and it was dismissed. I heard you can get the tow cost back if the tix are dismissed. Can you tell me how to find out how to do that? Many thanks!

Vanessa, 
NYC parking rules are oftentimes confusing, but this rule is not. Here's what the rule states: 
 
(h)(8)..."Displaying, selling or offering merchandise for sale prohibited. No peddler, vendor, hawker or huckster shall park a vehicle at a metered parking space for purposes of displaying, selling, storing or offering merchandise for sale from the vehicle." 
 
Did you violate the rule as written? If so, take the reduced fine. If not, FIGHT! 
 
Thanks for visiting our website.  

Joan, 
 
Wow. Congratulations! Nicely done. 
 
You are absolutely correct about a tow refund. Here's a link to the form you are required to complete to secure the return of your dough. 
 
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dof/html/pdf/reflet.pdf 
 
We always love to share a success story. Thanks!

I got a ticket for parking a commercial vehicle overnight in a residential area. The vehicle was a 10ft Uhaul moving vehicle (two seater, sealed cargo area). As noted on the ticket the vehicle has a "Apportioned" license plate. (Question One)Does that meet the NYC criteria for commercial vehicles? See Section 4-01(b). (Question Two)Does it matter if the purpose of having the vehicle was not commercial? I was moving from one apartment to another. 
thanks so much 

Greg, 
 
Welcome. Great to have you join the conversation with an excellent question. I'll start with number 2. The purpose of having the vehicle is not relevant to whether your vehicle is a commercial vehicle. 
 
It is my understanding that an apportioned license plate is generally used for commercial vehicles that do hauling. 
 
Is your vehicle registered as a commercial vehicle? If so, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine. 
 
I'm happy to continue the conversation if you have other helpful information. 
 
Good luck.  
 

Hi Larry, 
 
Thanks for getting back to me...I spoke with a U-Haul rep over the phone and he said that their vehicles are not registered as commercial vehicles. Most of their fleet is Apportioned Arizona Plates b/c the HQ is in Phoenix. I plan on fighting the ticket for the heck of it. The vehicle is not marked as described in Section 4-01 Words and Phrases Defined (b) Commercial Vehicle (i)(C)(iii). There were no door markings, no commercial plates, and the u-haul website says they are not commercial. And to my knowledge there is nothing that says apportioned vehicles are definitely in all cases commercial. I'll let you know how it goes.... 

Greg, 
 
Great to hear back from you. Good luck in your fight! 
 
I've done some research and only find reference to Arizona "apportioned" plates as commercial plates. I even checked WIKIPEDIA, which indicates apportioned plates as non-passenger type. 
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Arizona 
 
Can you get something from the Arizona DMV saying apportioned plates can be non-commercial type plates? If so, then the other factors you correctly raise will persuasively support your defense?

Hi 
I got a parking ticket because my parking stub was upside down on the dashboard. Should I challenge this? I was within the hour I paid for. Thanks. 
 
JC

Geez - what a long thread! 
 
Good News! The "No Parking" ticket that I was TOWED FOR and incorrectly written has been DISMISSED! I submitted a lot of evidence, including: 
 
<ul> 
<li>about 12 full-size photos of the entire block, street signs, and parking signs on the side where the ticket was written, with arrows pointing to signs and reference points for continuity 
<li>printed map of block from http://gis.nyc.gov/doitt/nycitymap/ to show direction of traffic and compass reference to "north" 
<li>printed map from http://a841-dotvweb01.nyc.gov/ParkingRegs/ViewController/LocationValidation.aspx showing all official parking signs listed on the block and their location.  
<li>copy of summons. 
</ul> 
"Respondent offers persuasive photographs and PVB sign records tend to confirm that the sign is wrongly stated on the summons. The summons is dismissed." 
 
Now to recoup the towing fee! 
 
Thanks, Larry, and newyorkparkingticket.com! 

Dominic, 
 
Congratulations! 
We are all thrilled for your win. 
Kudos for fighting when you were right. 
 
I'm very impressed with the job you did presenting proper, persuasive proof, properly. 
 
Thanks for sharing your win with all of us.

JC, 
We've had good luck fighting failure to properly display Muni-meter receipts. It is important to explain you placed the receipt right side up on your dash, and something caused it to flip; such as the wind from slamming your door shut. 
 
Be sure to include a copy of your receipt showing time had not expired when the ticket was issued. 
 
Your option is to apply for a reduced fine. 
 
Please let us know your decision and outcome.

Hello, We have been reading all your wonderful advice and hope that you can help us too. 
 
 
 
In July on our way to Long island from Florida Our GPS took us through the tunnel into the streets of NY. Then we were blocked right and left. As we crossed 36th street at Madison Ave a car from Michigan stopped in front of us there was nobody in front of him. We wondered what he was doing. Baby carriages started to cross and then the car from Michigan took off as 2 dirty looking ticket agents seemed to appear from the gutter. They were scanning windshields-- she yelled at us to wait and so we did. I tried to explain our predicament-- she was stoned faced with a dirty uniform and printed out a ticket for obstructing traffic at intersection. It lists our exp date as N/S- it also states we refused name- which we did not-- we actually could have pulled away before she printed anything but we are not like that and did not feel we did anything wrong. The color for our vehicle is also listed as gry when on our registration it is silver. She put van and on our registation it is listed as SW.The year is also N/S. Do we have anyway out of this? Usually during our visit we see a NY show-- we skipped it this year and stayed out of NY.  
 
Thanks for your help.

Hi Maggie, 
 
Thanks for your kind words. They truly mean a lot to me. I'm sorry about the rude treatment you received on your brief visit to our fair city. Let's see if we can help. 
 
There are two types of defenses to NYC parking tickets. The first is a technical defense, i.e., mistakes on the front of your parking ticket. A parking ticket warrior must accurately insert certain information about your vehicle, or else your ticket is dismissible upon application. These tiny bits of information are called, "Required elements."  
 
The burden of proof to establish an omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements are more difficult for out-of-state vehicles. With that said, if the expiration date is clearly displayed on your plate or windshield, a warrior must enter the month/year on your parking ticket. NS is a mistake.  
 
The body type inserted by the warrior is wrong. However, the standard applied to out-of-state vehicles is "reasonably accurate" rather than "exactly correct."  
 
So, you have two technical defenses to fight about. 
 
A substantive defense means you have a legal defense to the parking crime. For example, if you receive a no parking ticket, you can beat the ticket by proving you stopped temporarily to discharge your passenger. 
 
Blocking the Box is the Darth Vader of NYC parking tickets. Very tough to beat. We have been successful with beating the ticket, and have made all the material we developed available to all our friends and visitors on the website. 
 
This is a parking ticket you may wish to fight; especially since there is no reduced fine; and you have two sound technical defenses to raise. 
 
There is certainly enough information on the website for you to fight your ticket by yourself. If you'd like the help of an old, long in the tooth, gray haired parking ticket fighter, I'm happy to help you. 
 
Good luck.

Hi Larry, 
 
I wanted to follow up and get your opinion. To remind you, I got the parking ticket that was misaligned. I sent it in and plead not guilty with a letter explaining that it was misaligned and therefore defective and should be dismissed and I received the decision today. This is how they responded: 
 
Respondent claims that the summons should be dismissed because it was improperly written since his copy is misaligned. Original summons is the one that is the original document. Respondent's claim is rejected the original summons is not defective. 
 
I know the person who made the decision feels I am guilty but from their response, do you think they are saying that my copy of the ticket is not original? I don't understand this, I obviously sent them the original ticket and sent them a copy of the original ticket in case they got separated from my letter. I am not sure what this decision means. I am going to appeal it obviously but how do you interpret this response from them? 
 
Let me know if you want me to send you the letter I wrote when I sent in the ticket. 
 
Thanks again for help, 
Eric

HI, 
 
Is an illegible "Name of Complainant(printed)" grounds for dismissing a ticket? 
 
I was guilty of double parking by 10 minutes. It was alternate side double parking. The traffic cop saw me running toward him, stuck the ticket in the hood seam and sped off... infuriating.  
 
Thanks, 
 
Ben

Ben, 
 
Great question. I'm sorry to report an illegible warrior signature on a printed ticket is not grounds for a dismissal. 
 
Here's a heads up about double parking on street cleaning days. I've written several blog posts about this very confusing challenge. DOUBLE PARKING IS ILLEGAL ON ALTERNATE SIDE DOUBLE PARKING DAYS.  
 
Warriors often times look the other way until they need to issue some easy parking tickets and stop looking the other way with no advance notice. Double park at your own risk. 
 
Good luck.

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
Just wondering if you had a chance to review my question I posted over the weekend. 
 
 
 
Thanks, 
 
Eric

Eric, 
 
Thanks for the heads up. I'm old and sometimes miss a comment. I apologize for the delay. 
 
I'm not 100% sure about the exact game the judge is playing, but...Technically, if you submit a copy of a parking ticket with your defense, the judges require you submit a copy of the parking ticket found on the DOF website, or your original parking ticket. You cannot submit a copy of your original parking ticket. 
 
