Hello, I am pretty stunned. I just received a summons in the mail for a ticket I never received, plus penalty charges. It indicates that I was double parked but I was dropping off a passenger, and the traffic officer never was there. I saw her at the end of the block (25 yards away). Apparently, she wrote down my license plate number and issued it that way. Is this legal? And do I have any defenses for having this dismissed? I printed out the summons and there are a lot of missing items normally required for a ticket to be valid. Please help me!

Freddy, 
 
Yes, you have a defense to a ticket for standing, when you were dropping off a passenger. We are happy to help you.  
 
I'll contact you by email.

Can a person put a cone out in front of their home all day to save THEIR spot when they come home.

Hi Joyce,  
 
Wow. What a great question. We've been in business fighting NYC parking tickets for 15 years. Always looking for a new question. 
 
I will have an answer for you on Monday. Great to have you come by. 

Joyce, 
 
Thanks again for your great question. Pursuant to N.Y.C. Traffic Rules, Section 4-08 (7) it is unlawful for any person to reserve a parking space. 
 
Please feel free to ask any questions about NYC parking.

Does NYC parking violation Code 9 have any points on driving record along with the $115 fee?

Tracey, 
 
Great question. The answer is, "It depends." On July 7, 2008, a gridlock violation was given a dual status of a parking violation and moving violation. If you were issued a NYC parking ticket for a violation of Code 9, there are no points in addition to the $115 fine.  
 
For a more detailed discussion, please cut and paste this link to a great friend of ours, Matt Weiss, Esquire, who is an expert on traffic (moving) violations.  
http://888redlight.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/blocking-the-box-no-longer-a-moving-violation-in-new-york-city/ 
Posted @ Monday, May 18, 2009 9:46 AM by Larry Berezin

CAN I GET A TICKET FOR BEING IN THE CAR AT AN EXPIRED METER?

Henry, 
 
I am sorry to say, YES. Once the meter expires, you are fair game. If the ticket is still pending, please give us a call at our toll free number and I'll tell you how to get your fine reduce. 
 
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your NYC parking ticket experience. It will definitely help the driving public!

I received a ticket for parking. Does the summons have to have the model year included by the officer, or just the Body type. If the model year is missing, would the ticket be invalid.

Tony, 
 
Excellent question. It has been our experience that the judge generally will not dismiss a parking ticket for the wrong model year. 
 
It may be worth a try, though. If you mail in your ticket with a NOT GUILTY plea and request an in person hearing, you will receive an offer to reduce your fine in exchange for a guilty plea. Please send your ticket by certified mail, RRR. 
 
Please let us know how you make out. 
 

Have you ever heard of someone being towed to a prohibited spot and then being issued a ticket? 
 
It sounds crazy, but yesterday I found my car in a place where I have never parked before -- one that prohibits parking almost all day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 
 
I am floored.

Nicole, 
 
Wow. Nope, I've never heard this before. I'd love to learn more details. Amazing story. I would be floored, too. 
 
If you have some time, please call me at 800-249-5048.

my parking ticket has the wrong color for my car can I plead not guilty on the grounds that my car is gray not tan?

I got a ticket for  
 
Obstructing Traffic at Intersection (e) (12) for $115. 
 
wasn't fine reduced to $100? Isn't the new code (09)? Since it is not a moving violation do they have to put in the VIN#? Can I fight under any of these defenses

Steven, 
 
So sorry for the delay in replying to your thoughtful question. The fine for "blocking the box" is $115. It is a parking ticket without points; and a moving violation with 2 points. The parking ticket version doesn't require a VIN number on the front of the ticket. Wish it did! 
 
I recently published a blog post on the subject, which may be of interest.

Is ther a fine for parking your vehicle & leaving it there in the same spot for weeks.

Thanks for paying us a visit and asking an excellent question. There is no specific fine for parking and leaving your vehicle in the same spot for weeks. Here's what will probably happen:  
 
1. The vehicle will be ticketed until the cows come home; or  
2. Towed to an impound lot  
 
Once in the impound lot, the vehicle will incur daily storage charges. Not a pretty picture

I'm not from NY but got a parking ticket there last week while on vacation. There plate expiration date is incorrect. I can't seem to find any info about if I need to dispute it or just pay the fine. If I dispute it, the drive back up to NYC is 12-14 hours for me, so is it worth it?

Megan, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and sharing a comment. Your question will help educate us all. 
 
I'm sorry your visit ended with an unexpected, extra expense. You are now an official New Yorker. Let's see if we can eliminate your "parking tax" for you. According to the Rules of the City of New York, Chapter 19, Section 39-02, you are entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket when a required element is missing from your summons. The expiration date of your registration is a required element and must be accurate. If not, you win! 
 
Here's how to proceed: 
1.Sign the back of your ticket 
2.Attach a short letter and state that you plead NOT GUILTY 
3.State in the letter that a required element on the summons is missing, i.e., incorrect expiration date of registration 
4.Attach a copy of your vehicle registration as evidence of the correct date of expiration 
5.Ask for a dismissal of you parking ticket 
6.Send your letter, the original ticket, and a copy of your vehicle registration by CERTIFIED MAIL, RRR, to the address on the back of the ticket 
 
Congratulations. Hope the balance of your visit to our fair city was fun.

Recently my brother was in town. He was driving a car registered in name of his wife. However the summons was issued for Code 9 obstructing traffic, in his name. Does the ticket have to have vehicles owner or person driving. 
Apurv Patel

Apurv, 
 
A warm welcome to Larry's Blog. Thanks for posting a comment. The rule requires the parking ticket warrior to obtain the name of the operator, if present. If not, the name of the owner.  
 
The summons charges both the owner and operator. I hope this information is responsive to your question.  
 
Safe driving and parking!

I received a code 9 obstructing traffic today when I was in the city. It was my 2nd time driving in the city and it was definitely not for pleasure, I had family obligations. The traffic agent listed the wrong color car and did not list my registration exp date. 
 
Does my situation apply with the "Rules of the City of New York, Chapter 19, Section 39-02" which states that the expiration date is a required element of the summons? Any help you could give me would be much appreciated.

Jennifer, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting your excellent question. Generally speaking, the correct registration expiration date is a required element of the summons. You are entitled to a dismissal if this element is missing. 
 
However, in a blocking the box violation, I suggest looking for ticket agent comments on the front of the ticket; as well as the insertion of N/S in the box for registration expiration date. If you have a NY vehicle registration, and you were physically presented with the summons, than there should not be any officer comments. Also, the registration box should simply be blank. 
 
If the registration box is empty, and there are no relevant ticket agent comment---YOU WIN!

I parked at a broken parking meter and when I came back about 40 minutes later there was a ticket on my car and the meter was working again. Do I have any defense to beat this ticket? Thanks for your help!!!

Concerning the above is there any way to find out and obtain written proof when a certain parking meter was repaired? Thanks!

Bruce, 
Thanks for visiting our website. I hope you found the information useful. The answer to your question is absolutely, positively, YES. 
 
I posted two articles on broken parking meters. Here's a link to the one which is most helpful to you.  
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/22232/There-s-been-a-change-in-the-NYC-broken-parking-meter-law 
 
You can also click on broken parking meters in the column on the right side of the page under "posts by category." 
 
There is a system in effect to report a broken meter, fight a parking ticket, and access the information you need to support your defense. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about how to proceed. 
 
Good luck. Let me know how you make out.

I got a ticket for parking 9 feet from a hydrant in NYC. I know they technically require 15 feet, but I've never seen this enforced and mostly what I see is people leaving about one car length on either side. Is there anything I can do or just suck it up and pay the fine?

I received a parking ticket this afternoon with no indication of what the violation was. If the specific violation isn't checked on the ticket, can I get it dismissed?

Mark, 
Thanks for visiting our website. Your comment is very helpful to our readers. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Be careful about making a decision based upon observing parking habits of some of the NYC driving public. 
 
We receive countless calls from people who parked too close to a fire hydrant and were issued summons. It is a $115 violation and does not qualify for the reduction program. 
 
You may want to read one of our success stories, which is about beating a ticket for a fire hydrant violation. You can find it by using the post by category index on the right column. Click on "fire hydrant." 
 
I suggest carefully checking the front of your parking ticket for any mistakes. If a required element, such as time,date,place of violation, make, model, license plate number, or registration expiration date is missing, YOU WIN. Otherwise, you may wish to pay the ticket promptly to avoid additional penalties. 
 
Sorry we can't help with info on how to beat this ticket; but, I appreciate your integrity in telling it like it is. 
 
Good luck.  
 

Scott, 
You are absolutely correct. Title 19 RCNY 39-02(a)requires that a parking ticket summons contains a reference to section 4-08 of Title 34 RCNY, or the applicable provision of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, or of the Administrative Code of NYC, or any other law or rule. Guess what, the parking ticket warrior has all these choice. The one choice the warrior doesn't have is to omit any reference to one of the above citations. 
 
This is considered a missing required element and requires an automatic dismissal. Nice job!

I received a parking ticket for standing near a bus stop (about 3 feet of the rear of the car were on the bus stop). I was returning from my newborns (3 days old) first doctors appointment, and stopped the car because he was crying louder than normal, and I wanted to make sure he was OK. I parked the car by the bus stop (no buses in the way) and got out of the drivers seat to check on my son. I was approximately 3-4 minutes in the back with him when a Traffic Officer came and started scanning at my registration bar code on the windshield. When I saw this, I was completely baffled and tried to explain the situation. She did not want to hear it. Apparently, the scanner did not work, because she did not enter a vin number, wrote down the wrong color of my car, and wrote down an address that does not correspond to the bus stop (it's two building down). Ironically, the address she wrote down as a legal parking meter. 
 
What if anything can I do? The ticket is for $115!!!

I was issued a ticket for standing in a commercial zone while I was dropping off my wife. 
I requested the traffic agent to call the supervisor who came 20 minutes later. 
The supervisor directed the agent to add a comment that "I was dropping off my wife" . I even confirmed the comment the traffic agent added in his hand held.  
Now when I get a PDF Copy of the ticket in the NYC parking website the comment that apparently was added is not there.  
Can I fight this ticket based on the grounds of "missing Information" 
 
Thanks  
 
Ricky  

Antony, 
 
Great questions, and some good news for you. Your first two questions deal with the issue of what information is required to be entered on a parking summons. Pursuant to 34 RNYC Section 39-02(a) the following information is required: 
1.Registration plate number 
2.Type of registration 
3.State of registration 
4.Date of expiration,  
5.A description of the vehicle 
6.A general statement of the violation alleged, including a reference to an appropriate parking rule 
7.Days/hours rule is in effect 
8.Date, time and place of occurrence 
9.If meter violation, the meter number 
 
Your VIN number and color of vehicle are not required elements. You don't qualify for an automatic dismissal for those to items. 
 
BUT, you do qualify for an automatic dismissal if the place of occurrence is incorrect. I suggest presenting photographic evidence, or any other evidence you have to prove that the location was wrong. 
 
Congratulations! Knowledge is power.

Ricky, 
 
Thanks for paying us a visit and taking your valuable time to post a comment. Your missing comment is not a required element. You may be interested in reading my prior response to a question asked by Antony. 
 
All is not lost. You have a defense to this parking ticket. You are permitted to stop temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger when standing is prohibited in a commercial meter zone. 
 
I suggest fighting your parking ticket on that basis. Good luck!

Hi, I’m currently from out of state, and I am so happy that I found your excellent website! I hope you can answer my question…. A friend who was operating my vehicle (while I was in the passenger seat) was given a summons in Violation of Sect 4-08 Obstructing Traffic at Intersection (e) (12), violation code 09. The officer just came up to the vehicle, asked for the operator’s name, and then said, “I’m giving you a summons.” That was it. He did this to about 5 other cars while we were all stuck in traffic that had come to a sudden halt in the intersection (box). The summons only has 3 numbers of the license plate and does not have the complete license plate number, which has six characters (3 numbers and 3 letters). The name of the operator is also misspelled. The Exp. Date is N/S and there is a complainant comment. The car is also registered in another state, and that state is also indicated on the summons. The CD is recorded as “NS,” and the car year is also recorded as “N/S.” QUESTION: Since the summons does not have all the required elements – including an incomplete license plate number and no vin number – is the summons invalid? Is there even enough information for the NYC Dept. of Finance to identify me or my vehicle? I’m worried that if I check the ticket number on the NYC Dept. of Finance website, I will be identified and subsequently billed for the fine amount of $115.00. Please advise. Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help.

Rachel, 
 
We are very happy you found our website. Thanks for the kind words. 
You posed some great questions. You may wish to read my response to a prior comment from Antony, which lists all the required elements. 
 
Congratulations, an incorrect license plate number is grounds for an automatic dismissal. I suggest you go the the DOF website and enter the ticket number. If it does not come up with your automobile, there is no record of a parking ticket issued to your vehicle. 
 
Or, send a letter to the address on the back of the ticket. Plead not guilty, sign the ticket and state a required element is missing, i.e., your license plate number. You are required to enclose your vehicle registration as proof. 
 
Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

Wow, thank you so much! I went to the DOF website, entered the ticket number, and it did not come up with my automobile! There's apparently no record of a parking ticket issued to my vehicle! Thank you so much for all your wisdom and advice; I really appreciate it!

You have a very informative website here. I was hoping you could answer my question.  
 
This morning, I was waiting in the driver's seat of my car with the car on as my husband went into the apartment building to pick up my disabled nephew in a residential street in Queens, NY. (I am from NJ). I had been waiting for less than a minute when I saw that there was a meter maid looking at my registration sticker. I asked her what I was getting a ticket for and she said "You are double parked". There was a Fed Ex truck double parked directly in front of me and in front of that truck there was a fire hydrant. I told her that my husband was coming out just then with my nephew who is disabled and offered to wait by the hydrant. She told me, "Well, you're getting the ticket anyway." I pulled over to the hydrant and she proceeded to get into her car and drive away, never giving me a paper copy of the ticket she issued. I looked to see if I could find the ticket on the DOF website but did not find it three hours after this occurred. Does the ticket show up immediately on the website or does it take a couple of days? Should she have given me the paper copy or is it not required? 
 
I just have to add - I laugh at the fact that that Traffic Police have the "Courtesy, Professionalism, and Respect" logo on their cars because I've yet to encounter one that has shown me any form of courtesy, professionalism, or respect.  
 
Thanks in advance for your response.

How many feet apart do no parking signs have to be. There was 1 on my block on the corner 400 feet down the block we ALL rec tickets ane were told as long as ther is 1 thats all that is needed. Is that true, I thought they had to have multible signs about 50 foot from eact other. I love you answers as I have used you many times and find your info GREAT

Jo, 
 
Thank you for your kind words about our website. Here's your parking ticket and have a nice day. It is really a shame about your meeting with a nyc parking ticket warrior.  
 
Here's my take. I suggest you be on the lookout for a parking ticket to magically appear on the DOF website. It takes from 2-4 weeks for the newborn to arrive. The warrior probably scanned your registration and commented on the ticket that "driver drove off." Sorry about that. 
 
A tip for the future. You are permitted to park alongside a fire hydrant between sunrise and sunset as long as a licensed driver remains behind the wheel and is able to move the vehicle upon the request of a warrior.  
 
When you double park, you are not permitted to wait for the return of your passenger. 
 
Hopefully, I'm wrong about the scan and no parking ticket will appear.

Joyce, 
 
Sorry to report that there only has to be one parking sign on the block, regardless at length. I have authored some blog posts on our website and on my Fox 5 News NYC blog about how to read signs. You may find the posts useful. 
 
Thank you for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post a comment. It helps all of us when you ask a question.

I was wondering whether or not NYC police can give a ticket for an expired license plate sticker on an out-of-state license plate. 
Thanks for all of your helpful tips!

Hey Larry, 
 
Thanks for supplying me the great tips in regards to certain parking/moving violations made in NY. Recently I made a trip into Brooklyn, NY. I was at a red light at the corner of 4th Ave and Atlantic Avenue at 5:00pm. The light then turned green and so I moved my vehicle forward thinking that the light on 4th Ave and Flatbush was green as well. Unfortunately with my luck, it wasn't. I must have stood at the intersection for a good period of time fighting with another vehicle while the light on 4th & Atlantic was green. I snugged my car into the only opening available in front of me. I had half of my car sticking out into the intersection, once the light turned red, and a traffic officer pulled my car and the car I was fighting with for the open space. He attended to the other car while he made another officer take care of running the information from my end. The officer seemed fairly new as he was confused about a few things. The one thing though is that he was not the officer who saw me obstructing traffic (Penal Law 210.45 which states that "I personally observed the offense charged above). The Complainant's Comments also states that "the vehicle made no intention of turning nor did the vehicle turn," when I barely could move anywhere but forward. Based on a previous post, the boxes showing exp. date shows "N/A," the CD information show "NS," the year of my vehicle shows "N/S," and the VIN# is blank. It's my first violation in NY city ever and I found it to be rather surprising at how quick the ticket was given to me without asking me for my license, registration, etc. Also, my vehicle plate is from NJ. Sorry for the long post Larry as I like to be specific on details. I appreciate any information you have at hand for me. I'm just not sure if I have something to fight based on the information I gave you or should I just succumb to the paying the scandalous $115.00 fine. 
 
Thanks a lot!

Larry, 
 
I have just read over a posting you made directly for Anthony and it answered a few of my questions. So my apologies on repeating certain information twice as I missed that posting the first time and caught on to it reading the postings the second time around. I do have the exp. date as "N/A" but since my plate is from NJ, that is where I'm not 100% sure of the situation. 
 
Thanks again!

George, 
 
Thanks for stopping by and sending me some nice, kind words. I always appreciate that. Long stories are absolutely fine. Sharing our NYC parking ticket experiences helps one and all.  
 
NY motorist are required to post their registrations on their windshields, which makes all the required elements readily available. NJ does not have the same requirement. Ergo, on a NJ vehicle, some of the info is not available. Therefore, entering a N/A or N/S is generally acceptable to a hearing official. 
 
On the other hand, an empty box with no entry will give you an automatic dismissal, as will a missing make, model or correct license plate number on a NJ vehicle. 
 
My suggestion is if there are no empty boxes and all the other required elements are accurate, apply for a fine reduction. If you follow the process outlined in my blog posts under the category of "fine reduction program," you will receive an offer to reduce your fine from $115 to $90. Not the greatest, but at least it may lessen the sting of ticket a little. 
 
Good luck.

Hi Larry, 
 
I actually have two questions one of which has sort of been answered. 
 
First, I received a ticket for parking "8 FEET FROM HYDRANT" which I didn't believe I did. I was parked there for two days and received the ticket on the second day (so I'll assume I just got lucky the first day?). I believe the location is correct, but I'm not sure, however the body type of my car is listed incorrectly. I have a 2 door car and my ticket lists it as a 4DSD (while I have another scanned ticket that says I have a 2DSD). I have a picture of me at the spot, but now I'm not quite sure if it's actually 15 feet from the hydrant. I just assumed it was okay because I didn't get a ticket the day before. If anything it's maybe 10-14 feet away. Is there any way that my ticket would be dismissed based on a poor door count? Also the VIN is missing, but I don't think that's necessary for this ticket. 
 
Also, my scanned ticket is for blocking the box. I got this ticket shortly after my birthday in March. I contested it based on the fact that I didn't feel I was blocking anything, traffic seemed to be moving past me just fine. Also my name was misspelled and I was asked by the traffic agent to pull over in front of a fire hydrant for her to write me a ticket because she was having trouble scanning my registration when the light turned green and I was then really blocking traffic. My request for a hearing was denied because a misspelled name is not grounds for a hearing. However, I read that if I was present when the summons was given there should be nothing in the Complainant's Comments box and there's a rather lengthy bit there about how I was in the intersection without enough space behind me and without intent to turn and no emergencies and whatnot. Would I be able to attempt to appeal this ticket again? If so, how would I go about doing this?  
 
Thanks so much! Your website is really informative!

Jackie, 
 
Thanks for stopping by, leaving a comment, and your kind words. First things first. A properly described body type is a required element. An inaccurate description is grounds for an automatic dismissal. You win!  
 
I am on a crusade against the improper enforcement tactics of the parking ticket warriors for a blocking the box parking ticket. I have posted 2 articles and a video, which I trust will explain the real meaning of the rule.  
 
You only have 30 days to file an appeal. Unfortunately, you are out of time to file. Sorry.  

I received a ticket for "IMPROPER DISPLAY OF REGISTRATION STICKER" yesterday. The complainant's comments were "Sticker on Dash". My registration sticker was where it's suppose to be stuck to the windshield, however, one of the corners of the sticker was coming off. The registration sticker was obviously displayed and the officer was also able to include on the parking ticket that the registration expires 10/26/10.  
 
 
 
Is there anyway I can fight this ticket? Thanks.

Joan, 
 
When you are right, fight. Here's a suggestion. Take a photograph of your registration sticker attached to the windshield. Prepare an affidavit setting forth essentially what you wrote in your excellent comment. You may wish to do some on-line research about the problems NY had with the registration adhesive failing to stick to the windshield. 
 
Sign the back of the summons, plead not guilty, and send your affidavit and photograph to the address on the back of your ticket by certified mail, RRR. You will receive an offer to reduce your fine in about 3-4 weeks from the DOF.  
 
At that time, you have a choice to accept the reduced fine and change your plea to guilty; or continue your fight. 
 
Great question. I hope this info helps you.

Hi Larry, 
 
I'm from NJ and I've recently got a parking ticket for an expired meter. When I looked at the parking ticket, I see that they got my car make wrong but the license plate number and color is correct. Is that sufficient to request for a dismissal? If so, can I do it by mail and not go directly to one of the financial center (probably going to get another parking while I'm there...). 
 
Thanks, 
Mike

I purchased 2 hours of time at a muni-meter in NYC (first time) and placed it in my windshield face down because I did not have my reading glasses (I do not need them to drive). I came back in an hour and had a ticket for Failure to display muni receipt, and in the comments area it said receipt face down. The officer just signed the ticket with his first two initials not his last name and there was no meter number. Is there any hope to have this ticket dismissed if I have the receipt? Thanks, Rita

Rita, 
Thanks for visiting our website and sharing your parking ticket experience. You may wish to dispute your parking ticket for the following reasons: 
 
Two "required elements" omitted defense:  
1.Omitted traffic enforcement agent signature, and meter number.  
 
