Larry's Blog

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.