The problem with that is the "original" parking ticket found on the DOF website obviously does not show the misprint; and you were reluctant to part with your only evidence of the misprint. That's the catch 22 in this whole ordeal. 
 
Here's a suggestion...File an Appeal. The parking ticket you hold in your hand is the document with which you were served, and must have all the required elements where they belong on the ticket. 
 
Send in the parking ticket you hold in your hand with the misprints with your appeal (keep a copy). Be sure to say this is the ticket with which you were served. This is your best chance to win. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know how you do.

Larry, 
 
I sent in the original as it is required to send in the original when pleading the ticket. I also sent them a copy of the original along with a letter stating that the copy is a copy of the original in case the original gets separated from the letter. 
 
I don't know how the judge could have possibly come to this decision based on the letter and copy of ticket I submitted. I will definitely appeal. If they do reverse the decision, do they notify the judge that made the original decision? If I win, I want this idiot to know how stupid they are. 
 
Thanks, 
Eric

Eric, 
 
I hear ya. However, sometimes sending in too much stuff will bite you due to the very short amount of time a Judge has to consider your defense. Judges are expected to complete 70 hearings by mail, every hour! 
 
The original judge is notified when his decision is reversed. I'm rooting for you. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know the outcome. 

I will, thanks again Larry. 
 
Eric

Hi Larry: 
 
I got a ticket for being parked "in the crosswalk", even though my car's wheels were behind the line. My front end jutted out just a tiny bit. I have checked the NYC.gov parking rules on this and it only stipulates that you can't park in a crosswalk. It doesn't define what parking in the crosswalk consists of. What's your experience with this? thanks. Robin G

Robin, 
 
Thanks for joining the conversation with a terrific question. It is my understanding parking ticket measurements are taken from the bumper, NOT the wheels. If your rear bumper breaks the plane of the crosswalk line, you may be issued a NYC parking ticket. 
 
I based my answer upon information contained in a book authored by a highly respected NYC parking ticket expert, Gridlock Sam Schwartz. The title of his book is, "Traffic Conundrums." The book is available at Amazon.com. The page reference is page 16, and it involves how to take a measurement to determine whether your vehicle is parked more than 15 feet from a fire hydrant.  
 
Good luck. 

Hi Larry, 
 
I forgot to move my car today and came half an hour late and there was a ticket. Fine, fair, yes I'm guilty and totally willing to pay it. I then moved it to the other side of the street where at least 15 of my neighbors were double parking for the duration of the street cleaning, just as people on my block have done every week for the three years I've lived here. The street cleaning was from 11-12:30 and when I went to move my car back, just after 12:30 I noticed I got issued a second ticket for double parking at 12:33, this time for the max penalty by a different "officer". Is this just a terribly unlucky day? Is there anything I can do? Thanks!

Lillian, 
 
Hi. Thanks for taking your valuable time to share your evil parking ticket experience. I am very sorry to report it is always illegal to double park on street cleaning days. Here's the explanation. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/34209/Can-you-Double-Park-on-Street-Cleaning-Days 
 
Please don't murder the messenger for this pound of bad news...A judge will generally dismiss a second parking ticket, if issued within one hour of the first parking ticket in the same space for the same violation.  
 
I suggest you carefully review the front of both tickets for mistakes. If a required element, such as make, body type, expiration date, place of occurrence is omitted, misdescribed or illegible, you win upon application. If none, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine for both parking tickets. 
 
Good luck.

I recently parked in an area marked 6 hour maximum, however when I went to purchase parking from the muni-meter it wouldn't even give me a full five hours. So I bought the maximum it would give me and left receipt on dashboard. Got parking ticket before the 5 hours was even up. Do I have any recourse since the muni-meter wouldn't allow me to buy all the time I should have been able to purchase? (I would have if it had been working properly. I knew I'd be gone at least 5 hours and would have preferred to be on the safe side and purchase the 6 hour max.)

Daniel, 
 
Great to hear from you with an interesting question. If your receipt vs. time on your parking ticket proves you still had time on the meter, you win. 
 
I don't understand why a parking ticket warrior would issue a ticket when you clearly paid for the time? Am I missing something?

Sorry guess I didn't quite explain myself. Parking was purchased at 12:20, max amount allowed in that spot should be 6 hours, so 6:20, but muni-meter would only allow me to purchase until 5:08. I got the ticket at 5:15. I was back at the car by 5:40 to find a ticket on my windshield. 1) Shouldn't muni-meters allow you to purchase maximum time noted on parking signs? 2) How would I prove that it didn't allow me to purchase more time?

Daniel, 
 
Got cha. 
You may be caught between the devil and the parking ticket warrior (may be one and the same). 
 
Your inquiry falls into the general category of how do I assert a broken meter defense. In the wacky world of NYC parking tickets, a red light is supposed to blink on and off when a muni-meter is broke; alerting the driving public to the fact the meter is broken. 
 
The rules require you to seek another muni-meter on the block to buy your time; and it is a good idea to report the broken meter to 311. I trust you can accomplish all of this within a few days or so. 
 
You were entrapped by a broken muni-meter that did NOT flash red. I'm sorry to report I don't think you have a reliable way to raise this defense. It will be very difficult to persuade a parking ticket judge of facts you present. 
 
You may be better off to apply for a reduced fine. Sorry... 
Good luck.

I got a no standing ticket most probably because I DIDN'T carefully read the sign. I have to return and take a pic of it but I think it was a no standing 7pm-7am and for some reason I got it all wrong. Is it anything that can be done to lower the ticket amount?

Bernard, 
 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post a comment. Believe me, the wacky world of NYC parking tickets are filled with all of our "expensive" mistakes.  
 
Before you rush to part with your hard earned dough, check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes. If a required element, such as, expiration date, make, body type, place of occurrence, etc. is omitted, misdescribed or illegible, you win upon application. 
 
If no mistakes, your parking ticket is eligible for a reduced fine, which you can obtain online. Your fine will be reduced from $115 to $90, in exchange for your guilty plea.  
 
If you're not sure how to apply for a reduced fine, on our website go to BLOG>scroll down to INDEX TO LARRY'S BLOG on the right hand side of the page>go to "APPLY FOR A REDUCED FINE (SHORT CUT)>click on the link and follow the instructions on the power point I prepared. 
 
Good luck! 
 
If you not quite sure you missed the parking sign, you can check the Find a Sign Locator on this website. 
 

Hi Larry,  
 
 
 
I am glad I found your site. I have read most of the posts by others that seem to be similar to my situation. I received a ticket with the comment, "no receipt on dash". I paid for parking, put the receipt face up on the dash. However, my window shade slipped down and covered the receipt during the hour limit. I still have the receipt. I see that you recommend we submit our not guilty plea by mail or in person and include the receipt. I plan on submitting my plea by mail. Should I submit the original receipt or a photo copy? Also, how does one write an Affidavit? A quick google search says it needs to be signed by a "Commissioner of Oaths, Justice of the Peace or lawyer". Is it not enough to have it notarized? thanks!  
 
Posted @ Wednesday, July 28, 2010 10:19 AM by George  
 
 
 
Hi Larry,  
 
 
 
I followed your advice and the link "prove your case" and my ticket was dismissed! At first, I received a letter saying I can pay a reduced fine but if I didn't want to, I didn't have to do anything. Glad I held firm and didn't fall for their tricks. Thanks for your site and your efforts in keeping this site up!

George, 
 
You made my day. You fought when you were right, and took the time and effort to learn how to present the proper proof, properly.  
 
Congratulations on your win, George! Thanks for sharing your success with your community.

I bought a car from NY dealer but live in New Jersey. I was issued a parking violation ticket on my NY Temporary tags in New York, BUT now i have a permanent New Jersey license plate.. is there any way i can wriggle out of the ticket? can i NOT pay since they wont have my new NJ license plate in their system? Please let me know what is the best option, pay or just leave it??

Alex, 
 
When you're fight--FIGHT! When you committed the parking crime, and there are no mistakes on the front of your parking ticket, apply for the reduction. 
 
Good luck. 

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
I was given a ticket for being in a No Standing Zone on E. 73rd St. The time on my ticket says 5:45 with no mention of AM or PM. The AM/PM bubbles were not filled in. I do not know when the officer left this ticket. How can I argue this ticket when I do NOT know what time the ticket was actually given to me. Is the lack of the time on the ticket a fatal error to the $115.00 ticket? Please advise...

Hi-- 
We received a parking ticket for "No Parking" back in September. It's an interesting spot--there is a meter with space big enough for 2 cars and then there is a bus stop. However, people park 2 cars there all of the time. We were in the furthermost "space" (that has no meter) and there was money/time on the meter, but no car in front of us (the "metered" space) and we were definitely not in the bus spot. The ticket itself appears to be ok except for the part that says "days in effect." Only Monday and Saturday bubbles are marked. The parking meter is effective Monday through Saturday. Is this enough for a defense? Also, there is no signage that says the spot is a no parking spot. We have pictures to show our car in relation to the meter and bus stop. What do you think? 
 
Thanks so much!

Susie, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit and pose a very interesting question, indeed. I'm going to take the easy way out and tell you, you are a WINNER! 
 