You paid for parking defense: 
1.Attach a copy of your muni-meter receipt, and explain you inadvertently placed it upside-down on your dashboard. 
 
Process: 
1.Sign the back of your parking ticket 
2.Plead NOT GUILTY 
3.Enclose a separate letter explaining your defenses 
4.Send the original parking ticket, with your separate letter defense to the address on the back of the ticket by certified mail, RRR. 
5.Decline the offer to reduce your fines, which you will receive from the DOF in approximately 3-4 weeks 
6.Wait for your decision, which may take approximately 75 days 
 
I'm not sure if the incomplete agent signature will fly with the hearing official; but the other two defenses should be successful. 
 
Congratulations. You win.

Hi Larry, 
 
Thanks for your advice about my face down muni-meter ticket. I did everything you said and received a reduced fine of $45 (originally $65). 
 
I have the original paid receipt.  
 
Do muni-meters actually have numbers? (The meter number is not listed on my ticket.) I cannot find that information anywhere. 
 
Thanks again, 
Rita

I got a $115 ticket for being in a bus stop but I was dropping off a colleague. I didn't even see the traffic guy, but as I drove off, I notice that he was getting out of his car and yelled something at me as I passed him. Now I noticed a ticket on their website that has only my license plate number and state, "Drive off." What can I do? Great website and thanks!

Good morning Rita, 
Yes. Muni-meters have numbers, which should be set forth on the parking ticket when there is a "meter violation."  
 
Are you going to fight, or accept the reduced fine? Good luck with whatever you choose. 
 

Emily, 
I suggest you respond to the parking ticket by either applying for a reduced fine, or fighting the ticket. If you are right, fight. 
 
Since the warrior managed to capture your license plate number, I wouldn't ignore the ticket. 
 
Good luck.

Joan, 
Excellent question. You have a good chance of winning your dispute. But,it is up to the judge's discretion.  
 
I will need your code violation to suggest whether to fight or accept the reduction. Is it code 73? If so, code 73 prohibits: 
display of an expired, mutilated, void, imitation, counterfeit, or inappropriate registration sticker. 
 
You certainly displayed none of the foregoing registrations; and it was clearly "displayed" for the reasons you correctly stated. NY has experienced some problems with the glue on the stickers.  
 
If you fight, you will need to submit a photo showing the registration on the window, with the corner slightly loose. If you fight by mail, you MUST submit an affidavit containing your explanation, with your photo. 
 
When you are right, fight! 

Hi again Larry, 
I'm going to fight the ticket! Now that I know the muni-meters do indeed have numbers (that was left blank on my ticket) coupled with my paid receipt, I figure it's worth a try. 
Thank you so much for all your help. 
I'll inform you of the outcome. 
Wish me luck! 
Rita

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
It's Joan again with the "Improper Display Registration Sticker". 
 
 
 
For your information, my violation code is "70". When I sent in the original ticket, I included a picture of my registration sticker, an article from the newspaper about NY registration sticker glue problems and a letter of explanation. I now received a letter offering to reduce my fine from $65 to $43. My dilemma is whether or not I should continue fighting this ticket even though I think this offense is absurd? 
 
 
 
Thank you in advance. Your help is greatly appreciated.  
 
 
 

Joan, 
When you are right, FIGHT! 
You and I both agree that you are right. You are fighting a good fight. 
 
If it were me, I would not accept the reduced fine. I'd continue the fight to the end. 
 
In the future, I recommend submitting your defense statement in an affidavit; especially when your version conflicts with the parking ticket warrior's version (parking ticket is a sworn statement by the warrior). 
 
Good luck. Please let me know how you make out.

Rita, 
 
GOOD LUCK!! 
 
We are all looking forward to a dismissal of your parking ticket. 
 

Hi, 
 
I recently got a parking ticket for "sitting" in a bus stop. At the bottom of the ticket where the traffic officer has to put their signature, it says something to the effect of "I have indicated the name of the operator of the vehicle if present or indicated refused ID if the operator refused to provide ID". I was in the car when issued the ticket, but the traffic officer never asked me for my ID nor did they indicate "refused ID" on the summons. My name is nowhere on the summons. Can I get the ticket dismissed for this reason? 
 
Thanks!

Andrew, 
 
I'm sorry to say, the name of the operator is supposed to be inserted; but is not a required element entitling you to an automatic dismissal.  
 

I'm wondering if a ticket can be dismissed for putting me in an incorrect location. I received a double-parking ticket on a dead-end street "opposite" the 295 address, according to the ticket, when I was actually opposite the 233 address. The location cited on the ticket actually has signs saying "no parking at any time." Shouldn't I have received a different ticket if I actually had been there? 
 
Thanks

Mike, 
 
Congratulations, you are a winner! An accurate description of the place of occurrence is a required element. The wrong place entitles you to a dismissal. 
 
I suggest the following: 
1.Sign the back of your ticket 
2.Write a letter(better to present your defense by way of affidavit) to the DOF pleading NOT GUILTY 
3.Explain the reason for your dispute is that the place of occurrence is misdescribed 
4.Enclose proof that the address is wrong 
5.Send the original ticket, your letter and corroborative proof by certified mail, RRR to the address on the back of the ticket. 
 
Please let us know how you make out.

Hi, 
I would like to say thank you for this website. I learned alot of new things on what to avoid here in NY. Yesterday I got a double parking ticket. There were no spots, and I had to drop off a receipt to the pharmacy. I go in and come out and see the police officers pull out of the car. I told them I would move it, and she just started writing away. Does the summons have to have the model of the car correctly identified? I own a 2009 Nissan Altima. It is one of the most popular car models here in NY. That can even be looked up: 
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-94816092.html 
 
On the ticket she did not fill in the Nissan oval, but the Mitsubishi oval. Its a recognizable car, and both officers were 3 inches away from it. Would the ticket be invalid? Can I fight it? Any information will be helpful. Thanks again. 
Antonio

Hi,  
 
Just a quick question. I just got a ticket for not moving my car fast enough to the other side for alternate side parking. I had gotten a ticket for this before and looked in the online payment system for a record so that I could pay it. Nothing there. Then I looked on the ticket I received today and figured out why. For the state they put "WA" for Washington State when my tag is from Washington D.C. "DC." They did this with about 4 prior tickets and I do not have physical copies of them. I realize that they issued them to someone else or a phantom driver but is there anything I need to do. Am I still liable? Thanks so much. 
 
Tom

Tom, 
 
Thank you for visiting and commenting. It means a lot to me. One of the required elements on the front of a NYC parking ticket is the state of registration. Yours is misdescribed. You win!  
 
A parking ticket was issued to a vehicle from the beautiful State of Washington, not D.C.  
 
The parking gods are smiling.

Antonio, 
Thanks for stopping by, commenting on your parking experience, and your kind words. You are a winner. Congratulations. 
 
The model of a car is a required element, and must be correctly inserted on the front of a NYC parking ticket. I suggest fighting your ticket on the basis of a misdescribed required element. Please be sure to include your vehicle registration as proof. 
 

Larry, 
 
We went to NYC for the first time in 15 years, and as we were going through a green light, traffic stopped, we got through, but was partly in the crosswalk. We tried to inch up as much as we could. We had no place to go. If we backed up, we would have blocked the intersection. A cop walked up to the window and gave us a $115.00 ticket citing Obstructing traffic at intersection. The traffic was not blocked. I was a passenger, and I wanted to use my cell phone to take a picture, but was to scared to get out of the car. He did not ask for our registration, so there is no vin number, Color he put Gray and our car is Blue. I am so upset, because we did not obstruct traffic and my husband was driving and I was a witness that this was not true. Please advise and thank you for helping so many of us. I feel like we were target because we were out of state.

Hi Leona, 
It is my pleasure to help you. I am on a mini-crusade to call attention to the bad behavior of traffic enforcement agents in handing out parking tickets for blocking the box. They are treating a NYC intersection during rush hour like a fundraiser. 
 
The tipping point for guilt or innocence in blocking the box is your behavior when the light turns green. If the traffic is moving; or if traffic is stopped outside the opposite side of the box, but there is sufficient space for your vehicle in the lane you are traveling to fit outside the opposite side of the box, it is absolutely, positively A o.k. to enter the box. 
 
I have posted a number of blog articles on Larry's Blog and my Fox 5 News Blog about how to fight a ticket for blocking the box. I suggest your take a look to learn more about how to fight your ticket. There is no automatic reduction. 
 
When you are right, FIGHT! If you need some more help, please feel free to call me. We are all in this fight together.

Hello, I recently received a ticket for standing on a bus stop. Unfortunately for the officer, I snapped photos of me standing on a hydrant AND 100+ feet away from the bus stop at the time of the incident (as he was writing me a ticket). I am pleading NOT GUILTY and am writing up my defense along with about half a dozen pictures from every angle. My question is, if I am standing on a hydrant that is 100 feet away from a bus stop, does that really count as a bus stop? 
 
I snapped a "birds eye view" picture of that exact location to give you a better idea of where my vehicle was relative to the hydrant and bus stop. 
 
http://i37.tinypic.com/xqfkth.jpg

I just discovered, when checking for a recent blocking the box ticket on-line, that there is an outstanding ticket from 2007 on my car. The problem is that I never received the ticket as there is no VIN and the plate is one digit (symbol) off. I have "&" in my plate and I guess the NYC system does not recognize symbols in plates. Do I need to worry about this ticket? 
 
 
 
It's from fall 2007 for standing at a bus stop. The area in which the ticket was issued is a familiar area but I have no idea if I was there 2 years ago and parked at a bus stop. 
 
 
 
Coincidentally, the recent ticket that I was looking for is not listed on the site at all. 
 
 
 
The blocking the box ticket was in fact a fundraiser by the way. Three traffic officers came off the sidewalk as the light cycled on Canal & Wooster and handed everyone tickets. The officer who handed me a ticket wrote "refused name" which is not true at all. I was never asked my name. In fact, I was not pulled over or questioned at all but rather my registration was scanned and I had a ticket in about 10 seconds, with the entire ticket pre-filled with a paragraph of details that was obviously pre-written. I did block the box though so I am paying the ticket, although I was backing up to get out of the intersection when the traffic officers swarmed.

I forgot to add, my missing "&" symbol on the ticket is in my plate on my car which is registered out of state. There is no VIN listed on the ticket, it's just blank.  
 
 
 
The state of registration, make & model of the car are accurate as is the color. 
 
 
 
This ticket is defective on it's face, right? Do I even need to respond to this ticket?

Hi Kat, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a comment. Sharing your parking ticket experience helps all of us. 
 
Should you respond to the older ticket? If the plate number is incomplete, how will NYC trace the vehicle to you? You may wish to read an article about NYC's recent action to collect long overdue parking ticket fines and penalties from PA vehicles. You'll find the article in "White Papers." 
 
Is your older parking ticket in judgment? If not, you can fight the ticket and win, due to a misdescribed plate number. If the ticket is in judgment, you can apply to vacate the judgment and defend it based upon the misdescribed required element.  
 
I'm not 100% clear...Is your plate number misdescribed on your recent blocking the box ticket as well? If so, you can fight your ticket and win, based upon a misdescribed required element. It usually takes about 2-4 weeks for a scanned ticket to appear on the DOF website. It takes less time to raise a child then it takes for a handwritten parking ticket to appear on the DOF website. 
 
My personal preference is not to ignore a parking ticket you can fight and win. It may bite you later. On the other hand, many people believe that you will never be connected with a vehicle that has a misdescribed license plate number.  
 
Good luck. Let me know what path you choose.

Sorry about the confusion. We have two vehicles, one with NY state plates (company owned vehicle that is assigned to me to drive) and my personal car with out of state plates with the "&" symbol on the plate. My husband got a parking ticket on my personal car about 2 weeks ago and I was going on-line to pay it but could not locate my tag. I left off the "&" and a ticket came up for what seems to be my car (right make, model & color) but wrong plate (missing "&" symbol) and no VIN on the ticket. The VIN was blank. As far as I know, the ticket is not in judgment since my state's DMV could not log the ticket with the wrong plate and no VIN. The ticket is $125 (late fee) and it's from 2007 for parking at a bus stop. 
 
 
 
Once my husband finds the most recent parking ticket, I will check to see if the "&" is listed on that ticket so that I can possibly dispute it.  
 
 
 
The recent block the box ticket is on the company assigned vehicle. That NY state registration was scanned so all the details are accurate on the ticket. I actually just dropped off the $115 NYC fundraising donation at the post office.

Kat, 
 
I'm old. You have to write slower. I applaud your character for paying when you are wrong. Ouch. 
 
Thanks for the clarification. You may be better served following the advice of the many people who counsel to ignore a parking ticket that has no VIN number, or your license plate # inserted correctly. 
 
Please let me know what shows up. 
 

Thank you! My husband found the original ticket from early last month, street cleaning violation for $45. We also received a copy in the mail at our home address out of state. The "&" symbol is listed on this one although no VIN is listed. I am sending the payment today to avoid any points or a suspended license.

Kat, 
 
No points for a NYC parking ticket. As I mentioned in my email, you may wish to apply for a reduction. 
 
Enjoyed the conversation. I hope it was helpful. 
 

Thanks so much for the chat Larry! It was very helpful & enlightening. I am going to curtail my trips to NYC. With all these parking fines, it's getting to expensive. Have a good night.

Hi, and thanks so much for a very informative website! I had one question: I just received a no-standing ticket (I've seen cars/buses standing in that spot so often that it didn't even occur to me that it wasn't allowed) and was in the car, ready to move it if needed. I noticed a couple of references to the effect that a police officer should afford me the opportunity to immediately vacate the spot. Is that true? If so, where is that stipulated in the rules? Thanks again!

Sam, 
 
Thanks for visiting and your kind words. I'm sorry to report that a parking ticket warrior does not have to give you an opportunity to move your vehicle when you stop, stand or park in a "no standing" zone. It would be nice. 
 
An exception to a prohibition against standing is if you stop your vehicle temporarily to discharge or receive a passenger.  
 
You may be thinking about an exception when standing your vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, when there is someone sitting behind the wheel of the vehicle, reading to move upon a request to do so. 
 
I suggest you check carefully for mistakes on the front of your ticket. If none, you may wish to apply for a reduction. 
 
Thank you for sharing your parking experience. It will make us all smarter about NYC parking rules.

Hi Larry, is there a particular reason why my question is not getting responded to? It was Posted @ Thursday, October 08, 2009 11:46 AM by Anthony. 
 
Thanks.

Anthony, 
 
Ooops. I missed your comment. My apologies. Thanks for the heads up.  
 
I applaud your tenacity. Here are some suggestions. A bus stop zone extends from the bus stop sign, in the direction of the arrow on the sign until; the next parking sign in the direction of the arrow, or the end of a block. First step is to make sure you identify the bus stop zone. It can extend for an entire block. 
 
If you car was parked outside the bus stop zone, for which you received a parking ticket, YOU WIN. But, you must present overlapping photographs of the entire block, showing the front and back of each parking sign because the Rules require you to clearly demonstrate to the hearing official what portion of the entire block constitutes the bus stop zone; and your vehicle was standing outside the bus stop zone. 
 
Before going through this process, please check for any missing required elements on the face of your ticket. We have recently observed errors in describing the place of occurrence, even on scanned parking tickets. 
 
I hope this information is helpful. I love it when a member of the driving public fights when they are right. Again, my apologies for missing your original comment.

Hi, Sam here again, and thanks for your quick reply! I have been looking at the ticket to see if I find anything and the only things I can come up with is a) the ticket refers to 1st Avenue, when in fact that section of 1st Ave is called UN Plaza (that's what the USPS calls it). I don't know about official street names, but I'm thinking I probably won't get very far on that excuse. 2) the complainant only signed her initials in the signature box. Her name is duly printed in the "Complainant's Name" box as her machine is one of those fancy new ones that scans the barcode and prints everything, but do initials qualify as a signature? 
Thanks again for your patience and good-will towards those of us on the receiving end of NYC parking tickets! 

Is it OK to stop in a bus stop with a No Standing sign to discharge a passenger? The agent wrote that I drove off in the comments column. The ticket had no NYS reg exp date.  
 
where it said body type, the agent wrote boat.Can I get a dismissal?

Irene, 
 
The Yankees are down 4-1. Not good. And, you stopped to drop off a passenger in a bus stop from your boat? 
 
Please share you're email, and a photo of your boat. 
 

The ticket said I was parked in front of 7141 Main Ave in Queens. I was parked in front of 7141 Main Street. There isn't a Main Ave in Queens. This was in addition to saying the body type was BOAT. So can I get a dismissal? 
 
Thanks,

Irene, 
 
It is now 6-5, Yankees are winning. If you vehicle is registered in NY, and the warriors described it as a boat you win. 
 
Let's go Yankees!

Sam, 
 
Great questions. I agree with your assessment of raising place of occurrence as a misdescribed required element. I'm not sure about your likelihood of success, but I would still cite it. 
 
I recently had a debate with my partner about whether a parking ticket warrior can get away with inserting initials in the signature box. I say NO. He says YES.  
 
We have recently raised initials as a missing required element for the same reason you suggest; i.e., initials not a signature make. This occurs frequently on parking tickets, so they can probably get away with it. I would definitely raise the initials point. GOOD THINKING. 
 
As an aside, I did some research into what constitutes a legal signature. A mark is acceptable under certain circumstances. However, the argument I made was that a parking ticket summons is a sworn document, which initiates a quasi-legal proceeding with financial consequences. It should require a full signature from the individual asserting the charges against you.  
 
If you choose to contest your parking ticket, let's share outcomes on the issues.  
 
Very thoughtful!

So i got a parking ticket in NYC. I am from PA and very rarely go to NYC. On the ticket the officer marked two different states down, one with an 'X'(VA) and one where he filled in the entire bubble (PA). Does this qualify as an invalid ticket? Also, will NY hunt me down in PA to pay up?

Chris, 
Sorry about your bad parking experience with NYC parking ticket warriors. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. 
 
I'll answer your second question first. Yes, NY will hunt you down. You may wish to read the news article posted in "Whitepapers." It will tell you the skinny on NY and PA. 
 
I'm not quite sure I understand your description of how the warrior filled in your ticket. I'm happy to take a look and comment. If so, please feel free to click on the "contact" web page and choose your preferred method of delivery. 
 
Best regards.

hey its Chris again.. 
 
 
 
under the state of registration.. the warrior filled in two states.. its as if he or she accidentally filled in VA instead of PA and then decided just to mark both.. does that make more sense?

Hello Chris Again... 
 
Yup. This is a new one for me. Always something new to think about in the land of NYC parking tickets. 
 
My educated (kinda) guess is that if one of the two States is correct, a judge will not dismiss your parking ticket for a misdescribed required element. 
 
How about place of occurrence? Or, are any of the other required elements omitted, misdescribed or illegible? Or, do you have a defense to the violation? 
 

I'm from Pa and my vehicle plate states truck and i was given two tickets 1-states no signs but i do have a sign just all the letters are not the same size and i was told that they've to be 3" at least. Mine are 2 3/4" and the second one is for parking in trucks loading and unloading only. Both of these tickets indicate N/S in my registration exp. box and it is clearly visible on my plate the month and year of expiration.Do these tickets fall in line of Chapter 19 section 39-02.

Rick, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website all the way from PA. I trust you are aware of the new "friendship" between NY and PA. If not, you may wish to read the article on our whitepaper web page. 
 
Excellent question. I can give you a 95% You Win. My only slight reservation is that you are an out-of-state vehicle, and the hearing officials are lenient about inserting the required elements you ask about. 
 
The reason I feel confident about a favorable outcome is that 39-02(a)(2)states, "Where the plate type or the expiration date are not shown on either the registration plates or sticker of a vehicle....the plate type or the expiration date may be omitted..., provided that such condition is so described and inserted on the notice of violation." 
 
Since your required elements are plainly visible on your plates, I believe you win! 
 
Good luck. Please let me know how you make out

Hi: 
 
I received a parking ticket in NYC 6 minutes after the my muni meter receipt expired. I have NJ plates and I am noticing that the VIN# box was left completely blank. I am also noticing that the officer did not fully sign the ticket just the initial of first name and then last name. Do I have grounds for appeal? If not, I will just ask for a reduced fine. 
 
I am also assuming that because I have NJ plates the "CD" box would be marked NS, "Exp Box" would be marked N/A and "Year" not stated.

Karen, 
 
Unfortunately, your analysis is perfect. VIN# is not a required element; and warrior signature is sufficient, as is NS and NA, under the circumstances you described. 
 
I agree with you that a reduction may be the way to go. Thanks for sharing your parking experience and excellent analysis with us.

I received a $115 parking ticket for blocking the box (a moving violation) when I was stuck in the crosswalk and couldn't get around the truck in front of me without backing up into the box or making an illegal turn onto madison avenue. Two parking cops standing eating hot dogs on the corner (seriously!) pulled me over and one asked me my name but told me he wasn't going to give me a ticket and said he was going to "show me a picture of his dog." I told him my name and he printed out the ticket with my first name only completely mispelled. He never asked for vehicle registration or license. I went to fight the ticket this morning and the judge upheld the ticket because she said I had no proof of the officer's deceit or that I was only in the crosswalk. I want to appeal this if only for the fact that I felt harassed by the officer and the name of the ticket isnt even mine. Is there anything I can do to strengthen this appeal?

OK its me again. I got a ticket today for no parking 7-3 in a truck loading/unloading zone ( i got PA truck plates ) i was stuck on a disable elevator and by the time they got us out of there it was 3:20 pm . Is there any defense for this? Plus the agent listed my plate as a pass when it states TRUCK is there any defense for that ? Please advise. Thanks alot Friend

Rick, 
 
It is always great to hear from you. I wish it was after you win a hearing and beat your NYC parking ticket! 
 
Plate type is a required element. If your plate type is plainly visible, and it is misdescribed, YOU WIN. 
 
Nicely done.

Lila, 
 
Sorry about your bad experience. You are a member of a very large group of NYC drivers who have contributed to the blocking the box fundraiser.  
 
Unfortunately, I don't have any pearls of wisdom to offer on an appeal of your ticket. Your name is supposed to be inserted correctly; however, it is not considered a required element entitling you to a dismissal if misdescribed or omitted. 
 
On appeal you do get 2 bites of the apple, but it is the same apple. You are not permitted to introduce any new evidence. You have to demonstrate that the original hearing official made a mistake based upon the evidence you submitted at the original hearing. 
 
Good luck

Hey Larry its been great having you to help me and help me you did. I got all 4 tickets dismissed and hear is one for any one that is from PA with plates that state TRUCK and if the agent puts commerical then that will get dismiss be cause its a misdiscribe. All thet need to do is bring a picture of their plates to show that it says TRUCK and it will get thrown out.

My friend received a ticket on a car without plates, he also does not have the physical ticket. Is there any way to check for tickets using the vin number? I couldn't find it, just saw by plate or ticket number.

On 03/17/09 at 1:36 PM I have received a parking ticket in Brooklyn on T intersection of Berry and N13 St for blocking a crosswalk (unmarked). I was parked one car away from crosswalk, but could't prove it since car got towed some time before 3:30PM, when i get off work. So I ended up paying the ticket (the ticket was printed without mistakes). Six month later i get a notice of outstanding parking ticket for the same date, but different time 3:07PM and violation "blocking pedestrian ramp", thats a $165 fine plus $10 fine. I have never received the original ticket at impound. Additionally, I have made two payments through NYCSERV on 06/22/09 and 08/10/09, doing search by license plate and this violation didn't show up. Considering 30 period before penalty added, original notice, which i never received, was added to system around 08/17/09, right after my second transaction.  
So my question is: can they charge me twice for same violation (pedestrian ramp costs more because its both ramp and crosswalk blocking)? And is there an expiration to the ticket? I cant really gather evidence six months after supposed ticket issue. The only thing missing is a Name\VIN, other required stuff is there. License plate from NJ. 
One more question. When my car got towed, it didn't show up at impound until 4 hours after I found out that it is missing. I had enough time to file a stolen car report. Cops contacted impound twice with no luck. Is there way to get some reimbursement or some sort of apology? Just a matter of principle. 
P.S. now every time I park my car in NYC, i take few pictures with my phone (has geo tagging = records date, time and GPS coordinates)

Hi, 
I received a ticket in the mail that I never saw before. The ticket is No Standing violation. I checked the image on the NYC.GOV web site, and It shows my plate number and make of the car. The EXP.Date box shows "N/S-Dr.Off" and the YEAR box shows "N/S". How can I fight this ticket? 
Thank You.

Alma, 
 
Very interesting question. Unfortunately, I am not aware of another way of checking for a NYC parking ticket besides the two methods you know. 
 
Have you called the DOF? If not, I would give it a try. Good luck.

Stan, 
I apologize for the delay in responding to your comment. I just returned from a family vacation.  
 
I'm not quite sure I understand the details of your story. Was the pedestrian ramp on the corner of a 4 corner intersection; or was it in the middle of the long street of a 'T' intersection? What were your 2 payments for? 
 
Generally, you can win a dismissal of a parking ticket if it was issued within one hour of a prior parking ticket issued while you vehicle was parked in the same parking space.  
 
I'm happy to respond in more detail after receiving your reply. 
 
Sorry about your very bad, expensive parking day. Great idea about taking photos when you park in NYC!

Stan, 
I was intrigued by your story. So, after responding to your comment, I visited the place of occurrence by viewing the location on our website interactive maps.  
 
13th and Berry is a T intersection, as you stated. I trust you were charged with parking in front of the pedestrian ramp on the long street of the 'T' intersection. If so, you are NOT GUILTY.  
 
The parking rule regarding pedestrian ramps was changed on December 26, 2008. I recommend: 
1. Fight your parking ticket. You will need photos of the T intersection, pedestrian ramp, and the street signs showing the address of the intersection (13th and Berry) 
2. Photographs showing there were no traffic signs by the pedestrian ramp regulating traffic.  
3. Photographs showing the cross-walk was unmarked 
4. Refer to the change in the law in your defense affidavit(see Larry's Blog post and comments, and DOT website) 
5. You should win and your ticket should be dismissed 
6. After you ticket is dismissed, you can apply for a refund of your towing charges 
 
If you need further assistance, please feel free to call me at 800-249-5048. 
 
Good luck. Please let me know how you make out.

Sam, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a comment. Your experience helps all of us. If the parking ticket warrior inserts, "Dr Off," which means she claims you drove away before she was able to secure the information, she is permitted to insert N/S. 
 
Unfortunately, it will be difficult to beat your parking ticket unless you can prove you were not at the place of occurrence where the ticket was issued.  
 
If you cannot meet this difficult burden of proof, I suggest you apply for a fine reduction. 
 
Good luck!

I got a ticket for parking 6 feet from a hydrant in NYC and the car was impounded... 
 
Here's the story:  
I'm french, living temporarly in Canada. I rented a car to go and visit NYC for the week-end...  
I arrived last friday evening and looked for a place to park. I found one but there was a fire hydrant.  
As I didn't know about the NYC fire hydrant rule I asked the hostel receptionist to make sure I was correctly parked. She told me "as long as you are not parked alongside the yellow line, There's no problem"... 
I went to double check and couldn't see any yellow line. There was about one car length between my car and the fire hydrant.  
The morning after, no car... It has been impounded only five minutes ago. No luck!  
I feel not guilty since I asked to make sure everything was alright. 
 
I already had a ticket two months ago for parking with no muni meter receipt (I was droping off my wife and my mother and the luggages at the hotel)... And I paid the fine without protesting. 
 
Is there anything I can do this time? I took a picture prooving there was no yellow line. 
 
Thanks a lot for your help! 

Bonjour Yoann, 
 
Thank you very much for visiting our website and sharing your parking experiences. It will surely benefit all of us. 
 
I cannot tell you how often our visitors and friends relate the same story. It begins with..."I asked the cop," "I asked the shopkeeper," "I asked the doorman," whether I can park here. Our friends proceed to follow the "advice" of these strangers and end up feeling the sting of a parking ticket warrior's scanner.  
 
Unfortunately, bad advice of a stranger is not a defense to a NYC parking ticket; and ignorance of the law is not accepted as an excuse by the Department of Finance, Adjudication Unit. 
 
There are no yellow lines associated with fire hydrants. The rule requires you to: 
1. Park more than 15 feet away from a fire hydrant; or, 
2. Leave someone in the car, sitting behind the wheel, who is able to move the car upon a request to do so. 
 
My suggestion is to seek reimbursement for your fine from the Hotel for the negligent advice of their employee.  
 
If you have any other questions about NYC parking rules and regulations, please leave a comment; feel free to call me. 
 
Relative to your older ticket, you are permitted to stop temporarily to drop off passengers.  
 
Bon chance!

I was a visitor to NYC and parked in Manhattan, on Grand St. on a Friday afternoon at around 12pm. It was a no standing commercial vehicle only zone. When I came back at 1pm to feed the meter, I saw the first ticket...I thought it was because the meter was late...I came back an hour later, there was a 2nd ticket on the car, for the same violation (code 31). I was told two tickets cannot be placed on the same vehicle in the same spot...is this true? How can I dispute this?

Lynn, 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting your excellent question. Here are some tips: 
1.You are only permitted to park for one time period legally allowed in the meter zone. "Feeding the meter" is prohibited. So, if parking is permitted for one hour, you can legally remain in the parking space for one hour. You cannot "feed the meter" for a second hour. This is also known as "over parking." 
 
2.If you receive 2 tickets for the same violation within one hour of each other, the second ticket is generally dismissed upon application 
 
You may wish to read our recent change in policy about responding to specific questions on pending parking tickets. Here's the link.  
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/28058/Larry-s-Blog-A-Change-in-how-I-Respond-to-your-Comments 

Hello Larry here is the story I had a van that had received about 26 tickets which I had responded to all of them and I seen the tickets on line and they stay the same with only drawing a $10.00 penalty for 2 years it remained like that then all at once they sent all the tickets requesting payment or a hearing. I took the hearing and some of the tickets have N/S in the Exp.Date box and it is clear that the the date was visible cause some of the other tickets the other agents saw and marked down. If you have a email or a fax so I can send you the decision that the judge came up with because i told her that the Exp.Date was a require element and she said that does not apply to out of state vehicles but reading Title 19 section39-02 it states that it is a required element. I would truly appreciate it if you could look at these and advise me. Most of the tickets are for double parking picking up my wife and dropping my aunt off to the doctor. You read the decisions and see what you can make of it.  
 
 
 
Thanks Rick from PA

Rick, 
My heart really goes out to you and the residents of PA. There are several very important issues your excellent comment raises. 
 
WHY NOW? 
NY is now permitted to go after any resident or vehicle registered in PA for unanswered/unpaid fines and penalties for overdue parking tickets. You may wish to read this news article about this situation. Copy and paste the link into your browser; or visit the "Whitepaper" page on our website. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/whitepapers/ 
 
Here's how it works. PA residents or registrants are now getting a letter from the DOF advising you of all of your outstanding tickets, with only a $10 penalty assessed. You are given a date by which to respond. Either pay up, seek a reduction, or request a hearing.  
 
If you respond to the letter properly, you can have your day in court. But, it is shocking to receive such a notification after so long as gone by. 
 
MISSING OR OMITTED REQUIRED ELEMENTS 
 
The hearing official did not take the time to provide you with the PROPER explanation. Here it is. 
1.As you correctly stated, the registration expiration date is a required element; and must be correctly inserted on a NYC parking ticket [Section 39-02(a)], except: 
2. Where the plate type or expiration date are not shown on either registration plates or sticker of a vehicle...[Section 39-02(b)] 
3. Many out-of-state vehicles do not show this information 
4. PA DOES! As you correctly stated 
 
PROOF 
 
New York Parking Ticket is representing a number of PA businesses under the circumstances described in your comment. 
 
What evidence did you submit to the hearing official? If properly presented, your parking ticket should have been dismissed.  
 
I am happy to talk to you, if you'd like. Please feel free to call me at your convenience

Hi, my case is: On Sunday Nov 15 I parking my car in from my house, I saw my License plates was in the floor, I take it and I put temporary in the dash,coming inside to find any wire or screw, and the traffic officer gave me a ticket for $65 traffic rules sect.4-8 (2)I think this is not right, because the car was parking. thanks for your help.Enrique N.Y.

Enrique, 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and sharing your parking experience. It helps all of us. I'm sad to advise that you cannot park on any street, even in front of your own home, without properly displaying your current plates.  
VC 74 prohibits:  
 
"Standing or parking a vehicle without properly displaying its current Plates. Proper display means on the outside of the vehicle, conspicuous, securely fastened not more than 48 or more than 12 inches from the ground, clean, not covered by glass or plastic, and unobstructed."  
 
You have two options.  
1. Apply for a fine reduction  
2. Fight the parking ticket. Even if you convince a judge that the plate fell off immediately prior to your arrival at home, and you ran inside to get the materials to fix it; you will still probably lose. Tough one to beat.  
 
Good luck.

I got a double parking ticket. The address on the ticket is non existent, that is there is no such number on the street. Can I beat the ticket with that mistake? 
 
THANKS, DAVID

David, 
Great question. The place of occurrence is a required element. If omitted, misdescribed or illegible you are entitled to a dismissal upon application. 
 
How will you prove the address is non-existent? 
 
Good luck.

Dear Larry, 
 
Thanks for your fighting spirit. NYC has become a war zone for the people who live and work here. I was involved in a car accident last Feb. and have a hard time doing anything fast. I came out of my house at 6:57 AM and got to where my car was last parked at 7:05 A.M. Gone! Towed! Street Cleaning ! When I finally found the pound, by the way is totally unaccessible by public transportation, the ticket was given at 7:04 and the car was towed. Are you kidding me ? It takes 15 minutes to walk the hill up to Metropolitan Ave in Queens for healthy people. Is there a way  
 
to fight this? 185.00 for the tow, 60.00 for the ticket and a trip to the pound, priceless. 
 
Barbara

Hi Larry, 
 
Thank you for all of the useful information on your website. 
 
I just found out yesterday that I apparently received an 'Obstructing traffic at intersection (e)(12)' ticket last week. This ticket was not issued in person, and I only found out about this by looking up my license plate on the nyc.gov website (as I was checking on a previous parking ticket I had received in March). 
 
I am from Connecticut, but I drive into NY every now and then. When I drove into NY on the street, date, and time the ticket claims I committed the 'block the box' offense, I was at no point stuck in the intersection. Traffic was moving just fine, and cars on the opposite side of the box were definitely moving when the light turned green. When I cleared the intersection, the light was still green, so I am really not sure how or why I received this ticket in the first place. 
 
I am unsure as to how to fight this ticket though, as I did not even know this ticket was issued to me until a week later. Right now, it is pretty much the brownie's word vs. mine, as I have no pictures or video of the traffic on the date/time/street. 
 
The only thing I can see on the e-ticket that might tip the scales in my favor is that they put down the wrong 'Make' of my car. I have a Mazda 3, but they put the make of my car as a Volkswagon. 
 
Can I dispute this ticket and win based on that technicality? If not, how do I go about disputing this ticket? 
 
Thanks so much in advance.

Ana, 
Thanks for visiting our website all the way from the great state of Connecticut. I attended UCONN at the Storrs Campus. Even played on the basketball and baseball team, a long, long time ago. 
 
Whether a misdescribed required element, i.e. the MAKE, on an out-of-state vehicle requires a dismissal of your parking ticket depends upon the hearing officer's interpretation of the varies parking rules that apply. 
 
In my humble opinion, you are absolutely entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket! When you are right-FIGHT. 
 
Please cut and paste this link to our blog post about our policy in responding to comments. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/28058/Larry-s-Blog-A-Change-in-how-I-Respond-to-your-Comments 
 
Good luck.  
 

Hi Larry. Thanks for being a source of so much useful information.  
 
I got three tickets in the space of about 36 hours, for having my bumper extend into a bus stop by about 6 inches. A total of $345 in fines: a rather unpleasant surprise when I went to move my car. 
 
My car is registered in Canada. When I check the nyc.gov site using the ticket numbers, they show up with my plate number, but with the state "99," and no make. When I check using only my plate number, nothing shows up (and it has been a month and half). Do you think this could mean that the record was incorrectly entered? Would this get me off the hook? 
 
Thanks

I received a parking ticket and they wrote down the wrong VIN #. Would this qualify as a defective ticket?

Corey, 
The "make" of your vehicle is a required element. If omitted, misdescribed or illegible, you are entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket upon application. 
 
It's my practice not to comment on questions asking me whether or not to ignore a parking ticket. Sorry. 
 
Good luck!

Jodie, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our Web site and post your question. Many of our visitors and friends inquire about an omitted VIN number. 
 
I am sad to report that the VIN number is not a required element. An omitted VIN number does not entitle you to a dismissal.  
 
Good luck.

Barbara, 
Thanks for sharing your very poignant comments about the state of NYC parking ticket enforcement. I agree. 
 
We try to deliver as much information about parking ticket rules, exceptions and encourage our visitors and friends, "When you're right-FIGHT."  
 
We sincerely appreciate your kind words, and will continue our fight against parking ticket injustice. Thanks for your vote of confidence.

Hi Larry, 
I wrote back on October 3 for being double parked. I had no time to go to court, so I mailed in my complaint that the ticket was given in error due to the wrong model of the car. I got a letter yesterday saying that the ticket was dismissed. Thanks for your help and thanks for being a source of so much useful information.  
Antonio

Antonio, 
That is absolutely wonderful! Congratulations. Thank you for sharing your results with us. 
 
When you are right-FIGHT! and you did. 
 
Good luck and park safely.

Bobby, 
I'm blushing. I most sincerely appreciate your kind remarks. You were smacked with 34 RCNY 4-08(j)(9): Obscuring VIN prohibited, which says: 
"No person shall stand or park a vehicle with VIN obscured in any manner." 
 
VC 99 is used to designate violations that do not have their own violation code.  
 
Was the second parking ticket within one hour of the first parking ticket at the same location? If so, a hearing official may dismiss the second ticket. 
 
Your options are: 
1.Find an omitted, illegible or misdescribed required element on the front of your tickets 
2.Apply for a reduced fine 
3.Tell your story in person or by mail(use an affidavit)and fight your parking ticket. 
 
I am not optimistic about your chances to fight and win. 
 
Good luck. 
 
Thanks for sharing your parking experience. It helps all of us!

YAY! In order to get rid of my horrible night last night, I decided to pay my ticket first thing this morning. (Offense: Parked too long in a free spot that went "no standing" after 10pm) While searching ticket for the name to make the check payable to, I noticed that--WOO, HOO!!--they listed my lovely 2 door coupe as a 4 door sedan! (4DSD) After reading some of these posts, it looks like I'm home free. 
But not quite... 
You see, as part of the ticketing process, they immediately towed my car. So last night I paid $185 to the impound lot, but now it makes me wonder if the invalid state of parking ticket renders the tow invalid too. Kind of like the evidence is inadmissible, so the charges are thrown out? (Or have I been watching too much Law and Order.) I have heard of people getting refunds. Do I have a case?

Sorry, Larry, I should also point out I'm from NJ with NJ plates... 
 
Annie

Annie, 
You can never watch too much Law and Order. It's a great show, and you are a winner. Here's the scoop... 
 
Body type is a required element, and must be stated correctly on your parking ticket in order for the parking ticket warrior to establish a prima facie case against you. There is one tiny but...Some judges interpret the rules for out-of-state vehicles without registration information displayed on the windshield to require only a "reasonably accurate" description of your beautiful 2D coup. In my humble opinion, 2D is not 4D, and does not constitute a "reasonably accurate" description of your car. Your ticket should be dismissed. Score 1 for "Law and Order." 
 
You are absolutely correct, without even a tiny "but." If your parking ticket is dismissed, you are entitled to a refund of your towing charges. Nicely done! 
 
Soap box time: 
1.Always, all-the-time, with no exceptions allowed, inspect the front of your parking ticket for defects before marching blindly forward to the ATM to pay your fine. If a required element is omitted, misdescribed or illegible, you win upon application. 
 
2.When you're right-FIGHT! Next step is to do your homework. Ascertain whether there is a defense to your alleged violation. For example, you can stop temporarily in a no standing zone to drop off or receive a passenger. 
 
3.If no defect on the front of your ticket, and no viable defense to the violation, apply for a reduction of your fine; and pay your fine within time 
 
4.If none of the above, pay your fine within time so you don't accrue any penalties. It's a adding insult to injury kind of thing. 
 
Thanks for taking your valuable time, after a very difficult NYC parking/towing experience, to visit our website and share your story. I am going to add you question about a refund of towing charge, with a link to the application, to my recent post on what to do if you car is towed.  
 
You've helped all of us. Let me know how you make out. 
 
Good luck.

I just received a summons in the mail for a ticket I never received, plus penalty charges. It indicates that I was in a Bus stop but I was dropping off a passenger, and never saw a traffic agent. Apparently, they wrote down my license plate number and issued it that way. Is this legal? And do I have any defenses for having this dismissed? I viewed the ticket online and there are several missing items that are normally filled out. 
 
Can you give me any advice on this problem please.

Hi Max, 
Thanks for stopping by our website in this terrible weather. I'll reply in the order of your questions. 
 
1. Yes 
2. Stopping temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger is a defense to a No Standing-Bus Stop violation 
3. Missing required elements entitle you to a dismissal of your NYC parking ticket, upon application. 
 
Max, you are definitely on the right track. There is a lot of resources about bus stop violations and required elements on our web site. You may wish to check them out. 
 
Good luck!

Does NYC parking violation Code 45(Obstruct traffic lane) have any points on driving record? Thanks.

Hey Eugene, 
Happy holiday.  
 
VC 45 has NO points. 
 
Thanks for stopping by and asking a great question. 
 

I received a ticket while parked on 11/29/09 for an expired registration sticker which had an 11/09 expiration date but an 11/14/09 "small print" date on the sticker. Is this a valid ticket given that the new sticker was purchased a month and a half before the registration expired and was in the vehicle , but not on the windshield? It just seems bizarre that you wouldn't be pulled over while moving for this but could be ticketed by a parking cop. Advice?

Hi Garry, 
I'm glad you had time to stop by our website during this busy time of year. I hope you found the information helpful. 
 
For NY registered vehicles only, the month,day and year must be inserted on your parking ticket. For out-of-state vehicles, month and year are sufficient. 
 
If you can't beat your parking ticket, you may wish to apply for a reduction of your fine (if your violation is eligible). 
 
Good luck.

Dan G, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our web site and post some great questions. Let's take 'em in the order asked: 
 
1. Generally, hearing officials will dismiss a second parking ticket issued to the same vehicle, in the same parking space, for the same violation within one hour of each other. 
2. Place of occurrence is a required element. It must be inserted accurately on your parking ticket. If not, you are entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket, upon application 
3. Sorry to report, misdescribed color of vehicle is not a required element entitling the bearer of the parking ticket to a dismissal 
 
You have some strategy challenges to consider before contesting your parking tickets: 
1. If the place of occurrence is misdescribed on the first parking ticket issued to you, and you can properly prove it was misdescribed, you are entitled to a dismissal of the first ticket 
2. Since a hearing official will generally dismiss the second ticket as set forth above, you may be able to win a dismissal of both parking tickets. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know how you make out!

It's Joan again with the "Improper Display Registration Sticker".  
 
My violation code was "70".  
 
 
 
So, I did not pay the reduced fine and I just received a letter from the Adjunction Division and the admin judge (Renee S. Rothschild 2288) found myself guilty and charged with violation of Traffic Rule 4-08(j)(3). Does that mean I have no choice but to pay these people $65.00 because the government needs the money? What happens if I try to appeal? 
 
 
 
Please advise. Joan

It's Megan again. I was the tourist who got a NYC parking ticket back in August. My violation code was 16. The ticket had a blatantly expired registration date (not the actual date on my tags) on the ticket. I sent in my justification and did not pay the reduced fine that was offered. Yesterday I received the judgment and was ordered to pay the full $95 fine because "Respondent's defective summons claims are not persuasive."  
 
Would it have been better for me if I had showed up to court in person? As it stands, it might just be easier to pay the ticket and get it over with, however, it seems that the courts don't follow the "if an essential element is incorrect" rule any more. It seems close enough is good enough these days.

Hi Joan, 
I guess you received the DOF version of, we wish you a merry Christmas...Sorry 'bout that. 
 
When you plead not guilty and request a hearing, the custom and practice of the DOF is to offer you a reduced fine in exchange for changing your plea to guilty (many parking ticket violations are eligible for the reduced fine). If your choice is not to except the offer, your case proceeds to a review by a hearing official; and a decision will be made on the merits of your defense. 
 