Day's/Hrs must be accurate. The warrior didn't check enough bubbles. Congratulations. I suggest taking overlapping photographs of the entire block, with close ups of each parking sign, which will demonstrate there is no parking sign with the Days/hrs matching the day's/hrs entered on your parking ticket. 
 
Or, you can back use the DOT's parking regulation official information. Go to our "Find a Sign" web page and follow the instructions. You'll end up with an official print out of all the parking signs on the block.(I'm always a little nervous using this info WITHOUT the photos). 
 
As far as the "two parking spaces" I'd love to see photos before I offer my humble opinion. 
 
Nicely done, Champ! 

Hi Larry, 
 
I wanted to follow up about my parking ticket that was printed misaligned. As you may recall, I filed a not guilty plea and the judge said I was guilty, I then filed an appeal. I got the results of the appeal yesterday. Unfortunately, the two appellate judges that reviewed the case upheld the previous judge's decision. 
 
It seems impossible to me that this decision could be upheld. I guess this is the end of the road but it really seems to be unfair. The law clearly states that the ticket should be dismissed based on the fact that all of the information on the ticket is incorrect due to misalignment. I am sure I am beating a dead horse here but is there a complaint department or supervisor who has any authority over this? It is obviously not about the money at this point, it is the fact that judges are not following the law. Even the 311 operator, who I called to ask about how to file an appeal said it should definitely be dismissed. 
 
I appreciate your help with this and wish the outcome would have been different. 
 
Take care, 
Eric

Eric, 
Great to hear from you. 
I am astounded at the outcome. It is a bad decision. I would write a letter to the Commissioner of Finance and Transportation, and assert your case. 
 
I would also add the Appeal decision is invalid because it was only considered by two (2)Hearing Examiners when the rules require three (3). You can cite, 19 RCNY 39-12(a)(1) which provides: 
 
"Chapter 39-12 Appeals. (a) Appeals Board - powers. (1) There shall be a n Appeals Board withn the Bureau which will consist of three or more persons duly qualified as Hearing Examiners, Senior Hearing Examiners, or Supervising Hearing Examiners, as the Director shall determine, but n no event shall the Hearing Examiner from whose decision the appeal is taken be included in the panel determining said appeal. 
 
Sad state of affairs. 
Please keep me posted. 
Good luck.

Thanks Larry, excellent info, I really appreciate it. I will definitely be writing the letter. There really should be a penalty to these judges that rule based on feelings or bias rather than the law. It is really outrageous. 
 
Thanks again for everything, I will let you know the ultimate result. 
 
All the best, 
Eric

Hi Larry, 
Wow--thanks for your response re: metered parking spot (sort of ) that was ticketed but bubbles incorrectly filled out on ticket. How can I send you pics? Also, can the judge say that because I only had a copy of the ticket, the original was more clear therefore, no defense? I have pictures and will also check out the signage on the sheet as you suggested. 
Thanks again and keep your fingers crossed for us! 
Susie

Susie, 
Great to hear from you. You can send the pix to nyparkingticket@optonline.net 
 
Your copy has to be legible; but as we know in the wacky world of NYC parking tickets, a rogue judge will say anything to gain a parking conviction. A good judge will do the right thing. 
 
I'll keep my gnarled, old arthritic fingers crossed for you ( as long as the swelling stays down). 
 
Good luck.

I recently got a "No Standing" ticket in a newly signed "one-space" parking spot in my residential neighborhood in Queens on a corner where I have parked (pre-signage) numerous times in the last 10 years. Who would be looking for a "one-spot" no standing zone... the sign was on an existing light pole. Is there any grace period for new parking signs? Also, I was parked overnight, and even though it was in a no-standing "zone," the car was locked without anyone in it (6:00am), etc. Shouldn't that be a "no-parking" ticket instead? Lastly, I recently had an expired inspection ticket dismissed on a write-in plea because the place of occurrence was wrong even though it was a status ticket violation. Win some, lose some. 
 
Dave Pagl

I recently received a ticket (and was subsequently towed) for parking alongside a majorly defunct and in-active curb cut.  
 
The reason I know it is defunct and in-active is because it literally heads into several trees, and the side of the building. I know that the curb cut used to be for the horse and buggy driveway when the building was first constructed in 1912 (it is the President's house at Columbia University, so there's a lot of info available about the history of the building). Additionally, there are NO signs of the usual type surrounding an active driveway ("No parking" on each side of the driveway, "You will be towed" etc...) Furthermore, there is evidence that one of these signs USED to be there (the tell-tale marking in the concrete on the sidewalk) but had been removed. Finally, the curb is definitively painted gray over the yellow (I know the paint is a stretch, but it shows that there's been an attempt to indicate that it is acceptable to park there). 
 
I got the ticket at 8 am, and was towed at 11 am the same day. I was NOT parked in front of the pedestrian ramp/cross walk on the corner because I didn't get a 4-08 (e)(5), (the ticket indicates "Blocking pedestrian/vehicle ramp"). 
 
I have pictures of everything; the lack of "No parking" signs, the existence of Alternate Side parking signs next to the curb cut, the clear fact that the curb cut doesn't provide any function, and that the REAL active driveway is around the corner and HAS "No Parking" signs. 
 
Obviously I had to pay the tow fee to get my car back so that I wouldn't accumulate a heavier fine. I am still within the 30 day period of when this occurred. My plan was to have a hearing in person and present all of the pictures. Do I have a chance of getting the tow fee back and the ticket dismissed? What else should I do/how should I present this? Anything else I should take into consideration? Thanks!!

I received a ticket that only states a street number and name without indicating in which borough it was given. Does this render the ticket invalid?

Dave, 
Thanks for sharing some very interesting parking ticket experiences.  
 
1. You are a winner. There is a recent new law which gives you a grace period to beat a parking ticket issued within 5 days of the installation of a new sign. Here's my blog post with the details. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/42853/Have-you-Heard-about-the-Terrific-New-NYC-Parking-Law 
 
2. The parking code violation on your parking ticket must be the same as the parking rule displayed on the parking sign regulating your parking space (a great example of using "parking" in a sentence 5 times). If NO STANDING regulated your space, NO STANDING must be entered on your parking ticket.  
 
By the way, the 3 NO's, NO PARKING, NO STANDING and NO STOPPING mean the same thing...halting your vehicle. Here's a blog post on the similarities and differences. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/?Tag=no%20stopping 
 
You got a great, forward thinking, parking ticket judge on your status violation. This is the first I've heard of such benevolence. Congratulations. 
 
Would you recommend the driving public should fight a status violation when the place of occurrence is wrong?

Gabe, 
As we discussed, this curb cut is NOT an entrance to a driveway; nor is it a pedestrian ramp. 
 
A warrior can only charge a member of the driving public with one violation. In your case, it was VC 98, blocking a driveway is prohibited. 
 
You've done a great job preparing your defense. With your permission, I'm going to share it with our community. 
 
Please let us know the outcome of your good fight! Good luck.

Serge, 
Great question! 
The law requires a warrior to enter the "place of occurrence," but does not address the issue you raise. The experts say nothing in their books about County being a required element. 
 
However, I can't see how a location without the county can be an unambiguous description of the place of occurrence; especially if the roadway's name can be found in more than one county.  
 
Your options are to apply for a reduced fine (if eligible); or fight the good fight and contest your parking ticket for the reason you raise here. What's your poison? 

Larry, 
 
Of course, please use the slides/data I gave you to help others. I'll let you know how everything goes. Thanks again for everything. 
 
Gabe

I recently got 4-08 (e) (2) Fire Hydrant ticket. I am from California traveling to NYC. Unlike CA, NYC does NOT paint the curb or fire hydrants or put any kind of indication. As a tourist how am I suppose to know the proper distance? Is there a defense for that?

Just wanted to update all readers on my ticket (ticketed and towed for parking in front of a curb cut that was clearly an inactive driveway): 
 
I went down to 66 John street for an in-person hearing, all prepared with my defense that Larry helped me organize. Before I could even begin my defense, however, the arbitrator dismissed the ticket. Reason? "Invalid violation description warrants dismissal." 
 
The overzealous warrior had indicated code violation 98 (standing or parking in front of a public or private driveway) but had also written "Blocking pedestrian/vehicle ramp" (a clear indication of trying to hedge one's bets, because it would have to be either one or the other!). This ambiguity caused the ticket to be thrown out. 
 
Had the ticket not been so readily dismissed, I was ready with my pictures to lay down the the hammer of justice. But thankfully I was able to waltz out of there with my $95 ticket dismissed, and submitted the form to get my $225 tow fee back. 
 
Thanks for all your advice and help Larry!

Gabe, 
 
You are the NYC Parking Ticket Fighter of the Day! 
Kudos for a job well done. 
Thanks for sharing your good fortune with us.

Ajay, 
You were ambushed by Johnny Law.  
I am sorry to report that knowledge of the rules is not a defense. BUT, 
check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes. If a required element, such as make, plate type, expiration date, place of occurrence, etc. is omitted, misdescribed or illegible you win, upon application. 
 
Warriors often time fail to insert the month and year an out-of-state registration expires, and insert NS or NA. If your expiration date is displayed on your license plate or windshield, you win upon application. 
 