You cannot take a mulligan if you lose. A reduction is not offered again after rejecting it. 
 
You have 30 days to appeal, from the date of the decision. In order to win, you must prove that the original hearing official made a mistake of law or fact. You are not permitted to offer new evidence (unless you have the permission of the DOF). 
You are required to pay your fine before you can file an appeal. 
 
Good luck, Joan. Thanks very much for sharing your experience with us.

Megan, 
Kudos for fighting the good fight! We appreciate you sharing the outcome of your battle with the DOF. It is a benefit to all. 
 
Registration expiration date is a required element. If omitted, misdescribed or illegible, your ticket should be dismissed; with the following exceptions: 
1.Out-of-State vehicles: If the registration expiration date is not visible, N/S may be substituted 
 
2.Out-of-State vehicles: a parking ticket warrior may insert month/year rather than month/year/date. So, 12/09 is also acceptable. 
 
Megan, the warrior violated the rule. Your registration expiration date is visible on your plates; and should have been inserted on your parking ticket.  
 
So, the next step is to evaluate the quality of your proofs. In addition to having to learn the rules, you are required to properly present your proofs in order to beat your NYC parking ticket. In a perfect world, you would submit a copy of your registration along with photographs of your plates clearly showing the expiration date. How did you demonstrate that the photograph was taken, prior to the issuance date of your parking ticket? Did you send in an affidavit attesting to the fact that your photograph shows your car the way it appeared on the date the ticket was issue? 
 
It is never easy with the DOF. Some judges may look at the photographs and find in your favor. Others may not.  
 
You not only have to be right, you must present your proofs, properly. This is an obstacle course, not a straight shot at the finish line. 
 
Please see Joan's post and my response about taking an appeal. If you wish to share your proofs with me, I am happy to give you my opinion about your chances of success on appeal. 
 
I look forward to your response. We all do.

My son received 2 tickets 15 minutes apart for the same violation...double parking.... this happened in Buffalo NY. Is anyone familiar with the "rules"? Is this allowed??

Ellen, 
I'm sorry to say that we are only familiar with the NYC parking ticket rules and regulations. 
 
In NYC, if a second parking ticket is issued for the same violation to the same vehicle in the same parking space within one hour, it is customary for a judge to dismiss the second parking ticket.  
 
I'm not sure about the parking rules for Buffalo. 
 
Good luck.

Just got back a decision and order on a parking ticket that had body style AND color wrong...and we had a meter ticket in our window..but sadly a "no standing" sign with hours was obscured by a large tree.. 
They did NOT excuse/nolle this ticket for the errors in body type and color...i thought i could surely win this one. maybe If i'd come BACK from CT to a freaking courthouse with pics of the tree I could have one...but there ERRORS on the ticket were not cause enough to nolle it. I'm stuck with the $115 now instead of the $90 i could have paid. SUX. period.

** Sorry for the spelling errors/typos in above post..it's 2:45 am and I just opened this "decision and order" mail I received...and I'm not a happy camper...and it's late..sorry.

Janis, 
I feel your pain. Sorry about your loss. You need two rights to win your fight. You must know the nooks and crannies of the law, and how to properly present the proper proof. When you have a vehicle registered in NY, the rules are straight forward because your registration is required to be displayed on the windshield. The body type must match the registration. Period. 
 
The big but is for out-of-state vehicles. It's confusing and conflicting. If the hearing official follows VTL 238, which is a NY State law, you win for a misdescribed body type. If the hearing official follows the NYC Rule, Title 19 Chapter 39-02, a reasonably accurate description of the vehicle will suffice. Most hearing officials will give a cigar to the warrior for being almost right. Sad but true. 
 
We recently won a case where the parking sign was obscured by a tree. You are required to take photographs of the entire block, plus front and back of every sign. The key here is making sure your photo clearly demonstrates the sign was obscured by a tree.  
 
Color of your vehicle is not a required element. So, wrong color doesn't win a dismissal. 
 
When you're right-FIGHT. I tip my hat to you for standing up for your rights. Doesn't mean you'll always win, but your integrity is worth far more than a reduced fine! 
 
Thanks for sharing your parking ticket experience, which benefits all of us.

Hello, I am pretty stunned. I just received a summons in the mail for a ticket I never received, plus penalty charges. It indicates that I had violation 48, parking on a biking lane. I was going drop off someone but I saw a flashing police car far behind me and left. I didn't even drop her off at that time. Apparently, she wrote down my license plate number and issued it that way. Is this legal? And do I have any defenses for having this dismissed? Please help me!

Just got a ticket for obstructing trafic at intersection(e)(12). I have out of state license plat(Pennsylvania). On the ticket under Body Type it says SUBN. I have a minivan. I called 311 and looked online to see what SUBN means and no one can tell me. Is it Suburban and if so, is that enough to get the ticket dismissed. Thanks for the help.

I have a ticket that was never handed to me--saw it on nyc.gov. I remember the situation and am so surprised to have a ticket from this! It was New Years Eve, in the morning, snowing and quite blustery out. I pulled to the side of the road to clear my window better and got back in the car, noticing someone behind me--I thought it was a police car (not a traffic cop), the weather was THAT bad that I couldn't tell. He obviously couldn't see me very well as he wrote my color as Unknown. I pulled away and drove on as I was temporarily parked on a very empty road. I could have pulled up anywhere but happened to have pulled over at a bus stop and this guy nabbed me. Unbelievable! Anyway, he never got out of his car and scanned my car. I found this ticket online weeks later! He wrote on ticket CD: NS and exp date: N/S DrOff. My ticket seems incomplete to me. Can I fight this? Doesn't he have to get out and hand it to me if I am there? And if he was in middle of writing a ticket when I drove off, why didn't he put his lights on or alert me in some other way? This doesn't seem right. Please help. Thanks!

Helen, 
Thanks for visiting our web site and sharing your parking ticket experience. VC48 prohibits stopping, standing or parking in a bicycle lane. I am sorry to report, under the arcane, confusing parking rules of NYC, you violate the rule when you stop, even for 1 second.  
 
If the warrior scanned your parking ticket before you drove off (a long distance shot in your case), a parking ticket will be issued. That's the procedure.  
Under the circumstances you describe, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine. 
 
Good luck. 

Rob, 
Sorry for taking so long to reply. I'm not as nimble as I used to be. Great question. Body type is a required element and must be inserted correctly on your parking ticket; If not, you win. 
 
The DOF is more lenient when it comes to out-of-state vehicles without the registration displayed on the windshield. Please let me know how your registration describes the body type of your vehicle, and I'll be happy to offer my opinion. 
 
Looking forward to your reply

Ana, 
Thanks for stopping by and posting an excellent question. It seems like the parking rules were written in the middle of the summer.  
 
If you stop for a second in a bus stop zone and do not discharge or pick up a passenger, you violated the rule. You certainly have mitigating circumstances, but a NYC hearing official will not dismiss a parking ticket for the reason you describe. 
 
A hearing official would rather lose a body part than dismiss a parking ticket for a warrior's failure to insert the name of the operator. It is almost impossible to prove you were in your vehicle when the ticket was issued, especially if the warrior inserts "drive off." 
 
You may wish to apply for a reduced fine on this one. Sorry I can't be more helpful. 
 
Good luck. 
 

Hi there, 
 
If while you were getting a parking ticket you were at the DMV changing your license plate over from an out-of-state license to a NY license, would the City likely track you down through the VIN or other information that is found on the ticket? Thanks!

ER, 
I'm not sure I understand your question. You may wish to check out several blog articles I've posted about what action NYC takes to collect parking tickets in judgment.  
 
Thanks for visiting our web site.

Hi Larry, 
 
I have a similar situation to Rick Davis above, I am PA resident and received a NYC ticket and the expiration date was marked as N/S. As you know PA requires this be displayed on the plate (and mine is there) so I believe this should be grounds for the ticket's dismissal. Can I contest the ticket online and just state this? 
 
The actual scenario is contestable as well (in my opinion), I was given a Obstructing Traffic at Intersection ticket at West 45th Street and 10th Ave. There is a Hess station at this corner. As I approached the box I saw ample room and traffic flow, but two large SUVs came flying out of the Hess station diagonally blocking traffic and ultimately getting me stuck in the box when the light turned red. I tried to get the ticket giver to simply look over at what had happened, but that was ignored. I can understand taking account for the traffic in front of you but a variable like cars coming out of gas station in NYC can easily mitigate ones initial estimates. 
 
What should I do?

Joe, 
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience with us. We have a special place in our heart for our friends from PA.  
 
You are correct about expiration date. I suggest submitting a copy of your vehicle registration, and more importantly, photographs of your license plates, close up and connected to your vehicle (if you have a photo dated prior to the issuance of your parking ticket, that would be the bestest).  
 
I recommend fighting your parking ticket for a misdescribed required element, and telling your story as a defense to the VC9 violation. Please tell your story with an affidavit---When you're right--FIGHT. 
 
Good luck.  
Please let us know the outcome.

Joe, 
I recommend you fight your parking ticket by mail. Never on-line! 
 
Good luck. 

Larry, 
 
This site is very helpful.I got a ticket today for being parked close to a fire hydrant. Regardless of a policeman telling me that it was ok, I know I was probably too close and four days later I got a ticket. The place of ocurrence says: 
 
N/S 71st Avenue 
 
20 ft E of 76th Rd 
 
 
 
These two streets do not intersect. I was parked on a different street, E of 76th rd (that part is right). Should the ticket have the name of the street I was parked on?  
 
Can I dispute this for wrong address? 
 
Thank you so much.

Hello, 
 
I received a ticket for parking in a "No Parking" zone today and had my car towed away. I parked at that location because I assumed that Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday and therefore a "major legal holiday". I checked several NYC DOT websites in the morning and found a list of holidays including MLK Day accompanied by the following text: 
"On major legal holidays, stopping, standing, and parking are permitted.." However, after I got the ticket I looked again and found that MLK Day is not a "major legal holiday" .. but all the DOT documents I have found online are somewhat confusing on this point. 
 
My question is, do I have a case if I fight this by presenting the information I found online (ambiguous wording and formatting on the document that is very unhelpful) and the fact that MLK Day is considered a major legal holiday by the government, schools, banks, and other institutions. 
 
Furthermore, the ticket has the following info: CD (NS), Exp Date (N/S), Year (N/S). No Vin #.  
 
Do I have a case for asking them to dismiss the ticket as defective based on the above? The car is a rental with PA plates. 
 
Thank you very much for any advice you can offer. 
 
AJ

To clarify my point above, I think it is very confusing and misleading to indicate that parking rules are changed on "major legal holidays" yet exclude MLK Day from this category, simply because most people and most institutions in this country do consider it a "major legal holiday." It is misleading particularly because MLK Day IS a national federal holiday observed by the federal and state government. DOT is part of the government. Therefore, is it not misleading citizens to call it a national holiday on one hand, but not a "national legal holiday"? What on earth does that really mean and what is the purpose except to intentionally mislead?

Ximena, 
Great question. A parking ticket warrior is permitted to describe the place of occurrence as "in front," "opposite," and "in detail." I despise when the warriors describe a place of occurrence "in detail." It reminds me of a pirate map to locate a buried treasure. 
 
Regardless which of the 3 methods is used by the warrior, it must be accurate! If misdescribed, you are entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket. Keep in mind you need 2 rights to fight. You seem to have the first; the second right is to present the proper proof, properly. 
 
How will you prove the place of occurrence is misdescribed? Good luck. Please let us know the outcome. 
 
When you're right--FIGHT!

AJ, 
I am sincerely sorry for your miserable parking experience. You pose a very important question. I received calls from a number of web site visitors yesterday expressing confusion about the parking rules in effect on MLK day. 
It motivated me to write an article on my blog about parking rules suspensions to supplement my previous post. I plan to follow it up with a third article and offer a free download for all three articles. 
 
You ultimately reached the correct conclusion about MLK day. It is not a "major legal holiday," for purposes of NYC parking rules. It is categorized as a "legal holiday." Therefore, only alternate side parking rules are suspended. 
 
In my humble opinion, you do not stand a chance gaining a dismissal of your parking ticket due to the ambiguity you faced (confusion and ambiguity are the best weapons of the DOF & DOT). 
 
My guess is your vehicle is registered outside of NY. If so, a warrior may insert "N/S," or "N/A" if the information is not displayed on your windshield or license plates. 
 
Due to these circumstances, you may wish to apply for a reduction of your parking ticket fine. Good luck.

Larry, in my eyes, you are a NYC hero! I am trying to read all of the comments, and all of the information on the site. From what I gather, it seems that if "Date Registration Expires" is blank, I may be able to get the ticket dismissed.  
 
 
 
 
 
The ticket I was issued is a hand-written NYPD ticket. Next to "Date Registration Expires", the N/S bubble is empty, and the boxes for the date below are also completely empty. For a car registered in NJ, is this adequate for dismissal? 
 

I've received two parking tickets in Brooklyn for parking in a street cleaning zone. The catch? I was never parked there. For one I was parked across the street (obeying alt side parking) and the other my car was nearly a block south, where no signs were posted. Since they never left tickets I wasn't aware of them til nearly a month later. My word against theirs? How does one fight this ticketing scam?

hi i got a parking ticket of no standing 7am to 7 pm zone but the ticket does not have the time when it happend(it has the date)

Brian 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our web site and post your important comment. I'm also blushing from your very kind words. Thank you. 
 
You are a winner. For NJ registered vehicles, a NYC parking ticket must insert "N/S" or "N/A" for expiration date. If the tiny ns box is not circled or checked on a hand written ticket, and nothing is entered in the boxes below, you are entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket. 
 
Make a wish, blow out the candles and submit your parking ticket dispute to the DOF, with your defense by certified mail. In 75 days your wish will be granted. 
 
Congratulations.

Hal 
Shame on the warriors participating in this scam. It was great speaking with you. I'm looking forward to the action we discussed. 
 

Daljit 
Take your victory lap. "Time of violation" is a required element, which must be entered accurately on your parking ticket. If not, you are entitled to a dismissal. 
 
Great news. Congratulations. Submit your parking ticket with your not guilty plea, and a letter explaining the omitted required element by certified mail, RRR, to the address on the back of your ticket. 
 
Take a photo of the defective parking ticket and put it in your scrap book. Nicely done. 
 

I had an argument with a traffic agent two weeks ago; I was sitting in my vehicle (standing) in a 1 hour parking from 9 to 7 zone. She demanded that I move but I told her I was picking someone up momentarily (I was) and merely "standing" since it was a no parking zone she became incensed and walked off in a huff. I was not issued a summons or so I thought when out of curiosity I went into the nyc gov website and lo and behold; a summons was issued for failure to display meter "ticket" or something to that effect. I'm a retired nyc police officer and thought that I knew the law, a summons is supposed to be a personal service which I did not receive so that when it comes in the mail I'll have no recourse but to pay the fine AND the late fee since I wouldn't have realized I received the summons in the first place. This is a scandal!!!!! I'm sure this has happened to other people or has it?

dannymac 
Thanks for visiting our website, posting your valuable comment, and all your years of service to the citizens of NYC. 
 
Here's the scoop: 
1. The definition of Parking and Standing are essentially the same under the NYC parking rules.  
2. You are permitted to stop temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger. Temporarily means 2 minutes or less. You are not permitted to wait for a passenger. It is STOP, DROP/PICK-UP, and GO. 
3. VTL 238 requires a warrior to insert the name of the operator on the parking ticket, if present in the vehicle at the time of violation. Unfortunately, this rule is not properly enforced by NYC hearing officials 
4. Before you run off and pay the fine, go online and check the front of the ticket for mistakes. If any required elements are omitted, misdescribed or illegible, You win upon application 
5. If no mistakes, I recommend you apply for a reduced fine. The fine will be reduced to $90.00 in exchange for your guilty plea. 
 
You made it through your police career in fine shape. It is a felony to assault a warrior. If you and a warriors path crosses, take the ticket quietly; and then see if you can beat it. You can't win a fight with a warrior. 
 
Good luck.

Brigitte 
I am happier than you that you stumbled upon us. Thanks for sharing your important questions. 
 
"Hearing Pending" means that the DOF received your defense letter and placed it in the queue for review by a hearing official. There is nothing further for you to do. 
 
A parking ticket is issued to the operator and owner of a vehicle. Ultimately, it is your responsibility. Unfortunately, a defense to a NYC parking ticket is not that someone else was driving the car with your permission.  
 
Have you spoken to the Lounge Manager; or manager of the valet service? They are responsible. Will they do the right thing and pay the ticket? 
 
Good luck!

i received (2)tickets for the same violation (parking too close to a hydrant, one at 9:36pm and the other at 9:52pm on the same day. 
One ticket I never received (only saw it online)the other, I am disputing for missing information. Can they prosecute me twice for the same offense within minutes of each other? What can I do?

Terry 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting an excellent question. 
If you are issued 2 parking tickets for the same violation, in the same space, within 1 hour of each other, it is customary for a hearing official to dismiss the second parking ticket. 
 
A big bang is when you can win a dismissal of the first ticket for a missing required element; and the second ticket is dismissed because it is issued within 1 hour of the first. 
 
Make us proud. 
Good luck.

PLEASE HELP ME. 
 
I JUST DISCOVERED BY GOING ON THE NYC WEBSITE THAT I HAVE A TICKET FOR NO STANDING TRUCKS LOADING UNLOADING. I JUST DROP OFF SOMEONE ON THE STREET AND DRIVE OFFNOT EVEN KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A TICKET PERSON APPROCHING MY VEHICKLE. APPARENTLY I GOT TICKET BUT WHEN I CHECKED THERE IS A MISSING VIN NUMBER ON THE TCKET. I AM SHOCKED THAT THERE WAS SOMEONE TAKING DOWN MY INFORMATION FROM THE FAR DISTANCE. THEY GOT MY PLATE NUMBER AND THATS IT. HOW CAN I FIGHT THAT TICKET AND WHAT KIND OF ARGUMENTS I CAN USE TO HAVE IT DISMISSED. IS THERE A LAW THAT I CAN REFER TO TO PROTECT MY RIGHTS? PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

Hi Kociak 
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your parking ticket experience. You are not alone with what happened to you. 
 
First: Check for mistakes on the front of your ticket. Unfortunately, VIN number is not a required element entitling you to a dismissal. Any other mistakes? 
 
Second: A defense to a parking ticket for NO STANDING...is that you were stopped temporarily to drop off or pick up a passenger. 
 
When you're right_FIGHT! 
Good luck.

Hi Larry! 
 
I just read your response. The first thing I did when I knew about the ticket was try to contact the lounge manager but was unable to reach them. I will try again and see what happens.  
 
You are great! Thanks so much for helping everyone here on your website. I read most of your comments and have learned a lot! It feels good to know that we can still count on citizens like you!!! Keep up the good work!!

Brigitte 
Thanks for your kind words. Made me feel great. 
 
Good luck!

Hi, Parking Guru! 
 
I see the pattern regarding the whole if-the-ticket-was-issued-within-one-hour-for-the-same-offense thing but does that apply to an expired inspection ticket too? The tix were one the same day but a few hours apart in difference parking spots, will the 2nd ticket ordinarily be tossed out? I paid the first tix and disputed the second one with a note of explanation and received back a reduction offer where I can pay a reduced fine of $43 (vs $65)... or do nothing and it'll go on to a judge to review the case. I'm reluctant to pay the reduced fine because I don't think you should be able to get infinite tickets on a single day for a inspection sticker issue. Am I being dum and/or naive? THANKS!

Doug 
Flattery will get you everywhere. Thanks for the promotion to guru. You pose a terrific question.  
 
When a parking ticket is for a vehicle specific violation, such as your ticket for expired inspection sticker, a second ticket for the same vehicle specific violation is customarily dismissed if issued anywhere in NYC within 24 hours of the first parking ticket. The powers-to-be cut the driving public a little more slack for this category of parking violations. 
 
If you do nothing, a judge will review your parking ticket and render a decision. Good luck.

Hello Larry, 
 
I am grateful that someone out there is helping innocent victims of ruthless money greedy parking enforcers just so anxious to meet their quotas.I enjoy reading these stories and fighting tickets... 
 
Anyway, I just want to make sure I am clear. This case parallels the one of the Martin Luther King Holiday Parker. Yesterday, my car was towed ( no outstanding unpaid tickets) for no parking from Mon Through Fri at certain times... 
 
I read in an article in the NY Times that they tow your car now for unpaid tickets or for major violations. Can they tow your car for no parking certain hours on a holiday,after they issue you a ticket?( shouldnt this what is referred to as a non revenue violation ?) 
 
Also Im a NJ Plate and it says CD NS Exp Date N/A and Year N/S? 
 
Vin number was blank. Is there anything I can do? Its digusting how many people were there with me- I think they send extra tow trucks on holiday! 
 
Ticket was for 60 dollars so probably not worth trying to reduce? Does that process cost anything by mail? 
 
Thanks so much for helping everyone and posting all this. I will save your website under my favorites! I am incensed and will now look at traffic officials with more disgust than before 
 
Jonathan

Larry,  
 
To clarify I meant to say non revenue generating tow! Anyway in the NY times article , Deputy Inspector Pilecki ,commanding officer of the Parking Enforcement District said "enforcement agents are reminded that it is the policy to tow any illegally parked vehicle displaying three or more parking summonses". There was no sign for tow away zone also. 
 
There were many innocent people waiting there with me whose car was towed on the holiday. One guy whose wife was the registered owner was fighting with them because she had a newborn and he didnt want her coming out in the snow to pick up the car. And he had the same last name , address everything. How did he have the keys, he stole them? I couldnt believe they were giving him a hard time. 
 
DISGUSTING! 
 
Thanks again 
 
Jonathan

Jonathan 
I hear you and feel all of our website visitor's pain with this towing stuff. You've posed some excellent questions. 
1. All NYC is a tow away zone. No requirement to post signs to that effect. This law went into effect in the 1950's 
2. You can be towed if you park "illegally," and have more than $101 in outstanding parking fines, in judgment 
3. A car will only be returned to the registered owner; or someone authorized in writing to pick up the car, who presents other required documents 
4. NJ does not required registrations be displayed on the windshield; nor expiration dates on the license plates. Ergo, "N/S"(not shown) or "N/A"(not applicable)is properly entered by the warrior.  
5. CD is not a required element 
6. VIN # is not a required element 
7. You can apply for a reduced fine on-line (see blog post, "Application for fine reduction")Why not? 
 