If no mistakes, there is no fine reduction for a fire hydrant violation.  
 
Good luck.

I was dropping my grandmother off at the doctors. She can hardly walk and uses a walker to help her move. I had dropped or off on the side walk and asked her to wait while i look for parking. There were none. So i decided to stop at the no parking sign and turned my hazards on. I saw that there were at least 5 other cars parked and locked. I helped my grandmother to the docs office and ran back to the car. The entire ordeal took less then 5 minutes. When i got to the car i saw NYC "warrior" peel off after he left a nice present on my car. 
 
The ticket i got says has most of the info except no year for my car and vin covered (its not). He also wrote: No driver / no activity / no permit. I think it VC 20. 
 
I look at all the other cars and they all had handicap cards in their windows, hence no ticket. 
 
Since i was stopping to drop of my grandmother do i have any chance of beating this ticket? 
 
Also, the Date/Time 1st observed is N/A 
 
Thanks for your great advise. 
 
Steve

I just received a $65 parking ticket because I was parked at a MuniMeter with a valid parking receipt, but the ticket was issued because the RECEIPT WAS DISPLAYED UPSIDE DOWN?? I was in a rush making sure that my 80 year old mother got into the car okay... Where does it state that a receipt is invalid because it is displayed upside down. The receipt was still legible. Can I fight this nonsense? Any help would be appreciated.

Steve, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit and share your parking experience with us. You did the same exact thing we all would do under the circumstances; but we all would be ambushed with a parking ticket. 
 
Most unfortunately, the defense to a NO PARKING ticket is, "I stopped temporarily to drop-off my passenger to the curb." It doesn't take into account that a passenger may be disabled and in need of assistance to her destination. "Temporarily" is 2 minutes or less. 
 
If there are no omitted, misdescribed or illegible required elements (VIN and year are not required elements), you may wish to apply online for a reduced fine ($115 to $90).  
 
I sincerely regret not being able to help you beat this ticket. 
 
Good luck.

Rob,  
Thanks for visiting and sharing your experience. 
 
We've had a lot of success beating failure to display muni-meter receipt tickets. I'd fight this ticket! You may wish to write a letter, plead not guilty, and simply state you paid for the time, and thought you placed the receipt face up on the dashboard. You didn't realize it was placed "upside down."  
 
Attach a copy of the muni-receipt. Send your defense package by certified mail, return receipt requested. The hard part will be to resist inserting a sarcastic or angry comment...Please don't!  
 
You will win!  
Let me know how you make out.  
Good luck.  

I was parked on w 48th st. between 11th & 12th last night. We saw many other cars parked on the street so we parked but checked to make sure there were no signs restricting it. We noticed a No Standing sign with an arrow pointing only towards 12th ave. so we parked in front of the sign. We noticed another sign about 50+ feet away with another No Standing sign with arrows pointing both ways, but between that sign and my car was two driveways. I returned to where my car was around 2 a.m Sunday morning and my car had been towed along with most of the other cars that were parked there. There was a parking agent in the area so I asked them how they could tow it with the sign clearly pointing the other direction and the other sign a good distance away with two driveways between the sign and my car, with no response of course. I went to the impound lot and after waiting two hours to get my car out and paying $185, I noticed that I also had a ticket on it too for parking in a No Standing zone @ 1:06 a.m. for $115 I was wondering if I had any sort of defense for fighting this ticket at all, considering that there was not much time that passed from the time that I got the ticket until they towed my car, the signs were not clearly marked, and no where did it say that it was a tow away zone. I tried to argue with the people at that the impound lot but obviously to no avail. Is there any way I would be able to get the ticket dismissed or get a refund for the towing if I provided pictures of the signs?  
Thank you for your time

Lee, 
I feel really bad about your horrible parking experience. It is a terrible feeling to walk to your space and not find your car. I hate it. 
 
I am truly sorry to report that a no standing sign anywhere on the block, with an arrow pointing to your parking space regulates your space. Driveways do not shield you from the arrow; only another parking sign. 
 
Did you check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes? If a required element, such as make, plate type, body type, expiration date, place of occurrence, etc. is omitted, misdescribed or illegible you win upon application. 
 
If not, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine. Problem with that is you don't get a tow refund. All of NYC is a tow away zone. No sign necessary. A NY minute is all that's required between a ticket and tow. 
 
Sorry I don't have a better solution for you. Good luck.

Hi, I am atruck driver and one night i parked on McDonald ave. in Brooklyn and they gave me 2 tickets, one for the tractor and one for the trailer. I drive a tactor trailer combination (18 wheeler). What can i do with that?

Francis, 
Good morning. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and pose a great question. I am very sorry to report the tractor and trailer may be issued separate parking tickets (even for the same offense). 
 
First, check the front of each  
parking tickets for mistakes. If a mistake involves a required element, such as make, plate type, expiration date, body type, etc, you win upon application. Warriors tend to enter wrong body types or plate types for tractor trailers; so, check those elements very carefully. 
 
If no mistakes, then...Why were you parked there? If you were engaged in a commercial activity, such as loading and unloading; and it was a no parking zone, you can beat the ticket. 
 
What were you doing while parked? 
 

Dear amazing ticket helper :) 
 
One of my employee's got a ticket in NYC yesterday, it says "No std ex trk load/unload (k) (2) Days/hrs: EXCEPT SU/7A-7P 
 
My guys were on their way down, and were actively loading and unloading. 
 
It says its a 30 mn parking, Observed: 11:37, Time of offense 12:09 P.M. --> TWO MINUTES??? 
 
I need to write an objection by mail or call, as I do not have time to go in person and have defeated a few tickets by mail before. 
 
I am unsure which to argue, - 5 minutes, or the fact that I had two men on the jobsite actively loading and unloading, (we are a small company so I cannot afford to have someone sitting in the car babysitting for traffic officers)... 
 
Please help asap!

My husband parked the car at safty zone. He did not see that it was safty zone becaue he was replaced that spot when a car left. The next morning we found out that ur car was towed so we end up paid at $300. It is sooooo expensive ticket in the world. NYC is the most expensive ticket. That spot was covered by snow because it was bizzard snow before. After we got the car back we cleaned that spot want to know what is safty zone. No Sign at all just only hydrant and he parked behind it which is 12 Feets from it. We had to pay #300 ( $186 for towed and 115 for parking ticket)for taking a car out otherwise we could not take it out. What i am supposed to do ? Fight or give up. Thandk you.  
 
 
 
by the way they should pick either give the ticket or towed . Not both of them !!!!

Dan, 
Good afternoon. 
I hear you. I don't think either of your arguments will work. I trust the vehicle you were unloading was registered as a commercial vehicle. If so, we can beat the ticket for you. No charge. 
 
Please feel free to give me a call @ (800) 249-5048. I'll be back in the office between 4-5 PM today. Or send me an email with your cell phone number, and I'm happy to call you later today.  
 
Believe me, I totally understand the nasty impact a NYC parking ticket has on a business; especially since you were not doing anything wrong. 
 
Good luck.

Wipawan, 
Man, amazing what nonsensical behavior happens in the dangerous world of NYC parking tickets. 
Did you take a photograph of the safety zone covered with snow? 
 
I look forward to your reply.

Dear Larry 
 
I did not take any picture :( That's my stupid. I must have to give up.

Hey there, 
my question is a bit off the beaten path. My car got towed at work for parking in a permit only area, for which i had a permit. I beat the ticket, but now i need can i/how to get my $185 tow fee back. Can you please enlighten me?

Anthony. 
Good evening. This is one of the wonderful pleasures of beating a NYC parking ticket, i.e. securing a refund of your tow charges. Simply click on the link below, print out the form, complete it, mail it in, and your tow charges will be refunded. 
 
Congratulations! Nicely done. 
 
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/reflet.pdf

Wipawan, 
Good evening. I do not call it "giving up." It is living to fight the good fight another day.  
 
Good luck.

I got a parking ticket, with code 67 selected which says 'Pedestrial Ramp (f)(1)' on 01/06/2011. The think which frustrates me is that the nsnow is all over the place that the pedestrians can not even use the ramp, and also my car is marginally close to the ramp, but not obstructing it. I have taken photographs of the place. Please let me know how to fight this ticket. Your help is greatly appreciated!!

Kish, 
Good day. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit and pose an excellent question.  
 
First, I suggest you check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes. If a required element, such as make, plate type, expiration date, body type, place of occurrence, etc., is omitted, misdescribed, or illegible, you win upon application. 
 
Next, if no mistakes, if the pedestrian ramp is located in the middle of the block of a T intersection without a marked crosswalk, traffic control device, or stop sign, you win upon application. Or, if the evil, snow covered pedestrian ramp has no marked crosswalk, and no traffic control device, or stop sign regulating traffic, you win this one too. There are numerous blog articles and success stories to guide you step by step in contesting this type of illegal parking ticket. 
 
If not, and your pedestrian ramp is located in a crosswalk, it is a tough one to beat. Snow, and a little "blockage" are not defenses. 
 
Hopefully, one of the other above situations apply to your case. 
 
Good luck.

I had just recieved a ticket for $115.00 on canal st today in a no stand zone when i was just taking my groceries out of the car and placing them in my doorway. can this ticket be beat? how can i fight this?

Steve, 
Good evening. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and sharing your parking ticket experience. I am sorry to report you are not permitted to unload personal property from your car in a NO STANDING ZONE. 
 
You are permitted to stop temporarily (2 minutes or less) in a NO PARKING ZONE to unload your personal property to the curb. Unless your doorway is by the curb, you are fair game to a parking ticket warrior. 
 
Have you checked for mistakes on the ticket? If none, you may wish to apply for a fine reduction. 
 
Good luck

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
I live in New Jersey. I got a NYC Parking ticket for Violation code 31 - NO STANDING-COMMERCIAL METER ZONE. I had paid for the two hours meter parking fee, and displayed the receipt on my cars dashboard. Since I don't go to NYC often, I am not aware of the commercial meter zone. The parking sign did say "Commercial", but it was not clear to me that it is for commercial vehicle only. Do I have any defense? Thank you for your advice! 
 
 
 
Regards, 
 
 
 
Calvin 
 

Hey Calvin, 
Welcome to the wacky world of NYC parking tickets. I am very sorry to say, residing in NJ is not a defense to a NYC parking ticket.  
 
I suggest you carefully examine the front of your parking ticket. If you find any mistakes, such as, make, plate type, expiration date, place of occurrence, etc. you win upon application. 
 
If no mistakes, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine, online. Here's a link 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/resource-links/ 
 
Good luck.

Hey Larry, 
 
 
 
Thank you for your advice. I am looking through the front of the ticket to see whether there is any mistake. I have noticed that the Body Type is "SUBN". I have a Honda Odyssey Minivan. Is that a mistake? The Exp. Date is "N/A", and there is no VIN#. Does any of these help? Please advise. 
 
 
 
Regards, 
 
 
 
Calvin

Calvin, 
N/A for exp. date for NJ residents is O.K. VIN# doesn't matter.  
 
What "BODY TYPE" is on your vehicle registration? 

Larry, 
 
Thank you for your quick response! According to my registration, the BODY TYPE is "WAGON". Does it help? 
 
Regards, 
 
Calvin 
 

Calvin, 
Here are your options: 
 
FIGHT-fight your parking ticket because the body type is wrong. You can dispute your ticket by mail, and enclose a copy of your vehicle registration.  
 
APPLY FOR A FINE REDUCTION-Unfortunately, the standard of warriorosity is the body type has to be "reasonably accurate" when ticketing an out-of-state vehicle. Many judges will accept tank for an SUV. 
 
Are you an Atlantic City guy? if so, go for it. Otherwise, take the reduction. 
 
Here's the link 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/resource-links/ 
 
Let us know your decision. 
Good luck. 
Enjoyed our conversation. 
Don't be a stranger, Calvin.

Larry, 
 
Your advice is much appreciated!! When reading your website, you have asked people NOT to disput the ticket online. Instead, we should do it by mail. What is the reason on that? Please advise. By the way, I am not a gambling man. I don't even buy the Lottery ticket :-) If the chance of winning is low, I will take the reduction. Thank you again for your valuable advice and education!! 
 
Regards, 
 
Calvin 
 

Good choice.  
When you dispute a parking ticket online, you are not able to submit any evidence to support your defense.  
 
So, with your case, for example, you'd have to submit a copy of your vehicle registration to win, and you can't.  
 
Online disputing is dropping your defense in a very deep dark hole. You don't even know or have proof where your defense went.  
 
In person or by mail.  
Good luck, Calvin.

Hi Larry, 
I just wanted to get back to you regarding the status of my ticket. I wrote to you back in November for the ticket in the "metered" spot that was ticketed for a no meter parking. I submitted pictures and my defense (the bubbles on the ticket were not 100% filled in) and, drum roll, I checked this evening and it was "not guilty!!!!" We got out of a $90 ticket or $43 reduced price. Thanks for your advice--it really helped! 
Susie

Susie, 
Good morning. 
Congratulations! 
I am thrilled for you. When you're right-FIGHT...You presented the proper proof, properly and your parking ticket was dismissed! 
 
You made my day! 
 

Hello Larry. I was in a Duane Reade parking lot (private property) and I pulled forward into a handicap parking spot to back up into a non-handicap parking spot. Before I could even back up, I was boxed in by a NYPD Police Car and the officer proceeded to issue me a parking summons for code# 27, No parking except handicap plates/permits (d)(3) for $180. 
 
I did notice that officer forgot to write down the check digit# on the summons. 
 
Can I dispute this summons for missing information or an incomplete summons? Please advise. 
 
Thanks, 
Nico

Is there any way to fight a driving in the bus lane ticket? Officer pulled me over for driving in the bus lane. I explained to the officer that a taxi was double parked and I had to go into the bus lane in order to avoid the the cab. Officer refused to listen. Any chance to dispute this?

Steve, 
Good afternoon. I am sorry to say, we only handle parking tickets. We have a terrific friend, Matthew Weiss, Esquire who devotes his law practice to traffic tickets. I'm sure Matt will be able to answer your question about a bus stop lane moving violation. 
 
Here's Mattt's contact information: 
 
Matthew J. Weiss, Esquire 
 
Weiss & Associates, PC  
 
419 Park Avenue South 
 
Second Floor 
 
New York, N.Y. 10016 
 
212-683-7373 X12 
 
Or, visit their Website @ http://www.nytrafficticket.com/ 
 
Good luck.

Hi, 
 
I received a ticket with the following as the description. 
"No Std ex trk load/unload (k)(2) 
DAYS/HRS: ALL DAYS/ALL HOURS" 
 
The thing is the sign which was right next to my car said no parking Fri 9-10:30. I got this ticket on Thurs morning. Also, the street on the location is incorrect. I was parked on a "Road" but the ticket says "Ave". 
 
Can you decipher all this for me? 
I have a photo of the sign and the house I was in front of as well a picture of the car at the location.

Hellos i recieve a Double parking tickets but here is the problem, i just recive that letter on the mail. firts i wans't there, second in the lettler says that the car was double parked was red and my car is green also i have proof that i was away from there, working and a letter from the parking lot where my car was parked. i tried to request a hearing online but they say that the color of the car and my work schedule are no proof that i wasn't there and they still find me guilty. so why i can do now?

I received 2 parking ticket. 1 was for obstructing traffic. The 2nd was for parking behind a "no parking anytime" signs. I parked on an inclined street on top of ice and snow. My vehicle slid back about 10 feet and out 2 feet into the street. I took pictures of different angles. Do i have a chance of fighting these 2 tickets? Thanks, Rob.

Frank, 
I apologize for the delay in responding to your excellent question. Old man, bad eyesight. 
 
Which of the two parking signs regulated your parking space? You determine this by looking at the direction of the arrow on the sign. In order to regulate your parking space, the arrow must point in the direction of your space. A parking sign may be next to your car, but if the arrow points AWAY from your car, the sign doesn't regulate your space.  
If both parking signs regulated your space, technically, the stricter rule applies. However, many judges will dismiss your parking ticket because the parking signs are CONFLICTING. 
 
On the other hand, if you are referring to one sign; and the warrior entered the rule displayed on the one sign incorrectly on your parking ticket, YOU WIN, upon application. You may wish to check out the parking sign locater page on our website to officially prove the rule on the parking sign; and I'd submit photos, also. 
 
The address of your violation ("place of occurrence") must be accurately entered on your parking ticket. Road is not Street is not Avenue. If entered incorrectly, you win upon application. Please be sure to present the proper proof, properly. You can raise more than one defense per ticket. I'd raise all the defenses/defects. 
 
Good luck. 

Fernando, 
Thanks for stopping by. The next step in your parking ticket journey, is to appeal your guilty finding. You have 30 days to appeal from the date the decision was entered by the judge; not the date on the generally belated letter. 
 
I urge you not to dispute a parking ticket online, in the future.  
 
Good luck.

Rob,  
Amazing story. I'd like to see your photographs before offering you my opinion about your chances for success, if you don't mind sharing them.  
 
You can email or fax me your photos.  
 
nyparkingticket@optonline.net  
(800) 313-1092  
 
Amazing.

Larry,  
 
I wanted to let you know that if you dispute a ticket online, there IS a way for you to upload photos as evidence. I did so recently on the aforementioned "Parking in the crosswalk" ticket from October. (I am still waiting to hear back, by the way).  
 
Honestly I can't tell you how I was able to do it, (it's months ago now - who can remember??) but it was a somewhat convoluted roundabout way. I pleaded not guilty and wrote that I had photos but didn't know how to submit them online. They sent me a letter adjourning the ticket in order for me to to upload the photos. Somehow I figured out how to do it. 
 
Regards,  
 
Robin on the UWS

Robin, 
Good morning. I sincerely appreciate the "heads up" about being able to upload photographs when fighting a parking ticket online. I trust you can upload other documents, such as affidavits. 
 
I just don't trust this DOF dark hole. Plus any time a system or process is "convoluted," many of our friends will not do it properly. I'm a firm believer in the KISS system (Keep it simple, stupid). 
 