I've published prior blog posts that cover towing rules/regulations in more detail which you may wish to read. 
 
Be careful out there.  
Good luck!

i am disabled with 2500 worth of parking tickets can i get around them

Lastpoet 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit and post an interesting question. I'll need some additional information before I can offer my opinion. 
 
Please be kind enough to submit a form and I'll be happy to reply. 
Good luck.

Hi! I received a parking ticket today for overtime pkg-time limit post (d) DAYS/HRS: ECXEPT Su/9A-7P 
 
the time of offense was 3:38pm and Time 1st observed 2:28pm. All the info in the ticket are correct, plates, vin, color,etc... My question is: The sign clearly states that you can only park for an hour but there is not meters at all in this area. There were before but those meters are no longer in the area, but the sign still there, i have parked previously for more than an hour and never got a ticket. How do they determine that i was there the whole time from the first time it was observed? how come they can just think that i moved and came back like i have done before and ended up parking at the same place? can i fight this ticket or there is something else besides my words that hearing officers might ask for to proof my case? also, is it a good idea to fight a parking ticket online or they will give you less credibility when you do it that way?

Ximena 
You made my day, Ximena. You fought the good fight and won! 
Congratulations. Thanks for sharing your good news. 
 
(I love using Google Maps to fight a parking ticket).

Louis 
Thanks for stopping by all the way from Illinois, and posing a great question. N/S and N/A only applies to States that do not display registration information on the windshield or license plate. 
 
For example, Connecticut displays registration information on the windshield. Ergo, a warrior is required to insert the date of expiration, otherwise, the parking ticket will be dismissed upon application. 
 
Pennsylvania vehicles display the month and year of registration expiration on the license plate. Ergo, a warrior must insert this information. N/A or N/S is not acceptable. 
 
If registration expiration month and year is displayed on your rear license plate, I recommend fighting the ticket if the warrior inserted N/S or N/A. You may wish to submit photographs of the license plate attached to your car, and a close up of the plate showing the month and year clearly visible. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know how you do. 

my car was stolen from me a year and a half ago and they must have used my plates to put on another car, so im going to buy another car and i just wanted to make sure all of my bases are covered so i went on the nys.gov site and saw i had two tickets that date march of 09 after my car got stolen. on one of the the tickets the exp date says n/s and wrong color and no vin # and the other ticket has a completely wron vin# and wrong color

Ronald 
Thanks for paying us a visit. We sincerely hope you found the information helpful. 
 
If your car was registered in NYC, the expiration date must be inserted in the parking ticket. If not inserted, you can fight you ticket for a missing required element. 
The VIN# and COLOR are not required elements. Unfortunately, if misdescribed or omitted, these elements do not come with a get out of jail free card. 
 
Generally, you have one year from the date a default judgment is entered to dispute a parking ticket. Once DJ is entered, you must request a hearing after judgment. You must demonstrate legally sufficient excusable neglect and a substantial defense. 
You may wish to check out some blog articles I've written about the process. 
 
You have both. But, you must present the proper evidence properly to prevail. 
 
Good Luck!

I was recently parked on a street on the permissible side of a NO STANDING ANYTIME (from here onward with the arrow indicating said direction) sign, with four other cars parked on the permissible side of the sign. The sign was there for well over a year and cars always parked in those spots without tickets. Well, the sign was taken down while my car was parked there (without any notice), and thus the NO STANDING ANYTIME sign in the middle of the block become the only governing sign for that street. My car was ticketed 3 days in a row (Sat., Sun. & Mon.) for being in a NO STANDING zone, however when I parked in that location it was legal to do so. All of the other vehicles parked there also received multiple violations. What can be done to fight these tickets?

Dave 
Talk about the "mean streets of NYC." I wish I could tell you that you're the first person this happened to. You're not. Amazing. 
 
One of the unheralded pieces of legislation passed by the NYC Council along with the "5 Minute Grace Period Bill" requires the DOT to post a notice on their website of the intention to change parking signs. It is my understanding the legislation is effective March 21, 2010. 
 
In the interim, and if it were me, I would fight any parking ticket where the parking rule was changed AFTER I parked my vehicle. The Mayor talks about the chaos that will be unleashed because of the 5 Minute Grace Period Bill. Well, how about movable and removable parking signs changing the parking law of a street. Ridiculous to hand out parking tickets under this circumstance. 
 
How will you prove your car was parked on the street, prior to the sign change? 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know the outcome. 
Thanks for visiting and sharing your valuable and absurdly informative parking experience.

I received two tickets for over-due inspections this weekend, parked in the exact same location... i never moved my car from the time I parked Saturday morning until I went to work Monday morning. 
 
 
 
The first ticket was registered at 1pm Saturday, the second at 8am Sunday. 
 
 
 
I think it's pretty ridiculous to get hit with two $65 fines for the same offense when the car never moved. I wasn't aware of the inspection, and dropped my car off this morning to get it taken care of. 
 
 
 
What are my options/odds of getting the second ticket dismissed?

I received two tickets, the first on a Saturday and the second on a Sunday for being parked in the same location illegally. The summonses remained on my windshield for the duration of the entire weekend. The second summons indicated in the Comments section "No Summons visible" even though the first summons from the day before was clearly visible on the windshield. Do you beleive this inaccurate information on the ticket would be grounds for dismissal? I have pictures of the car with both summonses visible on the windshield.

Shannon 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a very excellent question. There are certain cases where I recommend appearing personally at a parking ticket hearing, and this is one of them. 
 
If you receive more than one "status" violation tickets, such as overdue inspection, in the same day, the second ticket and subsequent tickets issued the same day will be dismissed. Technically, your tickets were issued on different days; but within 24 hours of each other. 
 
One excellent parking ticket commentator, a former parking ticket judge, states that if more than one "status" violation tickets are issued in one week of each other, the second ticket and subsequent tickets will be reduced to $20 each. 
 
Here's a recap: 
1. Present your case at an in-person hearing 
2. Tell your story calmly and respectfully, regardless of the Judge's demeanor 
3. Suggest that the second "status" violation be dismissed because it was issued within 24 hours of the first 
4. If not dismissed, you understand it may be eligible for a reduction to $20 
5. Remember your first ticket is eligible for a reduced fine. 
 
You can never, ever predict the outcome of a parking ticket hearing; but it is an option for your consideration. 
 
Let us know the outcome. 
Good luck.

Dave 
Great question. Bad answer.I don't believe the warriors comment by itself will reward you with a dismissal of your tickets. BUT, 
 
1. Have you checked for mistakes on the front of either ticket? If mistakes are required elements, you are entitled to a dismissal upon application 
2. Do you have a defense to any of the violations? 
3. You may wish to consider my reply to Shannon's comment 
4. If all else fails, you may wish to apply for a fine reduction 
 
Good luck. Thanks for joining the conversation.

Jessica 
The illegal tactics employed by some of the warriors in enforcing VC9 drive me "nuts." I am sorry to say the Axis of Evil, ie DOF_Some Warriors_Some Judges is making it very very difficult to get a fair shake when it comes to disputing an illegally issued ticket for this violation. We have to keep fighting the good fight. I am in the process of fighting the "political fight" with some of the stakeholders. 
 
I recommend leading with a mistake on the front of the ticket, which is MAKE-N/S. Attach a copy of your vehicle registration with your letter, and a photograph of your car. The other mistakes do not involve "required" elements, and will not reward you with a dismissal. 
 
Next, I suggest presenting your argument that you entered the box on a green light and....(the law) and tell your story. 
 
When you're right-FIGHT! 
Let us know the outcome. 
Good luck. 

I got a parking ticket by my plate is incorrect ? is this automatic dismisal, and what should I do ?

Hi! 
We got two tickets for not having seats in the back of our minivan. Comment on ticket, " no driver. no permit. no rear seats. " Code "improper registration (j) (1). We're moving some things out of our apartment and had to take the back 2 rows of seats out to make room. We parked in front of our building near Lincoln Center in a legal spot. This morning they gave us another ticket. It's a minivan. Not a commercial van. I don't get it. Is there a law about back seats in mini vans? Ford windstar.

Asim 
Sorry for the delay in responding to your excellent question. Your plate number is a required element. If it is misdescribed, you are entitled to a dismissal upon application. 
 
Plead guilty by mail. Explain your reason and attach a copy of your vehicle registration. Send your defense package by certified mail, rrr to the address on the back of the ticket. 
 
Nicely done. 
You are a winner!

Steve, 
Whew....Never, ever listen to the butcher, baker or candlestick maker about nyc parking advice. Here are some suggestions: 
 
1. I agree with your reading of d(4). Fight this ticket, you're right 
 
2. I am sorry, but I don't quite understand your explanation of why the place of occurrence is wrong. More importantly, how do you intend to prove the address is wrong? If you can prove the address inserted on the ticket is wrong, you win. I'm happy to read more, if you be a little more specific about the address, and why you believe it's wrong. 
 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit. Let's work a little harder to prove the place of occurrence is wrong. Looking forward to your reply.

Ellen 
10,000 pardons. I overlooked your comment. Please excuse my delay in responding to your excellent question. Tricky question. Generally, if a mini-van is registered as a commercial vehicle, it must have rear seats and fittings permanently removed. If a mini-van is registered as a non-commercial vehicle, it is supposed to have rear seats. 
 
I completely understand what you did. However, warriors shoot first and ask questions later. My recommendation is to fight the parking ticket. I suggest explaining exactly why you temporarily removed the rear seats (and not the fittings?). Enclose photographs showing the seats are back in your van. Explain you do not use the van in connection with any business. Also, show there is no lettering on the doors. You should win, said the spider to the fly. 
 
Please let me know how you make out. 
Good luck.

Hi Larry, 
 
I posted something last Saturday, but it's not here anymore. Back in December I wrote you to tell you I got a ticket for parking my car in a zone that had standing after 10pm. They towed it too. And I'm from NJ. When I was preparing to pay the ticket, I noticed that the body of the car (2 door) said it was a 4 door. I sent in my Not Guilty plea, but they rejected it saying that getting the body right did not render the ticket void and that everything else was correct. Wasn't that an essential element, however? I know there was that "slight chance" that my NJ residency would affect the outcome, but accuracy doesn't matter for me? Do I call their bluff of just pay it at this point? 
 
Thanks, 
 
Annie

I received a ticket for parking in a commercial metered parking zone. Unfortunately I wasn't paying much attention to the sign (thought it said "EXCEPT SUNDAY" but it actually said "INCLUDING SUNDAY"). 
 
I drive an out of state plated car, and the ticket is unfortunately mostly marked correctly. 
 
However, for the registration expiration date, BOTH N/S is marked and the month and year of my expiration is filled in. 
 
Since both of these are specified, can this be considered defective? 
 
Thanks!

Is there such a thing as a "doctors only" parking space and if so, how would it be marked? Thank you.

I received a parking ticket the other day for an expired meter. The VIN # is filled in with a four digit number which is not my complete VIN #. Is this grounds for arguing the ticket as defective?

I received a ticket for blocking someone Garage driveway (which is sealed shut) but the in the complaint box it said citizen complained not owner, I was also towed can I had to pay it to get my car out of the marshals tow can i still fight it. also recievd a ticket for expired reg., I applied for a new reg it came the day after i got the ticket.

Steve, 
Thanks for the follow up info. The description of the place of occurrence must be accurate. So, we know for sure that a detailed description that says, "Park Avenue 25 feet from the corner of ______, is wrong. It can be any one of several corners and does not adequately describe the location of the parking crime. A Judge will dismiss a ticket with that description. 
 
If you can demonstrate by your excellent explanation AND a Google Map street view screen capture, or other such demonstrative evidence that the description is susceptible to more than one interpretation, you have a good chance of winning. My only proviso is I'm not sure common sense applies when fighting NYC parking tickets. 
 
Good luck. Please keep us posted, Steve.

Annie, 
You absolutely did the right thing and fought your parking ticket properly. What we have been noticing is that parking ticket judges are weaseling out of dismissing parking tickets by focusing on the words in 19 RCNY 39-02 that only require a "description" of the vehicle. Title 19 consists of rules promulgated by the NYC DOF. The trend seems to be away from dismissing parking tickets because of a 2DSD vs. 4DSD error. 
 
This conflicts with VTL 238, which is a rule promulgated by the State of NY. Sec. 238 requires an accurate description of the body type. NYC essentially ignores VTL 238 whenever possible. 
 
What can be more obvious than a car with 2 doors, versus a car with 4 doors. Unfortunately, we seem to be losing this fight; especially involving out-of-state vehicles. Sorry for your lose. 
 
I hate to say it but, you probably don't stand a real good chance on appeal on this one.

Jason 
Great to hear from you. The answer is, "It depends." If you are from a State that requires the month and year your registration expires be posted on your windshield or license plate, than I recommend fighting your parking ticket. N/S or N/A is reserved for situations when the registration expiration data is not displayed. 
 
If the info is not displayed on the windshield or plate, I recommend seeking a reduced fine. 
 
Make sure to present the proper proof properly, if applicable. You'll need to submit your registration and photographs of the expiration date clearly displayed on YOUR vehicle. 
 
Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

Rob, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post a great question. VIN # is not a required element entitling you to a dismissal of your parking ticket upon application.  
 
Sorry 'bout that. But, I'm thrilled you know to look for mistakes on the front of the tickets. There is parking ticket gold in them thar required elements. 
 
Good luck.

Christy 
Thanks for joining the conversation with a great question. I'm not sure I completely understand, but lets begin here. There are certain parking rules that physicians can ignore, if they have a NY registered vehicle with a doctor's license plate. (No parking in certain locations). 
 
I'm not aware of a parking sign that specifically authorizes doctor parking in certain spaces regulated by the sign. Am I getting warm? 
 
You may wish to read some blog posts I've written about doctor's parking rules. I'm happy to try again if I've missed your point. 
 
Good luck.

Sherwin 
Great questions. The answer is yes, you can fight your parking ticket. Let me translate for you....4-08(f)(2)is the "driveway" rule. The rule permits the owner of a building to park in front of his own driveway, if the premises do not contain more than 2 dwelling units. 
 
The rule further provides that the general public can park in front of a driveway where the garage is rendered unusable due to the presence of a building or other fixed objects.  
 
The interesting question you pose if, "what is the status of a sealed garage?" Happy to discuss this further with you. 
 
Good luck.

I received three parking tickets for parking in a no parking spot on a side street within 24 hours. Is it within parking rules and regulations to ticket someone for the same violation three times in a 24 hour period? Thank you.

Hi. I received a parking ticket for parking in a no parking part of the street. The place where I parked the yellow paint was worn off of a large portion of the curb so it was just a plain curb. going back the next day in the light I saw a few cars up and down the street there wasw bright yellow and faint yellow still existed where I parked. There was also a no parking sign up the street that I didn't see. Can they still give me a ticket since the yellow paint on the curb was worn off? Thanks!

Jon, 
Thanks for visiting our website and joining the conversation with several good questions. 
 
It is customary for a judge to dismiss the second ticket if,  
1. The same violation 
2. The same parking space 
3. Within one hour of the prior violation 
 
Except, if the parking tickets involve a "status" violation. A "status" violation is for an improper, missing, or expired inspection sticker, an improper registration sticker, etc. Generally, a judge will dismiss a second, third, fourth "status" ticket if issued within 24 hours of the first one. 
 
Painted curbs mean nothing under the NYC parking rules. It is an urban parking myth. Every one looks for them, but yellow markings mean nothing. Do you really believe the NYC DOT or DOF would ever give you fair warning a parking ticket is about to be issued. I've never heard of a parking ticket warrior yelling, "move your car or I'll shoot." 
 
I suggest you check for mistakes on the front of your parking ticket. If you find an omitted, misdescribed or illegible required element, you win upon application.  
 
If none, and no other defense, apply for a reduced fine. 
 
Thanks for sharing your parking experience. It helps all of us. Good luck.

Steve, 
Great to have you join the conversation. Sorry to hear we lost "Teflon Steve." 
 
I'm not quite sure I understand your question, but. Here's a copy and paste from the DOT website about T intersections. 
 
Effective December 2008, the New York City Traffic rules have been modified to allow parking at some "T" intersections, those without traffic signals or all-way stop signs or crosswalk markings. These locations have caused confusion in the past, as they were not clearly delineated as spaces for pedestrians or cars. The rule change has enabled the Department to put them in the category appropriate for each location, making it clearer for motorists, pedestrians and enforcement agents. 
 
Parking is now permitted at those "T" Intersections where the adjacent (major) street is not marked with a crosswalk and not controlled by all-way stop signs or traffic signals, even if there is a curb cut at that location. 
 
 
Parking is now allowed at curb-cuts adjacent to certain T intersections. 
 
When two streets intersect but do not cross it is referred to as a "T" intersection. The top of the "T" is considered to be the major street and the stem of the "T" is the minor street. A curb cut is the area of a sidewalk, which has been lowered, or cut down, to facilitate access to the street.  
 
Here's the link: 
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/sidewalks/sidewalks.shtml 
 
Steve, check out my updated Blog Post, which I hope sheds some additional light on your query. 
 
If there is still any confusion, let's continue the conversation. 
Good luck!

Larry- 
 
OK, I've read the posts and the DOT site. I think the definitions need to be clearer (it might pay to draw this on a piece of paper). A "T" intersection can be represented by drawing its flanking sidewalks. There's a "stem", whose (vertical) sidewalks (left and right) end at two corners - a "left corner" and a "right corner". The top of the T consists of several parts. The horizontal lower left arm sidewalk ends in the left corner, and the lower right arm sidewalk ends in the right corner. Finally, walking from left to right along the continuous top sidewalk, there's a long "left upper arm", a "left upper junction", a "bridge", a "right upper junction", and a long "right upper arm". I'm using "junction" to refer to where the crosswalk hits the sidewalk. 
 
The extension of the vertical left sidewalk across the main street, ending in the upper left junction, defines an unmarked crosswalk (if not marked). Same for the right. There's another horizontal crosswalk connecting the left and right corners. 
 
When you say "middle of the block" I'm not sure whether you mean the "bridge", the left and right upper junctions, or all of them. 
 
My understanding of the Traffic Rules (f)(7) as written is that it is forbidden to block a ramp in the upper junctions or the corners, whether or not there are crosswalk markings, because they fit the definition of crosswalks. But everywhere else, it is permissible to block a ramp: "A person may .... obstruct a pedestrian ramp not located within such crosswalk". It seems very unambiguous and unconditional. 
 
The amendment now allows blocking a ramp at the junctions or at the corners across the street from the junctions, if the corresponding crosswalks are unmarked and there are no traffic lights or signs. This corresponds to the four red circles on the DOT map. (You still can't block a ramp that leads into the horizontal crosswalk.) 
 
Whew. Now, my car was parked on the upper left arm of the T, just to the left of the left junction, where there was a marked crosswalk and a traffic light. It was not in the crosswalk. The ramp was also on the upper left arm, just to the left of, and therefore outside of, the marked crosswalk. 
 
My reading of the Traffic Rules is that the ramp was not in any kind of crosswalk, so it was legal to block it. Is this correct? 
 
It's not relevant to my problem, but I'm also not sure how to interpret your rule (2) how do you rule for ramps on the "bridge"? I'd say the Rules permit it there, even if there are marked crosswalks, and did even before the amendment. 
 
What say you? 
 
Regardless of the outcome, this has brought to my attention the fact that ramps serve a good purpose and shouldn't be blocked even when it's legal. 
 
Regards, 
 
Steve

Steve 
I love this conversation, your enthusiasm, and the exercise has changed your thinking about ramps. 
 
I'll put it this way, any pedestrian ramp located anywhere except a four corner intersection is legal to block; as long as it is not in a marked crosswalk or traffic control or device regulating the flow of traffic. 
 
That's how say me. 
Good day, say we. 
Good Bye for now.

Marc 
Very interesting question that is of interest to all of us. A defective parking ticket (omitted, illegible or misdescribed required element) is NOT automatic grounds for dismissal. It is grounds for dismissal upon application and proof.  
 
How is a judge to know your license plate number is incorrect? In order to prevail, you must submit a copy of your vehicle registration.  
 
To speak a little bit more about missing required elements. Once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a dispute between the evil king and his humble servants. The king ordered that the servants were required to make an application and point out how the parking ticket was defective in order to win a dismissal.  
 
The humble servants argued they were entitled to an automatic dismissal, if a ticket was defective.  
 
The king and servants took their dispute to Merlin and his band of wise men. Unfortunately for the servants, Merlin and company found in favor of the evil king (what a surprise). In order to qualify for a defective parking ticket dismissal, you have to apply and point out the defect, and present proof when necessary. 
 
The king, in a moment of weakness, established a policy where his judges are required to review every ticket for defects, if a servant files a dispute. The problem is the judges do not put their heart into carrying out the kings policy. They kinda look. 
 
However, in many instances, the judges will not know there is a defect unless the servants point it out and prove it. 
 
Unfortunately, no one lives happily ever after in the land of the DOT/DOF/parking ticket warriors.  
 
The moral of this story is identify a defect, point it out and prove it. That is how you win a dismissal for a defective parking ticket.

Great site. 
 
 
 
I'm another victim of the "Obstructing Traffic at Intersection" mess. 
 
 
 
I was on 55th and 2nd Ave in Manhattan. I was the first car on the line on 55th and I tried to be the good citizen, patiently waiting for enough clearance for my car across the street. Ofcourse, everyone from 2nd ave obnoxiously turned and totally blocked the box so that by the time enough space opened up, I was sitting at a red light again. So once the light turned green for a second time I decided that I would go ahead (especially with all the angry beepers behind me). Same situation as before, all the people from 2nd ave turned right onto 55th and left me stuck in the intersection. This time though, a traffic enforcement car swings up and the agents run out in a blitz to give as many tickets as they can. The light had just turned red so I decided that I would just make the left turn and go another way. That and I wanted to avoid a ticket. Unfortunately they gave me the ticket anyway, but indicated "N/S - DrOff". They got my plate number, but they indicated 4DSD even though my car is a coupe (2 doors).  
 
 
 
First of all, I dont understand how I can be obstructing traffic AND driving off, but thats an issue for another day. More importantly, will this ticket stand considering they got my car body type wrong? I read other responses on your site that indicate yes, but the difference here is that it says "DrOff" and I wonder if this changes anything.

David 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to further document the unjust enforcement tactics of warriors for the blocking the box NYC fundraiser. Scary. 
 