You can certainly choose to fight online. I'd love to hear from more of our friends who uploaded multiple documents and experienced ease of use with the system before I recommend using the online method to fight.  
 
When you upload a photograph, how does it come out on the other end? Is it printed out in color and handed to a judge?  
 
Thanks again for sharing your experience, Robin.

Hello Larry, 
 
We drove 5 hours (each way) from Maryland for a doctor's appt. for our son yesterday: Presidents' Day -- a holiday. The meter is for Mon-Fri 10a-7p. It's Monday, but a legal holiday, so I figure I don't need to feed the meter. Wrong. $65 fine. Also, the ticket says "N/S" for Exp. Date. Maryland plates only have the expiration date on the rear plate, which he/she didn't bother to look at, only the front license plate. Might that be grounds for dismissal? Thanks!

Bernie, 
What a nightmare. Believe me, the difference between a NYC legal parking ticket holiday and a NYC major legal parking ticket holiday is confusing to all of us. 
 
I suggest you fight the ticket by mail. Send a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested to the address on the back of the ticket.  
 
Enclose your Defense Letter explaining your license plate has the month and year displayed on the plate, and the TEA failed to enter the month and year on the parking ticket; instead he/she incorrectly entered "N/S." 
 
Enclose a copy of your vehicle registration, and a couple of photographs of your plate attached to your vehicle; and a close up of your plate clearly showing the month and year. 
 
You are a winner! 
Let us know when you receive your dismissal. It may take a couple of months. 
 
Our best wishes to your Son. 
Good luck.

Hey Larry, 
 
I am a volunteer fire fighter who received a $115.00 commercial zone parking ticket. My only reason for parking in that spot, was to retrace my foot steps seeing as how I misplaced my credentials. Once I located my FDNY shield and ID and returned to my vehicle, the greeting card was sitting on my windshield. Any suggestions?

Duaan,  
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience. I am sorry to say, searching for a missing or lost object is not a defense to parking a passenger vehicle in a commercial vehicle parking space.  
 
You may wish to check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes. If a required element, such as make, expiration date, body type, plate type, place of location, etc, is omitted, misdescribed, or illegible, you win upon application.  
 
If no mistakes, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine, online. Here's a link to show you how.  
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/resource-links/  
 
Good luck.

Thank you so much for your valuable advice, Larry. Today, by certified mail with return receipt requested, I am mailing a letter to the Hearing by Mail Unit (text below). The two photos showing my license plate with registration expiration stickers attached were of the rear of my vehicle and a close-up of just the plate. Note that I did not mention in the letter or include a photo of the front plate, which does not have, nor is required to have in Maryland, exipration stickers. I noticed that 39-02(a)(2) says the expiration date may be omitted on the ticket if "the plate type or expiration date are not shown on either the registration plates or sticker of a vehicle..." As I mentioned before, the TEA apparently didn't bother to look at both plates, and 39-02(a)(3) has "plates" in the plural. 
 
 
 
Again, I greatly appreciate your advice and encouragement. I look forward to posting news of my dismissal of this ticket in due time. Thanks, again! 
 
 
 
------------------ 
 
Dear Sir or Madam: 
 
 
 
I believe the enclosed notice of violation should be dismissed pursuant to 39-02(a)(3) of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law because the Traffic Enforcement Agent incorrectly entered "N/S" for the vehicle expiration date. The vehicle expiration date was indeed properly displayed on this vehicle, as the photos below show. As additional supporting evidence, the vehicle registration card is also copied above, showing the registration expiration date. 
 
 
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter. 
 
 
 
Very truly yours, 
 
------------------

I stopped in a bike lane for a minute, as it was the only place to double park while moving my gear into a nursing home entrance. Before I got to the door, a dot 
lady told me to move my car. I said can I just move the gear into the lobby. She gave me a ticket for $115 for "refusing to move my car." Outrageous. Help. Poor musician, just trying to entertain the elderly. 

Art, 
Good morning. I am sorry for your parking grief, but you are prohibited from stopping in a bike lane to unload your vehicle.  
 
You were issued a ticket for a no stopping violation, or a bike lane violation; not for "refusing to move your vehicle." That was just the warrior's comment. 
 
You may wish to check to see if your parking ticket is eligible for a reduced fine. It may be a good idea to pay your fine within 30 days, so penalties are not added. 
 
The elderly are fortunate to have a fine musician to entertain them. Good luck.

I was ticketed for being in a safety zone. Of course I just now found out what it was and of course there were no signs as to not being able to park there and other cars were parked there all the time.  
 
Can I apply for a reduced fine? How do I do that? Is it possible to fight it?

Stan, 
Believe me, I feel you pain. A safety zone is what I characterize as one of the "invisible enemies"...No sign or notice required.  
 
I am sorry to report, I do not believe there is a reduced fine offered for a safety zone violation.  
 
I suggest you apply for a reduction online and see if one is offered.  
 
Good luck.

Bernie, 
 
Great to hear from you. And the beat goes on... 
 
I wouldn't bother sending anything. You received a form fine reduction offer that is sent to all people with eligible tickets. I'd ignore the letter, and wait for a decision. 
 
Keep me posted. 
Good luck. 

How do motrocycle riders display their parking receipt on their dashboard? Most motorcycles don't have a dashboard and if you leave the receipt stuck somewhere visibile it can be stolen. Have you heard that motorcyles that are parked at an angle between two cars don't have to have a parking receipt? Also, I hear that some riders take their plates off their bikes when parking so that the meter maids can't ticket them. Can you get a bike towed away for doing so?

Tom, 
 
Good morning.  
Great question. Since I do not ride a motorcycle, I'd love to hear from our easy riders to reply to Tom's question about where to safely display a muni-meter receipt. 
 
Yes, on both counts. Keep in mind that a motorcycle parked at an angel between two cars doesn't have to feed the meter; except if the paying car leaves the space before the motorcycle leaves.  
 
Any vehicle can be towed for parking illegally because all of NYC is a tow away zone (since 1959). I'm going to have to rely on our motorcycle friends to share their experience with plate removal and towing.

Is a mislabeled body type enough to get the ticket dropped? My Ford Focus was labeled as "BOAT," which is clearly incorrect. Also, I walked up while the officer was writing the ticket, and she did not ask for my name or ID. The ticket says "If the operator was present, I indicated the operator's name or indicated 'ID refused' and personally served this notice upon him/her." I was standing there, and she just slapped it on the windshield and walked away. Therefore, my name is not indicated on the ticket. The violation is for No Standing just as a point of reference. I will probably just accept the reduced fine unless you think I have a shot at fighting it. Thanks.

Casey, 
 
Good afternoon. 
You win! 
Body type is a required element. If your vehicle is registered in NY, the body type entered on your parking ticket must match the body type on your registration. 
 
If your Ford Focus is registered out-of-state, the body type must be reasonably accurate. 
 
Needless to say, "Boat" doesn't do it. 
 
You may wish to fight your parking ticket by mail. I suggest including a photograph of your "boat" and a copy of your vehicle registration with your defense letter. 
 
Good luck. 

Hey, Larry 
 
Great site! I parked in a "No Parking Anytime" zone in my commercial vehicle. Ran into a clients store less than 5mins. Can i beat the ticket? I have proof. Thanx

Lu, 
 
Good evening. 
Thanks for the kind words. 
 
You can beat this parking ticket with a invoice, bill, or other document you issue in the regular course of your business to prove you made a delivery; or service call to your customer. 
 
You'll need the doc, and an affidavit. 
 
Good luck. 

Hi Larry, 
Well, after your help with our last ticket, we have another one! I hope you have some great insight this time too! 
We bought a new car and had temporary plates (from CT). Even with expediting the new plates took about 2 weeks. My husband is a physician and we were waiting on the tags to install our current MD plates. He parked in physician parking and put our old (now current) plates in the window, but still had the temporary plates on the car. Of course, the day we received the tags, he got ticketed. Technically the plates were ours. Do we have a case? I think this time the ticket looks to be appropriately written. 
Thanks again! 
Susie

Susie, 
 
Good evening. Boy, that's a lot of pressure to put on an old man. I'm not quite sure I understand exactly which plates were displayed, and where. What violation were you ticketed for? 
 
 

Hi Larry, 
So sorry! We have MD plates from our old car. When we bought a new car we could not use the plates while we waited for the registration for the new car to the MD plates went through. In the interim, my husband parked in MD parking and displayed his MD plates in the window of the new car while the new car had the temporary plates on. The day we received the new registration, he got a $115 ticket for no standing. He was parked in an MD spot (which is not described on the ticket) with his MD plates showing. Do we have any defense? The fact that it does not specify MD parking on the ticket, does that work? He had the plates, they just hadn't been put on the car and were displayed on the dash. 
Also, I just noticed there is no VIN on the ticket. 
 
What do you think? 
Thanks! Susie

Hi Larry, 
Two questions regarding our ticket. 1) do they need to list the VIN #? 2) They just listed No Standing, but it was in a physician parking area (no meter/time limits for physicians)--should it be specific for No Standing (like authorized vehicle, etc)? 
Hope this helps! 
Susie

Susie, 
 
Hi. Plates in the window have no meaning in the wacky world of NYC parking tickets. VIN # is not a required element. 
 
The violation on the parking ticket must match the parking sign that regulated your space. You may wish to email me a copy of your parking ticket. I'm happy to take a look at it.  
 
Again...The parking sign regulating your space must match the violation entered by the warrior on your parking ticket. For example, if the sign prohibits parking and the ticket has VC 14 for no standing, the car wins. 
 
Good luck.

Hi Larry, 
 
Ok--so we'll skip the MD plates in the window.  
I'm pretty sure the sign says No Standing (which is what the ticket says, VC 14) except for Doctor's Vehicles Only. So, should we just pay and be done with it? Or should I try to fight it, maybe getting a reduced fee? 
Thanks! 
Susie

Hi Larry, 
 
I was just checking the ticket and the address and it looks like the ticket was issued in the middle of Morningside Park! It states "S/S W. 114th St, 65 ft east of Morningside Drive"--well Morningside Drive is on the west side of the park and Morningside Avenue is on the east side of the park; therefore east of Morningside Drive would be in the park and it should have stated west. I will try to defense this online. What do you think? 
Susie

Hi Larry, please help me to fight the ticket which I got for failing to display meter receipt. I paid the meter, but I forgot to put on my dashboard. Do you think there is a chnace that I can dispute this ticket? thanks

Hi Susie, 
Sorry for the delay. Sometimes I miss comments. I need a seeing blog dog. 
 
You can apply for a fine reduction online. If you're ticket is eligible, it will be offered. 
 
Click on Resource Links in our navigation bar, and then click on blue button-apply for reduced fine. 
 
Good luck.

Susie-follow up... 
 
Great defense. BUT, you must present the proper proof, properly. How do you intend to prove the incorrect place of occurrence?

Hi Jane, 
 
If you placed the muni-receipt on the dashboard, and it blew to the floor when you closed the door...Write a letter to the judge and attach a copy of your receipt. 
 
That should do the trick. 
Good luck. 

Hi Larry, 
 
I wonder if you can point me in the right direction. I received a parking ticket on May 28th on the Upper West Side on Riverside Drive.  
 
The violation is code 19 NO Standing Bus Stop. However I do not believe I was parked in a bus stop zone. I took pictures of where I was parked and the parking sign right next to my car reads: No parking 9:30-11AM Tues and Fri. The bus stop sign was not close to my car it was maybe 5 parking spots in front of my car. I couldn't read the bus stop sign from my car in fact and there was no yellow lines on the curb. I assumed I could park where I did precisely because of the No Parking sign that was right at the edge of my car.  
 
I tried filing for the Hearing By Web on the city's parking website but to no avail. I've been waiting for over 1 hour online for my ticket number to come up on the website and this is the message I see "Your ticket is being processed. To pay, please click OK and enter the amount." 
 
What can I do? Any tips are much appreciated. 
 
Thanks! 
 
Lorena (NJ resident with no time to spare fighting the system in person :(

Lorena, 
 
Good morning. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our humble home, and post some excellent questions. 
 
1. A bus stop zone begins at the bus stop sign, and extends in the direction of the arrow(s) until the next parking sign; or if no parking sign, the end of the block. 
 
2. If any portion of your car did not encroach the bus stop zone, than you may wish to fight your parking ticket by mail. The address to submit your defense letter and photographs is on the back of your ticket. Please submit your documents by certified mail, return receipt requested 
 
3. Painted curbs have no significance in the wacky world of NYC parking tickets. 
 
How do you intend to persuade the judge you didn't move your car prior to taking the photographs?  
 
Good luck.

Hi Larry, 
 
Thank you very much for your informative response to my questions. From your description it looks as though I may not have a strong enough case. The no parking sign with dates and time that I previously mentioned was located at the back end of my car. I didn't see the bus sign up ahead nor would I have thought that it would have pertained as it was so far away. Behind my car was a crosswalk so I don't know if that makes my case weaker but maybe.  
 
I could send you the photos I took if you don't mind giving me your opinion. I don't know how I would convince the judge that I did not move my car to take the photos, I didn't. If I had I would have moved it further back but I wouldn't have done that as I am not an unethical person.  
 
Thanks again for your anticipated response and for taking your time to assist those of us who do know all the rules and regs of parking in the City. You are providing a valuable service to the community, I salute you! 
 
Best, 
 
Lorena

Dear Mr. Berezin, 
 
I received a ticket this morning on Roosevelt Avenue between Main Street and Union Street in downtown Flushing while dropping off a passenger. The officer drove right in front of my car to block me in and issued me the ticket for "parking" at a No Standing Bus Zone area. I disagree with that claim and intend to fight it. I researched a few websites, especially yours, to ascertain how I could fight this. My defense is actually two-fold. First, correct me if I'm wrong, but according to New York's vehicle and traffic law "no standing" means "no person shall stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, but may stop temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers." Second, the name on the driver (me) was spelled incorrectly on the ticket even though the officer had my driver license with him at the time of him writing the ticket - would this be considered as a "Defective Ticket Defense"? Also, are there any sections of the law that I could use for my aforementioned two arguments? 
 
Thank you very much for your help. Keep up the fight! 
 
Regards, 
Jason

Lorena,  
 
Good morning.  
Sorry for the delay in responding. I missed your latest response.  
 
Was your car parked in the bus stop zone? As mentioned in my previous comment...Was you car parked in between the bus stop sign and the next parking sign in the direction of the arrow on the bus stop sign?  
 
If it was, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine. If not, I'm happy to take a look at your photographs.  

Jason, 
 
Good morning. Great job researching. Let's take the easy question first...Misspelling is not a defect which will result in a dismissal of your parking ticket. Sorry. 
 
You are almost absolutely correct in your statement of a legitimate defense to a bus stop violation. Please don't worry about duplicate statements of the law. The judge knows the proper defense.  
 
The critical part is proving you stopped temporarily to expeditiously drop-off a passenger in a bus stop zone. Temporary means 2 minutes or less; while expeditiously means as quick as humanly possible(my definition). 
 
How are you going to prove your defense? You may wish to consider: 
 
1. Where was your passenger going? Can you prove it? 
2. Why did you stop in the actual bus stop zone? Was there other space available at the curb for you to stop temporarily? 
3. Was your passenger taking a bus? If so, any proof. What bus line, where did your passenger disembark? 
4. If not, did you passenger go into a store? If so, any receipts 
5. Can you secure an witness affidavit from your passenger? 
 
This is a tough ticket to beat. You have to refute the warrior's sworn statement the your VIOLATED the bus stop rule. 
 
Let me know how you do. 
Good luck!

hi Larry: I parked my car on a residential block that had alternate side parking rules which I was not in violation of. I am familiar with the alt. side rules for that entire street. However, there was another sign above it that was obscured by trees that stated "no parking anytime" with an arrow pointing towards the corner. I was not aware of this and had never parked there before. Furthermore the signs were not parallel to the street, so that if you looked at the pole from the street, you could not see the signs since they were angled backwards. 
 
Do you think I have a chance to defend this ticket? 
Thanks! 

Hi, 
 
 
 
I received a ticket for parking at a pedestrian ramp. (subsection F7) 
 
 
 
There is no marking on the street, or any signs indicating parking there is illegal. 
 
 
 
The only thing I can think of is that there is a crosswalk across the road. (It's a T-junction - see here 
 
 
 
Is there any way I can fight this? 
 
 
 
Thanks so much.

Good morning Yehudah,  
 
Always great to hear from you. You may wish to check out this blog post and diagram. I think it will answer your question.  
 
If you are still in doubt, let me know.  
 
Good luck.

Hi Robin, 
 
Good morning. 
If the parking sign is hidden, you can beat the ticket. The tipping point is the quality of the photographs you present to prove the sign is hidden from sight. 
 
You may wish to check out this article about how to beat a hidden sign: http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/customer-success-stories/ 
 
If the parking sign is pointed in a confusing direction, you may have a second defense. However, it may conflict with your first defense. If you can see the sign pointing in a confusing direction, then it isn't hidden. 
 
I'm happy to look at a photograph and offer my humble opinion.

Thanks for your reply. I'd be happy to send you the photos I took, where should I send them? I might add that if you walked all the way around the pole and from every angle on the street you would eventually see the sign. But as someone who is already familiar with the alt. side parking restrictions on that street, and not seeing the hidden sign upon first glance, it didn't occur to me to double and triple check.

2 questions on a ticket for expired muni meter does there have to be a 1st observed time there. A parking rule sign that says "Dept of Traffic" is this really an official Department of Transportation sign?

Robin, 
 
Good morning. 
Feel free to send your photos to: 
 
nyparkingticket@optonline.net 
 

Leroy, 
 
Good morning. 
I've never seen a "Dept of Traffic" designation on a parking rule sign. 
 