You raise some great questions. The trend now from parking ticket judges is not to dismiss a parking ticket for misdescribing 2DSD vs. 4DSD. However, when there is no fine reduction, and you are right, you definitely should raise this as one of your technical defenses.  
 
Turning is a defense to a blocking the box parking ticket. I think "DrOff" works for you. As you so rightly say, if you were a box blocker, how could you drive off. 
 
Thanks for sharing your driving experience. Please let us know how you make out fighting the good fight! 
 
Good luck.

Hello I received a ticket after parking at a meter. I stoped for a second to get a quater from a friend of mine and when I turned my head the parking meter man was on my car. I put the quater in. He said its to late I scanned you car already. My question is the traffic agent required to give you a ticket after they scan your car? I have a witness also who can swear that I just got there. The traffic man said he would tell them we got there at the same time. He didn't write anything on the ticket to that affect. I think I am screwed here. The city just wants your money! Thanks.

Hey Larry, 
 
I have a parking ticket issue maybe you can clarify. 
 
I work for the state and have an official placard which was displayed in my window. I got a $115 ticket for parking in a no standing anytime except trucks loading and unloading (which is an acceptable parking space with the placard I have) 
 
Here's the twist: they added a sub-sign to this sign sometime in the day after I had parked. It said no standing 10am-6pm below the loading and unloading. Sneaky sneaky! 
 
Here my issue with the ticket: 
I had my wife's car which has NJ plates. Normally, when shes gotten a parking ticket, they put the whole VIN number or leave it blank entirely. This time, on the one I received, they only put 4 digits of the VIN number. 
 
Now I know normally the VIN is not required, but if it is on the summons incorrectly, is it grounds for dismissal? 
 
Thanks in advance! 
Paul

Hi Larry, I got a parking ticket (violation code# 17) at the staten island ferry complex. But there wasn't any signs telling that it was an unauthorised parking area. Before I parked my car, I even enquired with the security personnal and he told me that it was a free parking area. On what grounds can I dispute this ticket? 
 
Thanks 
 
Jerry

This website is great. Hope I can get an aswer to my problem. 
 
My car is registered in NJ. As my car do not have plate holder on the front bumper, a police office suggested me to keep the plate near windshield so that it is visible. I am driving like that (with paltes near wind shield) in NJ for nearly 2 years now without a problem.  
 
Now, I got a ticket in NY saying "Improper display of plates" for $65. Can NY police give me a ticket if it is fine in NJ? Please suggest

Thank you for this great website: I hope you can help me! 
 
 
 
I was victim of a fake / mistaken parking ticket in NYC… 
 
In late February, I received a summons from NYC, indicating that I was ticketed for a traffic violation on January 12. What a surprise, since I live in Maryland, in the suburbs of Washington DC, where I work every day, and my car has never gotten out of the DC area. 
 
The summons listed my plate number, together with the actual make of my car (which is surprising since it is a Mazda and the chances of an officer having the make right out of the blue are close to zero – my take is that whoever wrote the ticket had access to a database with copies of my registration certificate) – as Body type, the summons listed “Subn”, while my car is clearly not a “Suburban”, but again the registration certificate of my car mentions ‘SU” (probably for “SUV”) – The one piece of information that is not available in the registration certificate is the color…And obviously the color listed in the summons was wrong (Grey, when my car is red!). 
 
I therefore requested a hearing by mail (I guess they know very well that no one is gonna drive 500 miles and take a day off to dispute a $125 bill), convinced that I would be found not guilty. I stated the facts (that my car had never been driven out of the DC area, and particularly not to NYC, that I had used it that day to go to my work in DC, and that on top of that my car was red, not grey. 
 
The “judge” found me guilty, not referring to my statement that my car was never in NYC, but only stating that “it does not render the summons invalid that the color of the vehicle was incorrectly stated in the summons”. Unbelievable. Why do they even bother stating the color?? 
 
I appealed, attaching this time 2 affidavits from person swearing that my car was in the DC area that day. It did not matter. Appeal was affirmed and I am now left with having been extorted $125 by NYC. This is something I cannot live with, and I would like to get some advice on a few things before my next move: 
 
(1) I am convinced that this is not a “in-good faith” mistake from a cop, since again he would not have gotten the make right – Does someone know if they effectively have access to database listing Registration Certificate of state registered in other state (in MD in my case?); 
 
(2) I now plan to writhe to NYC mayor, Mr. Bloomberg, exposing the facts and asking for his mediation to repair this injustice. What do you think about this? 
 
(3) If this does not provide me with a solution, my next move would be to write to the NY Times and Washington Post to present this story and see of they have any interest in doing some research to see if this has been recently a pattern in NYC to issue random summons to out of state drivers that have no way to come in person to an audience and found them guilty whatever the proof they attach to their request for an hearing-by-mail. Anyone has ever done something similar? 
 
Any other advice would be most welcome. I just cannot believe that in the US today we can be victim of such a robbery without any way to ensure that justice will prevail. What if they start sending me this kind of summons every other week? This is pure extortion, and probably the most frustrating thing I experienced in my life… 
 

Manny 
Thanks for stopping by and posing some great questions. I agree with you about revenue raising. It's the warriors main motivation, and NYC as well. 
 
Warriors always say, they just scanned your registration; whether they do or not. Once scanned, it's like blowing a note on a trumpet. You can't take it back. 
 
I would absolutely fight this ticket but, I recommend appearing in person with your witness at a hearing. Otherwise, fight it by mail, but it will be difficult to win. I'm sorry to say. 
 
Let me know how you decide to proceed.

Paul, 
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and interesting twist on the normal required element questions. 
 
In the ultra conservative, feet in concrete world of NYC parking tickets, I would hazard to say an incomplete or inaccurate VIN number will not result in a dismissal. 
 
Sorry.

Krish, 
Terrific question. 34 RCNY 4-08 (j)(2)is the rule you want to look at. It begins with..." No person shall stand or park a vehicle unless it properly displays the current plate or plates issued to it..." The Rule then continues on for awhile; but talks solely about NY registered vehicles and motorcycles. 
 
Here's what I think. In order to fight your parking ticket and win, you'll have to present the proper proof to demonstrate that it is PROPER by law or rule to display NJ license plates on the dashboard of your vehicle. Not just that the police in NJ don't bother issuing you a ticket. 
 
You'll have to do some homework, but if you strike gold, you'll win.  
 
Good luck. Let me know how you do.

David 
I sincerely feel your pain. This is not an unusual occurrence. I've written several articles and published a video on the subject.  
 
You may wish to check out my blog to see how I've handled this deplorable situation for our clients. Occasionally it's a mistake; however, oftentimes it is very purposeful.  
 
I wish you well on your journey. I keep trying to make a strong point that with these parking or traffic tickets, the truth may not set you free. You MUST present the proper proof, properly. AND, always support your argument with documentation! Many times your unsworn statement holds very little weight. 
 

Dera Larry, 
 
 
 
Thanks for your answer. I discovered it is indeed not an unusual occurrence: 
 
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/03/04/2008-03-04_cops_probe_bogus_parking_tickets.html 
 
So this has happened in the past, and no "judge" care about this happening again (maybe they are part of the scheme...).  
 
I have been trying to find more detailed information on your blog about how you handled similar situationas for your clients but did not find anything comparable: would you be kind enought to direct me to the right place? 
 
Anyway, my plan is now definitely to write to M. Bloomberg with my story, my proofs, and a copy of the NY Daily News article above to remind him that bogus tickets have existed in his City...So that he should find out what is going on in 2010!

I got a ticket for double parking on a school block outside my home on street sweeping day for $115 should i fight it? If so what do i need.I when on line and found out that i got anther ticket for no parking day/time limits that was not put on my car and now it has penalties added to it

David 
I wish you safe speed. 
Here's a link to a customer success story. Our client lost her first bite at the apple. I won the appeal. 
 
It was one of those bogus parking tickets. Our client lives in PA. Here last time in NYC was 10 years ago. She was charged with double parking in Queens during the week between Christmas and New Years. 
 
I provide a FREE download of the appeal I filed. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/32856/Customer-Success-Story-How-to-Beat-a-Bogus-NYC-Parking-Ticket 
 
Keep us posted!

Samantha, 
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. I'll share some general principals. 
 
You can never double park on street cleaning days. Period. Please don't shoot the messenger. 
Many warriors look the other way, sometimes for years. But, they look the other way until they don't look the other way. Presto, without any warning, you get a ticket. But, it is always illegal to double park for street cleaning. 
 
Please be sure to check both tickets for defects. If you find an omitted, misdescribed or illegible required element, you win upon application. 
 
Please do not listen to your butcher, baker or candlestick maker, or the guy who lived on the block for 83 years. If they tell you it is o.k. to double park, give them your ticket to pay. 
 
Good luck.

PLEASE HELP! 
I have parked on dead end street, opposite way the cars are driving in, so they give me ticket for "parking wrong way". it was about 12-15 feet from hydrant but they give me ticket for blocking it, than another one for " no parking" sing which is not there.All 3 tickets issued at the same time 9:45 p.m.. Is it any chance i can reduce or dismiss tickets?

Alex, 
Wow. You had a warrior missile strike. On all three parking tickets, I suggest looking for mistakes. If any required elements are omitted, illegible or misdescribed, you win upon application. 
 
If no mistakes on the first two parking tickets, you can apply for a reduction on the first; unfortunately, there is no reduction offered for a fire hydrant violation. By the way, you are required to park more than 15 feet away from a pump. 
 
If no mistakes on the third, you may wish to fight the parking ticket. You'll need photographs of ALL the parking signs on the block, and the street sign confirming it is the street in question. The parking sign photos must show them on the street, AND with close up view of the sign. 
 
Good luck! 

Hi, I parked a little too close to a hydrant and was issued a ticket. When I went online to pay the ticket, I discovered that they had entered the license plate incorrectly, confusing an "M" for a "W" due to the officer's sloppy handwriting. What should I do? Should I just leave it be? I'm afraid that if I contest the ticket, they will take a closer look at the scanned image of the ticket and correct the data. At the same time, I don't want someone else to be hassled by my ticket. Thoughts?

HI. I have a number of nyc parking tickets that are due but i am moving out of state and am handing in my license plates to NY DMV. Will the tickets i have transfer with the car or NYC will have no way of tracing me anymore?

Chaim, 
We're sorry to see you go. Where are you heading. A parking ticket judgment lives for 8 1/2 years. NYC has tracked down people in far away places.  
 
I recommend dealing with these tickets, rather than let a sleeping ticket lie. When a parking ticket "wakes up," it can be pretty nasty. 
 
Good luck.

Em 
Thanks for stopping by and posing a great question. You may wish to check back periodically, but otherwise, I'd let the sleeping parking ticket lie. 
 
Good luck!

Hi 
 
I was given a ticket the other week at 01:42PM for an expired meter code 34, then 48 minutes later at 02:30PM was given another ticket by a different agent at the same meter for the same code. how many tickets can a car get in what period of time? and how would i fight them? 
 
Thanks

Hi Larry! 
 
Love your website. Helping people out of wrongful tickets is certainly admirable and I sincerely thank you for your efforts. 
 
I drive a WA state vehicle with valid license and reg, with the month and expiration date clearly visible on the rear license plate. On my ticket for Exp. Date is says N/S. If I submit valid reg, and pictures of my plates up close and legible, as well as attached to my car, do you think I have a good chance of getting out of my No Parking ticket? 
 
Also if the ticket is dismissed, does that have any effect on possibly having a towing fee refunded ($185...ouch!) 
 
Thanks so much for your time 
Dan

Dan, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and write those nice things. I really appreciate it. 
 
You're a winner, and you describe the proper way to present your proof. Once your parking ticket is dismissed, you are entitled to a refund of your towing charges. You are required to submit an application for tow refund form, which is available as a download on Larry's Blog. 
 
Great story. You really did your homework. Congratulations. Let us know when you receive the good news. 
 
Good luck!

Larry, 
 
Never thought I would need to read a blog like this, but after this weekend I'm pretty glad it's here. I was visiting friends in the city and was parked at a no standing sign (M-F starting at 7am). I'm from Pittsburgh and our No Parking rules don't start until 8am. So I just assumed the name for NYC. Anyway, I read an earlier reply to Megan about not having the plate expiration date correct. On my $115 (crazzzy!) ticket, it has N/S as my registration expiration. Is that valid for me to get out of the ticket? First time in the city and I don't want to pay for this ridiculous ticket. Thanks for your time, keep up the good work!

Gregory 
I'm glad you stopped by. I love Pittsburgh. What a great City! 
 
We have a number of clients and friends from PA. PA plates clearly display the month and year your registration expires. YOU WIN! 
 
I suggest you send a respectful letter stating the parking ticket reflects "N/S" rather than your expiration date, despite the month and year of expiration being clearly displayed on your plates. 
 
Enclose a copy of your vehicle registration, and two (2) photographs showing your vehicle with the plate attached, and a close up of your plate clearly showing the month and year expiration date. 
 
Send your Defense Package by certified mail, return receipt requested to: 
 
Parking Violations Hearing by Mail Unit 
POBox29021 
Brooklyn, NY 11202-9021 
 
By the way, what's the recent buzz about your rogue quarterback? Is all forgiven, or is he the Darth Vader of Pittsburgh? 
 
Good luck 
Park safely. 
Please let us know how you do with your parking ticket. 

Can someone please tell me what "CD" means? I see this box on my ticket, and there is a "4" written in it. Does this mean "car door"? If so, my car is actually a 2 door car. If this is the case, would this be grounds for dismissal? Thank you!

Hi, I recently parked in a legitimate parking spot however my car got towed and I got ticketed. The ticket is for "no standing bus stop" however the section I was in was legitimate and I have pictures and a witness as evidence. When I parked the car I even asked a nearby police office if I was ok where I was and he said yes. How should I go about fighting the ticket and getting the tow money back?

I got 115$ Ticket for OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC AT INTERSECTION (e) (12) (In Violation of Sect 4-08 ) in New York City. Is there any point for this ticket ?

Shah 
Thanks for stopping by and posing an excellent question. 
 
You were issued the parking ticket version of "blocking the box." NO POINTS.  
 
The traffic ticket version carries 2 points. 
 
Good luck.

Jonathan, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and pose a great question. No standing bus stop is a tough ticket to beat. A little to involved to reply in a comment. 
 
With that said, let me offer some general advice. You must demonstrate: 
 
1.The beginning and end of the bus stop zone 
2.Your car was parked outside the zone 
3.You were stopped temporarily (less than 2 minutes) 
4.To drop off or pick up a passenger 
 
Don't take any of these details for granted. Don't offer mere conclusions like, "I only stopped for one minute." It won't work. 
What were you doing at that location? Prove it. 
 
What a cop, the butcher, baker or candle stick make says about parking legally is not evidence. Don't waste your time telling the judge he said, she said.  
 
Is your witness your priest or your rabbi? If so, you're out of luck. What value does your witness add to your story?  
 
How do you have a pix of your car parked at the location of the ticket and tow, if you were towed? 
 
If you win, you are eligible to submit a request for a tow refund. 
 
If you need more details, please feel free to call me. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know how you do.

Hi, I got the parking ticket for not parking at temportary construction area, fine $60 and I found out the color of car wrote down was wrong, my car is Gold (GL)color, but wrote was TAN color also did not wrote down the VIN# on the ticket, it is invalid ticket, do i need to pay?? Please reply ASAP!! Thank you!!

Shelly, 
 
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. I'm sorry to say VIN# and color of your vehicle are not required elements, entitling you to a dismissal of your parking ticket; if omitted, misdescribed or illegible. 
 
If you have no substantive defense, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine. 
 
Good luck. 

Walter,  
My blood is curdling. You were snookered by the bogus address tow scam. The warrior and tow person are in cahoots. The scam is they insert the wrong place of occurrence on the parking ticket and tow your vehicle. Impossible to prove your location without your car.  
 
The reality is, unless I am misunderstanding your story, you could have been towed at either location; so why did these rogue warriors run the scam?  
 
Your friend's affidavits generally will not lend your story the credibility it needs to overcome the warrior's presumption of being honest, law abiding, only doing their difficult job, why would they lie, warriorness is next to godliness presumption of truth. UNLESS, you have a great hook.  
 
Although it burns my tongue to utter these words, under the circumstances you describe, you are probably better off applying for the reduction.  
 
Sorry about what happened to you.  
Good luck

I received a ticket for blocking the box (e) (12). The MAKE of the car on the face of the ticket is incorrect. 
 
Is this grounds for dismissal? Do I simply contest online and state that the make on the ticket is not the make of my car? 
 
thanks, 
nitin

Nitin, 
You win!  
Please heed my prior warnings, under no circumstances, none, absolutely do not dispute a parking ticket online.  
 
How do you intend to prove the make of your vehicle is misdescribed? You're right, by submitting a copy of your vehicle registration. How do you intend to submit a copy of your vehicle registration online? You're right, you can't! 
 
Fight when you're right by mail (certified, return receipt requested), or in person (only under certain limited situations). 
 
Good luck. 

Walter, 
Terrific question. Here's the practical scoop. Many times, especially true with rogue warriors, you will be issued a parking ticket whether or not you have a valid defense. For example, if you say to a warrior, I stopped to drop off a passenger (in a no standing zone), the warrior will respond, how do I know that? (open your eyes) fight your ticket. 
 
My point here is many times you will be issued a parking ticket you can successfully defend. My sense is that if you are unloading personal property to the curb in a no parking zone (perfectly legal), if a warrior happens by and you've ventured away from your property; you'll be issued a parking ticket. 
 
Whether or not you can fight and win will generally depend upon what you do immediately after receiving your parking ticket. 
 
Take a photograph of you and your groceries on the curb in a no parking zone. It may sound ridiculous, but you'll fight and win. It's not so much whether you're right or wrong, it's having the ability to present the proper proof, properly. 
 
For example, if you park 17 feet from a pump and receive a parking ticket; if you don't prove you were 17 feet away from the pump, when you receive your parking ticket, the warrior wins.  
 
Have a cell phone camera handy. I urge our friends to keep a tape measure in the glove compartment of their car. Spend a couple of minutes after you receive a parking ticket and prepare your case. Once you leave the scene of your alleged parking crime without the proper proof, you'll generally lose. 
 
Good luck.

Larry, as one is allowed to stop "temporarily" (yes, I understand very limited period of time) in a no parking zone, is it a reasonable argument to be made that the officer giving the ticket needs to note when they noticed the car was "parked" and wait the "temporary" time to give the ticket? 
 
In my case, I stopped temporarily in a no parking zone, left a licensed driver in the car so that the car could be moved if need be, and left the car running. Almost immediately a meter maid gave a ticket that says "no driver. passenger didn't move veh", except that a) when I ran back to car, she claims she asked passenger to move (passenger denies this, and i have no reason to discount it, the windows were closed!) b) no mention of how long car was there.  
 
is it being too creative to say that a no parking ticket have to basically wait the "temporary" time and say "noticed car at time X, gave ticket at time Y as car wasn't moved" 
 
just wondering. 
 
thanks.

Sean, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post a terrific question. What's more impressive, is the passion you display searching for a defense to fight this ticket. 
 
Was the licensed driver left in the car, sitting behind the wheel? 
Your idea about a requirement that a warrior insert the time first observed under these circumstances makes a great deal of sense. Unfortunately, at the present time there is no such requirement; and the sad part is it becomes an issue of credibility which the warrior usually wins. 
 
In addition, there is no requirement the warrior ask a driver to move the car. 
 
Temporarily means 2 minutes or less. Is there any independent proof you can offer to establish your car was "parked" for two minutes or less. Where did you go? 
 
Looking forward to your response?

passenger didn't move, as it hasn't been a problem in the past, and we figured the passenger could just move over if there was an issue, as passenger was already in front seat. 
 
In this case, I was running across the street to return books to the library, so while I'll admit that I would have been away for more than 2 minutes, I don't think that's what happened here, but I'd have no way to prove it either, just word against word. 
 
what pisses me off is the "warrior" lied to our face, and said she told the passenger to move the car and the passenger refused (as I ran back to the car) 
 
I also find it funny how the police want to have it both ways, they'll consider someone a driver for drunk driving by just having the keys in the car with them (even if the car is off!), but wont consider a running car with a person in it a driver for this case. 
 
You would know this much better than me, but I'm wondering if "driver" is actually defined anywhere. I know for the purpose of "drunk driving", it's defined as the person who has "control" of the car (per above, and I should note, not from personal experience, as I barely ever drink any alcohol), seems unfair that the same rule is not consistently applied. 
 
It's only a $60 ticket, so it's not the biggest deal in the world to me (splurge a little less on a few things to make up the difference). though from you site, a lesson I've learned for these situations is to just park near a hydrant and have the passenger move to my seat while I have to jump out. (per hydrant video) 
 
I also wonder why this "In addition, there is no requirement the warrior ask a driver to move the car." applies to a no parking spot, with a driver in the car, but doesn't apply to a hydrant? (i.e. acc to video they have to ask you to move, if I understand it correctly in the hydrant case as long as you have a driver at the wheel?). I figure it's probably just the way the law is written, but curious for the real reason. 
 
anyways, I'll probably try to fight it online or by mail with an affidavit from the passenger that she was given permission to move the car if it needed to be. Doubt much good will come besides maybe the reduction. 
 
anyways, this was a big response. thanks.

So, I doubt this will help, but looking at the ticket, it says 
 
"No Parking (d) DAYS/HRS: Except Su/All Times" 
 
acc to nyc dot's website, the sign is close to that, but not totally the same. 
 
"NO PARKING 7AM-7PM EXCEPT SUNDAY" 
 
does that 7am-7pm make a difference?

Sean, 
I love your passion; and your effort to try to find reason and reasonable explanations behind these rules. 
 
When I review a parking ticket for a client, I start with the RULE and then move to the defense to the rule.  
 
In your case, the rule is NO PARKING. You are not permitted to halt your vehicle, with or without someone sitting behind the wheel, in a NO PARKING ZONE. So, you violated the rule and committed the parking crime.  
 
The second step is to determine if you have a defense to this NO PARKING ticket. One defense to a NO PARKING violation is stopping temporarily to discharge or drop off a passenger. 
 
The third step is to analyze whether your facts fit the defense. The answer is no. You stopped your car for more than 2 minutes.  
 
All the other questions your raise, and they are valid questions, come under the heading, this parking rule and its enforcement isn't fair. Unfortunately, fair isn't a defense to a NYC parking ticket. 
 
I'd love conversations about fairness and why one rule is worded one way, and another rule is worded another. This type of conversation is better suited over the phone or over a beer. 
 
I'm happy you learned that you are absolutely better off parking by a fire hydrant with a passenger in the car capable of moving your vehicle. Seems illogical, but it is the RULE. 
 
I don't think it is an analogous situation to compare the elements of control as they apply to a drunk driving violation with a parking ticket. A parking ticket is issued to the "car." Either the owner or operator may fight a parking ticket. Control is not a necessary element to a parking violation. 
 
If a car is parked illegally, it doesn't matter how it got to the space. Ultimately, the registered owner will be held responsible for the misdeeds of the car. 
 
A rogue warriors definition of the truth cannot be found anywhere save for the warrior's imagination.  
 
Good luck. 
 
Great conversation 

what about the other point I made, about the sign being recorded somewhat incorrectly. Is this enough of a defect? and if so, would it be "ticket is defective" or would it be "sign noted incorrectly"?

oh, and thanks again (forgot that last time)

Hey, I got a parking ticket in nyc. The vehicle a scooter registered in CA, but the ticket has the state set as OK (Oklahoma). Can I just ignore it?

Sean, 
Interesting point. Please clarify something for me. What is the Rule displayed on the parking sign ON THE STREET? 
 
Please Email or fax me the parking ticket. I'd like to take a look at it. 
 
nyparkingticket@optonline.net 
Fax-800-313-1092

Hey, 
Never, ever ignore a NYC parking ticket; unless the license plate number listed on the parking ticket is inaccurate. 
 
If the State of registration is clearly displayed on the plate, you win upon application. I suggest you send a letter by certified mail to the address on the back of your parking ticket. Point out the State of registration is misdescribed. Attach a copy of photographs showing the plate attached to the scooter; and a close up of the plate clearly showing the State of reg. Include a copy of the scooter's registration.  
 
You win! 
Congratulations.

Sean, 
 
It may be easier to check out the rule on the sign by using our interactive maps on the website; or the find a sign | find a street address. 
 
I'll look forward to your reply. 

It has the same text as the DOT's website 
 
"no parking 7am-7pm, except sun" 
 
while ticket says 
 
------ 
In Violation of Sec-409 (Subsec Below) of NYC Traffic rules 
------ 
No Parking (d) 
DAYS/HRS: Except Su/ALL TIMES 
 
so don't know if this is "accurate" enough or not.

Thank you, will do that. I also got a parking ticket for parking my scooter on the sidewalk a couple weeks back. Do you have any defenses for that? I could have been dropping someone off at the time. I found the tickets wedged deep beneath my licesnse plate as well. There was no way that I could have found them had it not been pionted out to me. What do you think?

Outtastate, 
I think you may be outtaluck on a sidewalk ticket. Sorry 'bout that. 
Stopping temporarily on the sidewalk to drop or pick up a passenger isn't going to win, in my humble opinion. 
 
Nice talking to you. 
Good luck.

Sean, 
 
What day of the wee, and time of day/evening were you issued the ticket?

I'm in the wrong, as you described it, but so are most people who have a bad ticket due to errors in vin or plate transcription that makes the ticket defective. 
 
I was there around 6pm, so as I said in the wrong, just want to know if there's a valid argument to be made that since no sign as such exists on the block they say I was parking in a non parking area the ticket is defective, or if their transcription of the sign is "close/accurate enough". 
 
thanks.

Sean, 
There are two paths to take when evaluating whether to fight, apply for a fine reduction or pay a NYC parking ticket. One is to look for a technical defense. The other is to look for a substantive defense. Both provide the same, equal AHA moment. 
 
When a friend asks us to offer an opinion about a parking story, we look to see if there are facts to support a technical and/or a substantive defense. Your story raised several issues. In order to give you a good answer, I needed certain additional information. 
 
You may be wrong substantively. But, may have a viable defense from a technical point of view. It makes no difference to me which defense you assert to win.  
 
Technically, a warrior must correctly describe a violation of the rule displayed on the parking sign, including days/hours. But, the general rule for no standing is cited properly; and so is the violation code. The days/hrs are wrong. But, I'm not sure whether a judge will dismiss it because the days/hours are wrong under the facts you describe. 
 
HE SHOULD.  
 
If it were me, I'd fight this parking ticket. I would assert the days/hours inserted on the parking ticket does not match the days/hours displayed on the parking sign. I would attach overlapping photographs of all the parking signs on the entire block. But, if the fight isn't worth losing the $25 reduction, then it makes sense for you to apply for the reduction. 
 
In any event, let me know your choice and how you do. 
 
I'm glad this wasn't a toll call. 
Good luck. 
 

I'm pondering fighting it in person tomorrow, as probably will be going down to courthouse anyways for other reasons. 
 
On the flip side, part of me thinks I can make a "better" argument on paper (and at least have my lawyer friends look it over to make sure I say nothing that incriminates myself and makes it easy for the judge to reject it). 
 
at the end of the day $60 ticket isn't the biggest deal, its more that I like to argue, and try to figure out holes in systems (and why I did a lot of work in computer security research). 
 
thanks.

for those interested, here's the parking rules 
 
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/04pdf/parking_rules39.pdf 
 
(took me a while to find, though was just not seeing it, was staring me in the face). 
 
need to quote 39-02 (a) and (a)(3) 
 
for those that care, (a) describes what needs to be included accurately INCLUDING hours when the law is in effect, (a)(3) says that if anything necessary to be included is incorrect that ticket has to be dismissed.

Sean, 
 
You may wish to check out the NY State version of RCNY 39-02 which is VTL 238. Here's the link: 
 
http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/LAWSSEAF.cgi?QUERYTYPE=LAWS+&QUERYDATA=$$VAT238$$@TXVAT0238+&LIST=SEA13+&BROWSER=BROWSER+&TOKEN=06725323+&TARGET=VIEW 
 
I'm very curious to find out whether your judge dismisses your parking ticket for misdescribed days/hours. Please keep me posted.

ticket was dismissed 
 
"respondent claims that the summons incorrectly describes the sign posted at the cited location. Respondent's claim is supported by persuasive New York City sign records" 
 
Disposition: 1 NOT GUILTY - HEARING Reason: SWPV

Sean, 
Congratulations! 
I am thrilled for you.  
 
What evidence did you submit to fight your parking ticket?

What I said I'd do, though not perfect with what you told me to do (no time). 
 
1) took a picture of the sign w/ the address visible, but what chastised a little by the ALJ for not taking the overlapping photos from block to block with street signs visible. But as it had the address, it was useful. 
 
2) best proof was the DOT's site that shows the street signs in list form for each block. Showed that sign as listed on ticket didn't exist on either side of the block. 
 
she was quiet for a bit, I guess verifying the information (which I guess is a positive thing, very easy to modify an HTML page), and then said the ticket will be dismissed and gave me the form (which I have to keep for 99 months!)

Sean, 
Fantastic! 
I love that you had the courage, passion and principles to fight and win. Taking the photo showing the address was a great idea.  
 
Thank you for walking us through the process, step by step. I learned a lot about days/hours. 
 
I hope to continue our conversation on other parking issues. 
 
Good luck

Larry, I was lucky, I fully admit (well, after actually learning what the law is, before that, I actually though I was basically in the right), that I was in the wrong. I was just annoyed as I wasn't impeding traffic or anything else, and left someone in the car so it could be moved if need be. According to my passenger, the metermaid just came by quickly and scanned my car's registration.

Sean, 
I hear you. I speak to many members of the NYC driving public and 9 times out of 10, a sense of injustice is what motivates people to call me to fight their parking tickets. 
 
We are shown by the warriors and powers-to-be time and time again, enforcing the parking rules isn't about safety and the public welfare, it's about show me the money; and it is getting way out of hand. 
 
I'm glad your sense of injustice motivated to appear in person to fight your parking ticket. As you probably know, days/hours, and matching the parking rule displayed on the sign to the parking rule entered on a ticket are two of about 10 required elements the rules require be inserted on your parking ticket. They are technical defects which entitle the bearer to a dismissal upon application, if inserted incorrectly. 
 
There are some rogue judges who simply will not follow the rules and dismiss your parking ticket for an omitted, misdescribed or illegible required element. Others ignore the more specific state law contained in VTL 238 and enforce the more lenient, RNYC 39-02. 
 
The decision is usually based upon the evidence being "unpersuasive." 
I believe if you hadn't made a personal appearance to fight your parking ticket, you would have lost because of the absence of overlapping photos... 
 
The reality is you were entitled to a dismissal of your parking ticket due to the misdescribed rule. It shouldn't matter whether you disputed your ticket online, by mail, or in person; but in reality it did matter. So, you needed to pick up your piece of justice in person. Mind boggling. 
 
Please jump in when you'd like to share your experience or opinion with other members of our community. 
 
Take care!

Larry, you might want to start a forum on the site, instead of these comments on blog posts where the back and forth doesn't have what to do with the initial post anymore. 
 
The positive is that it would make it easier to group different things that belong together, while also making it possible to search the history of posts better. 
 
the negative is that its another piece of software that has to be maintained.

Hi 
I found this interesting blog while searching for a solution to my problem. 
I parked my car on the corner of my block in brooklyn where i normally park, and didn't notice that the usual alternate side parking sign had been covered by a no parking temporary construction, in the morning there was no car (was towed). the sign that was put up only covers one side of the normal sign the other side of the sign was covered with a white cover, the when i picked up the car from the pound the ticket was showing the wrong address the address it was showing is 2 blocks away and there is no problem to park there. I guess i'm debating how to fight this ticket should i show the spot i was towed from and show that the agent used the address from the avenue instead of the street or should i just play stupid and show the address that was written up and say there's no problem to park there? 
 
Thanks in advance 
 
Menachem

Menachem, it's not about playing stupid. If the ticket is defective, the ticket is defective. You can be 100% in the wrong, but if you want to fight it, you don't fight it by saying "I did nothing wrong", you fight it by saying 
 
ALJ: "How Do you Plead?" 
You: "Not Guilty" 
ALJ: "On What Ground?" 
You: "Ticket is defective because of XYZ". 
 
and then show proof. 
 
it has nothing to do with what you did, it's all about the ticket. 
 
The only time it's about what you did is if you actually didn't break any law (and much harder to prove those)

Sean thanks for such a quick response.  
 
so do i show the location of where the car was parked and how the officer took the address of the avenue by mistake, or do i show the location that was written in the ticket and show that there is no sign there? or do i do both? 
 
and once the ticket gets dismissed what would be the procedure to refund the towing fee? 
 
Thanks 
Menachem

I believe the easier thing to do would be to demonstrate that the address on the ticket had no parking regulation that you violated. 
 
i.e. its harder to prove the address the officer wrote wasn't the address you were parked at. 
 
How you prove the address written down didn't have a temporary sign, I do not know. 
 
With that said, I do not know how your towing impacts you. 
 
On a side note, a friend of mine's car got towed incorrectly a few weeks ago (they reported car stolen, never entered towing database) and it was returned to a different spot (again not informed) and they only found out about it when the police informed them that it was racking up tickets!

Menachem & Sean 
 
Great series of questions, and terrific answers. Wow, what a pleasure. It reminds me of the great times I had pulling up a chair on the sidelines and watching my son play soccer. 
 
Gentleman, I wouldn't change a thing. I'll add a couple of tips: 
 
1. You can prove the address did not have a temporary no parking sign by using the "Find a sign" page on our website. Just plug in the info requested and you'll get the official DOT listing of signs on any given block. 
 
It's a great resource and proves exactly which signs existed at the address where the warrior mistakenly claimed you parked. 
 
You can also use Google Maps with street view or our interactive map tool to present photographic evidence of the street where the warrior claimed you parked. Please make sure the Google Maps matches the DOT website sign page. DOT wins if the two resources don't match. 
 
2. When your parking ticket is dismissed, you are eligible for a refund of your towing charges. There is a simple form you're required to complete; and its available on line. You can get a link to the form from tow articles published on our blog. 
 
Just a word about Sean. He recently beat a NYC parking ticket for a misdescribed required element. He was more confident about the win than I was. He did some very solid research and fought the ticket because he was right! He knows his stuff.

Larry, but does it really have all temporary signs that were ever put there? 
 
i.e. it's easy to demonstrate with a permanent sign, as they keep a database of them, but temporary signs, is there really a good database? i see temporary parking regulation signs all the time (especially in regards to TV/Movie productions), it seems it be hard to demonstrate that the sign was in different place if the ticket just said something along the lines of "violated temporary sign X", especially if the temporary sign is no longer there (say was only needed for one day) 
 
now, if the ticket only said something along the lines of "violated sign X", I guess it be possible to demonstrate that no such permanent sign existed at that point and try to fight it that way.

Sean, 
It is supposed to list every parking sign, regardless of whether temporary or permanent in nature. As a matter of fact, there was a law passed along with the 5 minute grace period law requiring the DOT to post a notice on their website for every new parking sign. 
Here's a November, 2009 press release issued on the NYC Council website, notifying the public about the legislation. 
 
NOTIFICATION OF PARKING RESTRICTION CHANGES 
To minimize confusion surrounding often times complicated parking rules, the Council will vote to require notice before certain permanent and temporary parking restrictions go into effect. With limited curbside parking and many confusing parking restrictions, parking in New York City can be very challenging. Adding to this confusion are parking restriction changes, both permanent and temporary, that may happen for reasons such as parades, filming, road repairs or permanent parking restriction changes prompted by DOT. 
 
Specifically, this bill would: 
• Allow motorists who receive parking tickets for violating newly implemented parking regulations within five days of the regulations going into effect to defend their ticket in traffic court; 
• Require DOT to post parking change notices immediately when doing road repair work and provide information on how to retrieve towed vehicles; 
• Require someone who gets a permit for temporary parking restriction changes from the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting to post parking change notices immediately and provide information on how to retrieve towed vehicles; 
• Require the sponsor of a planned event, such as a street fair or parade, to post notice of parking restriction changes on a form provided by the Mayor’s office at least seven days before the parking restrictions take effect. 
 
This legislation would take effect 90 days after being signed into law. 
 
“It is unreasonable for the City to change parking regulations and restrictions without letting the public know first,” said Council Member Simcha Felder. “Simple notification would ensure that drivers park safely and would reduce the number of unfair parking tickets.” 
 
If a member of the driving public gets nailed with a parking ticket within 5 days of the installation of a new sign, their parking ticket will be dismissed if contested in "Traffic Court." The problem with this is I've communicated with the DOT about where, exactly on their website, is such notice posted. 
 
I was told that it is posted on the parking sign locate tool. Is it? I certainly can't say for sure. But, you would have a very strong argument any time you submit evidence from the DOT website. It can be a sword and a shield if used wisely. 
 
I really don't know how anyone can stay up-to-date with all these rules, temporary rules, changed and revised rules. What makes matters worse is the question you raise, are these rules really being implemented. 
 
It took a notice from me to get the DOT to publish the change in the pedestrian ramp rule. When I called them on it, the rule change was published within 24 hours, and a memo was circulated to judges, police and warriors about proper enforcement tactics. I published all of this on the Blog. 
 
We need people to be vigilant to protect the rights of the driving public. I'm counting on Councilman Greenfield to get his bill passed clearly defining it is legal to double park if you stop, drop and go.  
 
By the way, I beat a parking ticket today for double parking. It least there is one judge who understands the rule and its defense. 
 
Nice job helping our friend, Menachem. 

First of all thanks again for the response, A different question altogether, does the sign have to be visible from both sides? i.e. they just put a no parking sign on top of the regular sign thats posted but they only did it to 1 side the other side they covered so if on the sidewalk the sign looks white?

Menachem, 
 
A sign must be legible and visible. You may have something here. If you'd like to take some photographs of the sign (both sides) and email them to me, I'm happy to take a look; and offer you my humble opinion. 
 

Larry 
 
Thank you I just emailed the photos. I hope to the right email address 
(nyparkingticket at optonline.net)? 
 
Thank You

Larry, 
 
I know the NYS registration & inspection sticker thing has been a problem for most drivers these past couple years. My own registration sticker(s) have never stayed on very well on my new car and after replacing the first one, got a worse one, which is stuck to my windshield only by the top adhesive. It stays stuck on when driving on highways with all windows open, so I know its not moving, but nonetheless, it's an annoyance. 
 
More of an annoyance, however, was receiving a ticket yesterday for "improper Display of Reg sticker (j) (3). In comments, officer wrote: "not affixed to windshield properly. No driver. Sticker on dash." 
 
What do I do about a ticket like this? First off, its not my fault NYS used a vendor that produced inferior products that millions of residents have to deal with. Second, it WAS (and is) stuck onto windshield. (albeit by a single horizontal strip of remaining good glue.) The sticker is NOT on the dash.  
 
Why did I get this ticket? And how can I fight it and win? 
 
And also, please clarify the rules for using tape to affix stickers on windshield. After receiving this ticket I did a quick survey of cars in my neighborhood and see about 80% are heavily taped. Will taping lead to a ticket? Is it safe to say I can tape my sticker on better? 
 
Please advise on this. I am sure your answer will help many. 
 
All the best, and thanks for your excellent blog!

I got a parking ticket yesterday but it has the wrong make and color listed- gray instead of beige and Honda instead of Acura. Is it worth my time to fight this $65 ticket? If so, is it absolutely necessary that I appear in person? I'm leaving for school soon and will be out of the state, making it a pretty big inconvenience to make a trip just for a hearing. What are my options?

You can contest it by mail (easier to send in proof) or online (hard to impossible to include correct proof?) so shouldn't take much time. 
 
worse case scenario, you still pay fine without wasting much time.

Dave and Sean, 
Great question. Great advice, Sean. If your car is registered in NY, it is a slam dunk to contest your parking ticket by mail. Prepare a brief letter explaining the Make of your car was misdescribed and enclose a copy of your registration. Send the defense package by certified mail, return receipt requested to the address on the back of your parking ticket. You're a winner, Dave. 
 
If your car is registered out-of-state, you have a 70%-30% chance of gaining a dismissal. NYC judges generally apply the NYC rule liberally, which allows a reasonably accurate description of your vehicle, rather than the exact Make. 
 
If you don't like them odds, you can apply for a fine reduction, which will lower your fine from $65 to $43. You can apply online. 
 
Color is not a required element, and a misdescribed color will not give you a dismissal. 
 
Please let us know your decision. 
Good luck & good luck at school.

Menechem 
 
You made my day! Congratulations. When you're right-Fight. You presented the proper proof, properly and WON!. 
 
Nicely done. 
Thanks for sharing your success with us!

I received an alternate-side parking ticket describing the "Place of Occurrence" as "Opposite 1631 Bay Parkway", an address that does not exist, according to Google Maps. In fact, the lowest address on Bay Parkway (in Brooklyn) is in the 4000's. Is this grounds for dismissal? If so, what's the best way to prove it? And, should I do it by mail or another means? Thanks. 
Rich

Rich, 
Timing is everything in life. I just wrote a blog post that answers your exact question. It is entitled, "5 Simple Ways to beat a NYC Parking Ticket." Here's the link. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/38723/5-Simple-Ways-to-Beat-a-NYC-Parking-Ticket 
 
Please tell our community that I didn't put you up to asking your question at this time. 
 
I'd try the Elvis Presley Defense. 
 
Good luck. 
Please let us know the outcome. 
You're a winner, Rich!

Larry. 
I just received a parking ticket on NJ licensed car in NYC. However, the color of car is wrong and the license plate number on the ticket is incorrect by one letter. The Vin # is listed as JDTK... Does this mean they have the entire Vin# and didnt print it or simply got lazy when typing it out? Should I send in payment or will they never track the vehicle down?

Eriq, 
 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post a great question. If your license plate number is wrong, you have two options: 
 
1. Ignore your ticket. 99.99% NYC will never find you 
2. Fight your parking ticket by mail for a misdescribed license plate. Submit a copy of your vehicle registration and a couple of photos showing your license plate attached to your vehicle, and a close up of your plate 
 
Either way, you are a winner, Ericq! 
 
Congratulations!

Larry,  
As a follow-up to your suggestion of August 21 to use the "Elvis Presley" defense-- it worked! The ticket was dismissed. Long live the King. Thanks, again! 
Rich

Rich, 
 
I love it! 
Thanks for sharing your win. 
Nicely done!

what does "CD" mean anyway?

Mark, 
 
Great to have you join the conversation. It is time for the reveal..."CD" on a parking ticket means "Community District." It is not a required element, so if left blank doesn't entitle the bearer to any good fortune. 
 

I checked the status of my parking ticket online & it said "hearing pending." Not sure if this means they accepted my evidence and will pass judgement on it, or what. 
 
It was a $65 ticket for an expired meter. I was 5 minutes late and I am handicapped. I have a handicapped badge on my car. I sent in pictures of the badge by mail, disputing the ticket. I didn't send it by registered mail. 
 
Then I got the notice of ticket + penalty. $75. should I just pay up or do I stand a chance on this?

Iri, 
 
Thanks for joining the conversation with a great question. Did you receive a notice of decision from the DOF finding you guilty? Or, just a notice informing you have accrued a penalty on top of your base fine? 
 
Is your badge a NYC handicap badge? 
 
Looking forward to your reply.

Lawrence,  
It was a notice informing me of the $10 penalty on top of the base fine of $65. I'm supposed to respond within 2 weeks or the penalty goes up yet again. 
 
My handicapped badge is from Pennsylvania. I was visiting NY at the time.

Iri, 
 
NYC does NOT honor out-of-state handicap permits/badges for on-street parking. NYC now permits out-of-state residents who do not live, work or go to school in NYC to apply for a handicap permit. 
Here's the link... 
 
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/permits/nyc-pppd.shtml 
 
I'm tempted to suggest you refuse the fine reduction offer and let a judge decide your case. I'm just afraid the NYC judges will follow the letter of the law and find you guilty.  
 
I'll leave the choice up to you. 
Please let us know what you decide to do.

Terri Ann, 
 
Thank you for taking your valuable time to visit and join the conversation. I sincerely appreciate your kind words! 
 
If you have a NY vehicle, the body type on the parking ticket should match the body type on your registration. If not, you may wish to fight your parking ticket.  
 
I'm sorry about the bad behavior of one of the warriors. Unfortunately, it is an easy way to meet their quota; and very difficult to fight.  
 