I'm happy to look at a photo of the sign and a copy of your parking ticket; if you'd like to email the items to me 
at: 
 
nyparkingticket@optonline.net

Hi Larry, I want to commend you on this website because it really helps people to understand tickets better. All my life, I have seen injustice everywhere and it sickens me because the government is doing it. If you think about it, people who made these laws and enforce them break parking rules all the time. They do not suffer the same consequences as do the rest of us. With such a bad economy, rising gas prices, it is not fair for motorists to pay such high ticket prices. Tickets sometime range over $100 and that is quite a bit because some working families can barely make that amount in one day. It may be true that if you get a $100 ticket, you will think twice before doing it next time. However, I do not think that is the reason why the city would overcharge on tickets. My theory is that the city is like a monopoly or if you want to put it, some business like "Disney World". They can charge whatever price they want. There is no math or degree of fairness to the amount of a ticket. All my life, I have seen good people suffer and bad people grow on this suffering. I believe in super heroes and one day Captain Justice will make this city a better place.

Captain Justice, 
Thanks for your kind words. 
 
I loved reading your comment. Well said.

I was issued a summoms last week, in the areas for registration expiration date there is N/S is this enough to get the ticket dismissed?

Leroy, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our humble home, and pose a great question. 
 
If your vehicle is registered in the State of NY, a warrior must insert the month, day, and year of your registration expiration on the front of the ticket. 
 
If you vehicle is registered out-of-state, AND your registration expiration month/year is displayed on your windshield, or plate, a warrior is required to insert the month/year on your parking ticket. 
 
If your registration expiration date is not displayed, a warrior must enter NS or NA. 
 
Good luck.

I received a parking ticket for parking for more than a hour in a 1 hour zone.  
 
4-08 
 
Overtime Pkg-Time Limit Post(d) 
DAYS/HRS: EXPECT Sun/ 9A-7P 
 
 
I honestly thought it would be fine to park there, I left my car there for a week and on the finally day(Friday) they issused me a ticket. There isn't even any meters there anymore, they were all removed a few years ago. Not sure how they would know If I was parked there more than a hour. Anyways how should I respond to the ticket? I love the site btw, I have gotten about 20 tickets in 2 years. I beat most of them but lost quite a bit fighting them online.

I received a ticket this week for parking more than 1 hour in a 1 hour zone. There is no meters, they did put a time 1st observed and it was more than a hour. I also have another ticket for no front license plate. I just got my car out of the parking lot and didn't get a chance to put on the plate. Just registered a hour or 2 before receiving the ticket. Any advice for what to put on the tickets before mailing them in?

Today, nearly 6 months after the fact, I received notice of dismissal of our 2/22/2011 parking ticket. (See my two comments above at 2/22/2011 & 2/23/2011.) Apparently, my defective ticket challenge was successful back in April or so, but NYC-DOF didn't bother letter me know, even though they had sent me a letter in March saying I would receive a "response within 90 days." Well, I called the phone number on that letter at around 135 days and was told it had been dismissed. "Can I get that in writing, as you promised?" "Yes, if you send us a letter in writing asking for a response in writing." And that's the reply that finally came today. 
 
Larry, THANK YOU for your expertise and coaching back in February/March. It paid off for me!

Today, nearly 6 months after the fact, I received notice of dismissal of our 2/22/2011 parking ticket. (See my two comments above at 2/22/2011 & 2/23/2011.) Apparently, my defective ticket challenge was successful back in April or so, but NYC-DOF didn't bother letter me know, even though they had sent me a letter in March saying I would receive a "response within 90 days." Well, I called the phone number on that letter at around 135 days and was told it had been dismissed. "Can I get that in writing, as you promised?" "Yes, if you send us a letter in writing asking for a response in writing." And that's the reply that finally came today. 
 
Larry, THANK YOU for your expertise and coaching back in February/March. It paid off for me!

Bernie, 
 
Congratulations! You made my weekend. 
I love that your won, and shared your victory with all of us. 
 
Your kind words are deeply appreciated. Happy to help.

Hi Larry, 
 
Could you please tell me where it is you find the street regulations? It was in one of your responses on how to find a certain street's regulations that govern it. We received 2 parking tickets for no muni meter receipts on streets that do not even have signage or a muni meter. I'm sure they were filling their end of the month coffers and expect us not to fight it, but they figured wrong. I just want to double check the actual street to see what is regulated. 
Thanks for all of your help! 
Susie

Hey Susie, 
 
Thanks for stopping by... 
If you're referring to how to find parking signs on any street, here's the link. After you copy and paste the link into your browser, click on the large multi-colored sign on the landing page. 
 
>a>http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/find--a-sign/ 
 
If not, you can download a copy of the parking ticket codes and rules on our blog. Use the google search bar to locate the post where the download lives. 
 
Good luck.

I was letting my mother off at the house and doubled parked my car outside of my house. The ticket agent ticketed my car. I sent in a picture of my house showing the chair lift that my mother using in the house to bring her in the house. I recieved a letter back from nyc telling me that i needed tp park by a curb to bring her in the house and owe them 115.00. is thete anything that I can do.

Amy, 
 
Good morning. 
I am sorry to report that the majority view is double parking for passenger vehicles is always illegal. 
 
I am a passionate advocate for the minority view that you can double park outside Midtown when you stop, drop-off or pick-up a passenger, and go. 
 
The tipping point is you cannot double park and leave your car to help a passenger in or out. It is a harsh rule when applied to your situation, but the evil empire has no heart.  
 
You may wish to apply for a reduced fine, while they last. 
 
Good luck.

Hello Larry 
 
I came back from the work 1:30 Am and i park my suv and look around for the signs for cleaning and all other before i left the suv. there was no sign around except cleaning signs. it was bitter cold Wed Morning i wanted to leave asap. in the morning i saw ticket for NO STANDING ANYTIME. i looked around again there was no sign for NSA. there was a pole for street light pole and looked like there was sign i guess but this time there is no sign present, i took some picture and wants to beat this ticket, Can you please guide with this,  
 
Thank you. 

Fazi, 
 
Good morning. 
Super job taking pictures.  
 
I'm happy to help you beat this parking ticket. Please check out "Larry's Advice" (It's almost free). 
 
Here's a link... 
 
<a>link,http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/larrys-advice/ 
 
Good luck!

I received two tickets on the same day same spot. When I parked the meter was broken. First ticket was parking for more then 2 hours at an broken meter. Then the next was given for expired meter. Apparently, they came and fixed it after the fact. Can I beat these?

Justice, 
 
Good morning. 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website. Sorry about your 2012 parking ticket pain. 
 
The information you need to decide whether or not to fight your parking ticket is on the blog. If you need my help, you may wish to check out, "Larry's Advice," It's almost free. 
 
Here's a link... 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/larrys-advice/ 
 
Good luck. 

Hi, I hope you can help me. I received a "No Parking Anytime" ticket. The sign was for two spots in the middle of the street. I thought I could park there since I saw a car just leave. I had parked my car and then noticed the sign. However, my car wouldn't start and I was in a panic. I didn't have a cell phone and I had to find a pay phone. When I got back, I saw the ticket. Is there anything I can do or should I just pay? Thanks for your help.

Cam, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our humble home. 
 
You may wish to raise the "disabled car" defense. You can research the particulars on Larry's Blog. 
 
If you still feel you would benefit from my help fighting your parking ticket, please check out "Larry's Advice" (it's almost free). 
I'm happy to help you. 
 
Best, 
Larry

Hi there. 
 
 
 
I got a cell phone violation back in October I believe. My girlfriend was holding the phone to my ear because I was on a phone call that required immediate attention.  
 
 
 
I was not aware that even though I wasn't personally holding the phone it could still be counted against me. 
 
 
 
The officer was very rude & the copy of the ticket he gave me is nowhere near legible. Like there is literally NOTHING on the paper. I don't think he pressed hard enough or whatever. 
 
 
 
Do you think I have a good chance of beating this ticket?

I have three Traffic Violations that I received, put them in my glove box and forgot about them. 
 
• Not observing stop light in effect ~ over 1yr old (ran a red light) 
 
• disobey traffic device (didn’t clear the white lines on the road before I got on the left turn lane) 
 
• operate without insurance - expired (I didn’t have the new insurance card in my vehicle) 
 
These tickets were forgotten and never addressed. 
 
 
 
Last month, I went to the traffic court to take care of a ticket for my friend, and the woman behind the counter pulled up my name & drivers license by mistake, and advised me about these tickets. I couldn’t even remember them when she asked me about it. She gave me a print-out of the tickets and told me that I am not supposed to be driving and that I should turn in my license plates because my vehicle is without insurance.  
 
 
 
I am very concerned about my driving record right now and I would like to address these tickets and reverse any suspensions that are may be on my driver’s license. I need to use my car mon-fri for work purposes and chores on the weekends. 
 
 
 
How should I proceed? 
 

Louis and Rhoda, 
 
Good morning. 
Louis, I apologize for missing your comment. Sorry about that. 
 
Guys and Dolls, 
 
My so-called "expertise" extends only to parking tickets, and doesn't include traffic tickets. 
 
Our wonderful friend and fellow attorney, Matthew Weiss, Esquire devotes his legal life to making traffic tickets easy for his clients. 
Matt's phone number is...212.683.7373 X12. You can ask for Giselle, and feel free to mention Larry sent ya. 
 
Here's a link to Matt's info on my website. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/fight-traffic-tickets/ 
 
Good luck to both of you.