If you fight the ticket for misdescribed body type, you may still loose even if your reg and ticket don't match because some judges apply the "reasonably accurate" rule and will accept SUBN for a Honda CRV. 
 
I'm sure you are aware of the option to take a fine reduction. It irks me when you get stuck with a reduction because you really can't prove your case to the satisfaction of a parking ticket judge. 
 
Please let me know if you have any more questions about how to proceed. I'm happy to help. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know what you decide.

Larry, 
 
 
 
I would like to confirm on your comment in regard to George's questions. "On the other hand, an empty box with no entry will give you an automatic dismissal, as will a missing make, model or correct license plate number on a NJ vehicle. " 
 
I looked up the summons # on DOF website and it showed a copy of the tkt. There is no Model of my vehicle shown on the tkt. It's a NJ registered vehicle. 
 
Thanks for your advice.

Timothy, 
 
Great question.  
If you are asking whether a Make AND Model must be inserted on a NYC parking ticket, the answer is no. There is no box or space on a scanned or handwritten parking ticket for Model. 
 
The box is for Make, only, which includes Chev, Ford, Honda, Saab, etc. NOT model, such as Impala, Fusion, etc. 
 
My use of both terms (Make and Model) was intended to be redundant; but instead was imprecise. Sorry about that. 
 
On the other hand, if the Make of your vehicle was not included, or misdescribed on your parking ticket, you win. You do have to fight the parking ticket either in person or by mail, and point out the misdescribed or omitted required element. Include a copy of your vehicle registration; and send your defense package by certified mail, return receipt requested. 
 
I hope this is responsive to your inquiry. If not, lets continue our conversation.

In additional to the above comment. I was driving my Toyota Highlander SUV and the only person that was driving the vehicle. And I don't lend my vechicle to anyone to drive, due to insurance liability. 
 

Timothy, 
I appreciate how frustrating this is for you. You are absolutely on the right track.  
 
The little crack in your excellent defense is, in my humble opinion, a judge will want to know who else in your family has access to the SUV, and he'll expect you to account for the whereabouts of that family member(s)when the bus stop ticket was issued. 
 
Keep in mind that the warrior isn't saying YOU were in the car in the bus stop zone. The warrior is saying your SUV was there. If all your drivers were with you at the dentist, I'd document that and make sure to list eligible drivers in your defense affidavit. 
 
Good luck!

Let's the saga continue... 
 
 
 
If the ALJ wants to know who are the family members, that have access to my SUV; that will be simple. It would be my wife and two sons (7 yrs & 4 yrs. old) - being sarcastic here...lol. I am dealing with NYC "ARROGANT" warriors and city officials.  
 
My wife was in the dentist chair getting her temporary tooth crown worked on - while I was sitting in the waiting area between 12:30pm - 1:30pm. I did not or intended to drive my vehicle around the area, while I am at the dentist. It's hard to find parking there. 
 
If they're really stubborn about the verification of my time of whereabout that day - I can ask one of the patient to provide me a statement. And I heard that she works for NYC District Attorney. Thus, her statement should have more weight than the warrior's sworn statement [which they can still write BOGUS tkts] anyway. 
 
Like I said, from my previous comments - I'll dispute this tkt all the way up to State Court if I have to. And I'll get the local Aseemblyman/Councilman involve and expose NYC DOF scams/scandals.

Tim, 
 
By G_D, I think you've got it! You've got the proper proof, present it properly, and you're a winner. 
 
One small word of caution from years of fighting NYC parking tickets...Stay focused on your specific case. Present your excellent proof with respect. Don't wave a red threat in front of a judge, it will not help you win. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know the outcome.

Much appreciation on your comments and replies. 
 
 
 
I understand what you mean by waving a red threat. I won't do that on the appeal - if it comes to that point. I've learned my lesson from an inadvertent Red Light Camera tkt I got about 7 months ago. I was kinda sarcastic on my comments about the RLC is a money generating machine for NYC. And that if it was an employee of DOF or its affiliates - the tkts will be quickly voided in their system...blah..blah..blah.  
 
However, I wrote a clause on the back of my contribution check - "Upon endorsing this check - NYC DOF and any of its affiliates, agrees to full priciple payment and no further penalties to be imposed..." something to that nature. What happened was - I never received the original RLC tkt, but instead a notice of judgement with additional $25 penalty. How's that for our law official operates? I have attached my copy of the Certified/RRR letter for disputing this tkt. I hope it can be a template for other public drivers to use. 
 
 
 
Your Name 
 
Address 
 
City, State, Zip 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear Sir/Madam: 
 
 
 
 
 
I hereby, plead NOT GUILTY and disputing Summons No. xxxxxxxxxx for the following reasons: 
 
 
 
1 – I strongly believed it was a mistake – and it happened to match my plate#. My vehicle was nowhere in the area of the accused location as indicated on the ticket. I only received a (NOOV) in the mail. The original hardcopy ticket of which I never received or affixed on my vehicle. On date of 7/31/2010, I was in the dentist office between 12:30pm – 1:30pm. Attached is a note that verified my presence at the dentist office during the time mentioned [picked up on 7/25/2010]. It is impossible for my vehicle to be at the accused location during the time frame while I was still in the dentist office. Attached is a MapQuest showed distance and travel time. 
 
 
 
2 – It was also found that my vehicle’s (Body Type) misdescribed and the Registration/Inspection expiration date and (Model) were omitted from the required elements of the ticket. The ticket indicated (Body Type) as “SUBN” – Suburban, of which my vehicle’s (Body Type) is registered as “Wagon”. There are thousands of vehicles that have similar (Body Type, Color, Type) – but without the exact (Model), then there’s no strong grounds to proof that the vehicle was actually there – at the accused location. 
 
 
 
3 – I am well aware that NYC Traffic Agency have been using electronic scanner to avoid mechanical errors from hand written summonses. Therefore, I am disputing that if my vehicle was assumed parked at the accused location – the traffic agent would have had scanned my Registration/Inspection sticker and would not had the wrong (Body Type) and Expiration date omitted. Attached is a copy of my registration. 
 
Lastly, I noticed the signature of the Complainant was vague (illegible). 
 
 
 
I hereby – respectfully plea to “Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 238”, and in conjunction with any other Vehicle & Traffic Laws (VTLs) that would apply to my defenses. 
 
§ 238. Notice of violation. ...  
 
2. A notice of violation shall be served ... together with the plate ... body type of said vehicle...  
 
2-(b) If any information which is required to be inserted on a notice of violation is omitted from the notice of violation, misdescribed, or illegible, the violation shall be dismissed upon application of the person charged with the violation. 
 
3. If you are an out-of-state vehicle, and the month and year of your registration expiration date is clearly displayed on the plate(s), a warrior must insert the month and year of expiration, NOT N/S or N/A, or your parking ticket will be dismissed upon application 
 
 
 
I respectfully request that this ticket to be fully dismissed, including and/or any further penalties applied. 
 
 
 
Respectfully, 
 
 
 
Your Name 
 

Timothy, 
 
I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. We all appreciate you sharing your knowledge and hard work to benefit community. 
 
Please come back soon. 
Good luck.

Larry, 
 
It's has been a honor to communicated with you and I stumbled upon your Blog. Your insights and tips have taught me many things. Such as - FIGHT to the end if you are right. 
 
I'll keep you posted on the outcome of this battle.  
 
It's good to know that there are some real law abiding citizens and show respect to the laws. Not that they're the law enforcers and can break the law at will or discretion. 
 
One last Q. - you've been saying, when the public fights against the T/As (warriors) - it's our words against their sworn statement (the summons). I had a thought about that - and viewed it as the credential level of the warrior that he/she sworn when became a T/A. Let's say...if I ever come to dispute this in High Court. Am I allowed to use my US Gov't issued security clearance (TS) as my credential? The level of security clearance that I had is probably higher than the Mayor and Governor can have. 
 

Timothy, 
 
Thanks so much for your vote of confidence. I am touched by your kind words. 
 
When your parking ticket case is assigned to a judge who wants to do the right thing, the 2 C's go hand and hand; credibility and common sense. For example, one warrior made two separate comments on a parking ticket he issued for double parking. One was "driver not in car." The second one was "drove off." Warrior speak for phony baloney. The parking ticket was dismissed. 
 
Good luck in your quest. I'm sure the best man will win. 
Please keep us posted.

my ticket for an expired meter in late July was just adjudicated in my favor. Amazing! I's sent in pics of my handicapped badge but meanwhile my charge had gone up from $65 to $75. Today they wrote to say that I owed them 0. Thanks to this group for support while waiting.

Iriznu, 
 
What a great way to start the weekend. Congratulations. You fought the good fight and won.  
 
Thanks so much for sharing your hard earned victory with the community. It is our pleasure to help. 
 
 

Larry, as a follow up to our conversation today re the T intersection (to fill others in, I got a ticket for parking at a legal spot on a T intersection). 
 
I was just looking at the ticket more carefully, and I see that it wasn't a DOT meter maid! It was an NYPD ticket from my precinct, going to go back to it tomorrow and be respectfully annoyed.

Sean, 
 
Amazing...Protect, serve and issue illegal parking tickets. 
 
Let us know how you make out at the Precinct.

I got a parking ticket last night near Mt Sinai Hospital which, I believe 2 errors: 
1 - it says my Honda Odyssey is Body Type 'SUBN' which it is not (a Suburban, it's a mini-van or a 'van')and it says in comments 'anytime unattended no permit'. There is no sign to that effect. It also shows I was 45 feet from Park Avenue, which is in a perfectly legal parking zone. Can I plea not guilty and win?

Rich, 
 
Good evening. You are a winner, if your vehicle is registered in NY. Body type must match your registration. If your registration says "van" and the ticket says "SUBN" you win. 
 
Plus, the place of occurrence must be exactly correct. If not, you win, again.  
 
Please be sure to present the proper proof, properly. 
 
Can't wait to hear about the dismissal.  
 
Good luck

I was looking on your site for more information about hydrants. If the hydrant is grey and has no caps, is it out of service and can I park near it? Thanks for all the helpful info on your site I just moved to nyc and cant afford these $45 tickets every other day!!!

I was looking on your site for more information about hydrants. If the hydrant is grey and has no caps, is it out of service and can I park near it? Thanks for all the helpful info on your site I just moved to nyc and cant afford these $45 tickets every other day!!!

Katelyn, 
 
Thanks for stopping by. A pump is a pump, whether it works or not. So, if you're talking about a fire hydrant, that is dilapidated, or no longer able to deliver a stream of water, it is still a fire hydrant. The fire hydrant rule applies. 
 
Pump tickets are $115. I'm not sure what you're referring to as a $45 ticket. Can you provide me with some more details, or a copy of your ticket? I'm happy to offer my humble opinion.

Hi, 
 
First of all thank you for your time and dedication to this very informative website. 
 
After reading several posts, I learned that I should call 311 to report the meter as "fast." Upon doing so, when I gave the operator the location, she said that it was out of range. The ticket lists the place of occurrence as opposite 529 14th street, but this address is several blocks away and not were I was parked. When I googled the address it is located about 4 blocks away. 
 
My questions are, is there a way to locate the physical address of the meter, to show that the place of occurrence is different than the meter location? How can I prove that the place of occurrence listed is not where the violation was issued? 
 
Thanks again, 
 
Stacey

Hi, 
 
First of all thank you for your time and dedication to this very informative website. 
 
After reading several posts, I learned that I should call 311 to report the meter as "fast." Upon doing so, when I gave the operator the location, she said that it was out of range. The ticket lists the place of occurrence as opposite 529 14th street, but this address is several blocks away and not were I was parked. When I googled the address it is located about 4 blocks away. 
 
My questions are, is there a way to locate the physical address of the meter, to show that the place of occurrence is different than the meter location? How can I prove that the place of occurrence listed is not where the violation was issued? 
 
Thanks again, 
 
Stacey

Stacey,  
 
You are very welcome. Your kind words are sincerely appreciated, as is your terrific inquiry.  
 
Several ways to present the proper proof, properly come to mind.  
1. You may consider making a FOIL request to the DOT to secure a record matching the meter number with the meter's actual location  
2. How about taking some photographs of the parking meter located at the wrong address entered on your parking ticket, showing the parking meter number and the location. You will establish the place of occurrence is incorrect because the meter number entered on the parking ticket does NOT match the place of occurrence entered on your parking ticket.  
 
You may wish to check Google Maps with Street View to help present your defense, along with your up-to-date photographs. If you need help, please feel free to call me.  

Stacey, 
Clients of ours who have submitted FOIL requests have received the information requested. So my old arthritic fingers are crossed you will too. 
 
I suggest taking overlapping photographs, from large area to small, showing the meter in photo's with landmarks to identify it's location (especially businesses you can look up and provide a verifiable street address) with the last photo being a real, real good close up of the meter number. You may wish to supplement your photos with a Google Map with street view screen capture. 
 
Let us know how you do. 
Beat that ticket!

Larry, thanks for your tips & tricks and for your website overall. I have learned a lot of the dos and dont's of NYC parking. 
 
My issue is, I received a parking ticket for parking at a hydrant. My defense is that i truly did not see the pump, it was late at night and since there was garbage pickup the next day the pump was fully obscured with bags of garbage (from an apartment building no less) I had no idea that i was blocking a hydrant at that time, only in the morning when i took out my car did i realize the hydrant. 
How the traffic agent did see the pump is still beyond me. Trust me it was WELL hidden. 
 
Do i have a case to fight this ticket? and if so what would be my best approach? 
 
Thanks again for you help. 
 
Mikklos

Miklos, 
 
Thanks so much for your very kind words. I'm glad you find the information helpful. 
 
Generally, parking ticket judges will not accept "The invisible hydrant defense." I've written a blog post on a case where a member of the driving public was found guilty despite a construction company literally covering the pump with a large orange can. 
 
The only time I am aware of a change in this policy was during our last, huge snow storm when all the pumps were covered with mounds of snow. Bloomberg interceded on our behalf and the invisible fire hydrant tickets were dismissed. 
 
With that said, you have nothing to lose by fighting your ticket. Tough road to hoe. Did you park in your neighborhood when the ticket was issued? If so, why weren't you aware there was a pump there.  
 
If it was an unusual place for you to park, it works in your favor. 
 
Good luck. 
Let us know how you decide to proceed.

I received a $115 parking ticket for code 19 "No Standing Bus Stop (c)(3)". I learned from reading your interesting web site that the lack of visible yellow curb markings is a losing argument. I was 75 feet from the bus stop sign but did not realize the alternate side parking sign marked the end of the bus stop zone. However, the plate # is listed on the ticket as "ArB...."--1st and 3rd were capital letters and the second letter was lower case. I checked the ticket number on-line and it appears as "ATB..."--the lower case "r" was recorded as a capital T. So there is no ticket listed under my plate number!! Should I ignore the ticket. 
 
As an aside, the Body Type is left blank. The make was correctly listed as a jeep. 
 
 
 
Thanks.

Jim, 
Great to have you join the conversation with an excellent questions. I don't think your special warrior could've passed a blood alcohol test that day. 
 
I can't tell you to ignore a parking ticket. What I can say is the DOF tracks parking tickets based upon license numbers. Did you check the image and summary on line? 
 
The Body Type cannot be left blank. You win upon application. If you choose to contest your ticket, submit a copy of your vehicle registration along with your Defense Letter stating the the box was left blank by the TEA. 
 
Let us know how you or if you decide to proceed. 
Good luck.

Judge didn't want to dismiss the ticket "but what if a handicap. Person or someone with a stroller wanted to cross there?" But had no choice in the end

Sean, 
 
You made my day! Congratulations. Maybe a handicap person, or a lady with a stroller would like to cross in front of a rattle snake. How 'bout feeding a grizzly bear; or some other foolhardy behavior. 
 
The President of one of the major persons with disabilities advocate groups spoke with Fox 5 News condemning these mid block pedestrian ramps to nowhere. 
 
Nicely done, Sean. 

I was issued a ticket (and was given a yellow copy and a white copy) for cell phone use. However, I didn't have a cell phone on me. The officer insisted he saw what he saw and caught an attitude. How do I fight this? And why did I get two copies of the ticket? The white one sounds ominous by stating that a plea of guilty is equivalent to a conviction after trial. Please help!

This is a letter I have so far drafted, please let me know what you think: 
 
 
 
I hereby plead NOT GUILTY and dispute Summons No. xxxxxxx (both yellow and white copies of the ticket). 
 
 
 
Today I got pulled over. Officer xxx approached my window after pulling me over. I asked him how come I was being pulled over. He ignored my question and asked for my license and registration. I retrieved my license from my handbag, and my registration and insurance card from the glove compartment.  
 
 
 
I asked again why I was being pulled over. The officer replied, “I’ll tell you later.” Then, seeing my insurance card in hand, he added, as an afterthought, that he needed my insurance card as well.  
 
 
 
I gave him the documentation and asked a third time why I was being pulled over. He finally replied that he saw me using a cell phone. I told him I was not using a cell phone. My cell phone was in my handbag, and I was not using it.  
 
 
 
He said, “I saw what I saw.”  
 
 
 
But since I was not using a cell phone, I told him this again. 
 
 
 
He said the phone was in my left hand and I was holding it up against my left ear. I could see how he might have thought I was holding a phone instead of resting my head against my hand, which I was doing.  
 
 
 
At this point, the officer became irate and told me I can argue with the judge, not with him. He walked away with Officer Sanchez, returned to their vehicle to write up the ticket. 
 
 
 
Late last month (Sept), I received a ticket for cell phone use (first time) for which I have a hearing in December in front of a judge. I did use a cell phone then but only for a brief moment; my Bluetooth headset was charging at the time. I have been super careful both prior to this and especially since this incident. I have consistently been a careful driver.  
 
 
 
That is why, when Officers xxx and xxx pulled me over today, I was incredulous, because I had done nothing for them to justify pulling me over. I was equally shaken by Officer xxx’s brazen mannerism and for not promptly telling me why he pulled me over.  
 
 
 
I respectfully request that this ticket be fully dismissed, including any further penalties applied. Thank you for your time and consideration. 
 

Wow! First off, I am so glad I found this site and am surprised I didn't find it months ago when I was debating what to do about my two tickets. I tried finding my exact scenario here, but couldn't, particularly for the second ticket. Essentially, I am from PA and I got two parking tickets, one of which for street cleaning and the other for expired meter. My dad, even though I told him his logic is false, told me if I already have one ticket they won't give me another, which they did. lol 
 
For the street cleaning ticket, my registration is documented incorrectly on the ticket and I disputed the ticket(5/11 vs. 6/11). And the other one I disputed stating that I was standing and not parked in the parking spot. I have already received letters asking to either pay a reduced fine, or have a judge review it, which will result in a dismissal of the summons, or me having to pay the full fine.  
 
So, I can pay the reduced expired meter ticket, since I have a poor excuse; but, is the incorrect registration date considered a defect? 
 
I have included both the letters I have sent in below. Please advise on both scenarios whether I should pay reduced or not respond and see what the judge says! Thank you very much! 
 
And anyone can feel free to copy my template as I copied it off somewhere else. 
 
Street Cleaning: wrong registration date 
 
first last  
address 
Morrisville, PA 19067 
phone number 
 
New York City Department of Finance 
Hearing By Mail Unit 
Post Office Box 29021 
Brooklyn, New York 11202-9021 
 
Dear Sir or Madam, 
 
Parking Violation Number: ##########-0 
Date of Issue: 08/28/2010 
Vehicle Registration Number: ######### 
 
I am writing to challenge the above-mentioned Penalty Charge Notice. Violation Code 21 states “Street Cleaning: No parking where parking is not allowed by sign, street marking or traffic control device.” As per the parking violation, my challenge is on the grounds that the ticket is defective which is reason number one on the back of the ticket, which reads “Ticket is defective.” According to the ticket, my registration expires 6/11; whereas, in reality the expiration date for my registration is 5/11.  
 
Please find enclosed the evidence with regard to the expiration of my vehicle’s registration. Enclosed is both a picture of my license plate, which shows the date of expiration for my registration and a copy of my registration. Both documents prove my registration expires on 5/11 and not 6/11. 
 
I hope I have been able to present my case successfully and I look forward to receiving a notification that the Parking Violation made in my favor has been cancelled in the next few weeks. 
 
Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me at the above-mentioned address.  
 
 
Yours sincerely, 
first last 
 
expired meter: 
 
 
first last  
address 
Morrisville, PA 19067 
phone number 
 
New York City Department of Finance 
Hearing By Mail Unit 
Post Office Box 29021 
Brooklyn, New York 11202-9021 
 
Dear Sir or Madam, 
 
Parking Violation Number: ###########-2 
Date of Issue: 08/28/2010 
Vehicle Registration Number: ######## 
 
As per the parking violation, or Violation Code 69 states “Failing to show a muni-meter receipt, commercial meter zone.” My challenge is on the grounds that at the time the above Parking Violation was issued, I was unloading my vehicle, which was standing at a muni-meter zone and not parked. The parking violation receipt states “Failure to Dsply Muni Rec (h) (10) DAYS/HRS: Except Su/8A-7P.” However, the vehicle must have been parked in order to have a receipt displayed. 
 
My vehicle was not parked at the location, rather standing at the metered zone unloading the contents of my vehicle. This would ultimately be a better position to stand, rather than having my vehicle stand next to a parked vehicle and as a result would have been considered “double-parked.” However, I was unloading, which is perfectly legal in New York City according to the below guidelines I followed for a No Parking Sign: 
 
1. Can I stop to drop off or pick up passengers? Yes 
2. Can I stop to load or unload a package, or merchandise? Yes 
 
New York City Traffic Rules state that one sign per block is sufficient. Please check the entire block and read all signs carefully before you park. 
If there is more than one sign posted for the same area, the more restrictive one is the one in effect. If a sign is missing on a block, the remaining posted regulations are the ones that are in effect.  
 
I hope I have been able to present my case successfully and I look forward to receiving a  
notification that the Parking Violation made in my favor has been cancelled in the next few weeks. 
 
Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me at the above-mentioned address.  
 
 
Yours sincerely, 
 

Regarding my two posts today re: being pulled over for using my cell phone which I wasn't, a friend recommended I print out the call log from my cell phone carrier's website and present it as evidence that I wasn't using my phone. Duh! Why didn't I think of that?

Stefanie, 
 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website. I'm sorry to report we do not handle traffic violations. If you need help fighting a cell phone violation, I suggest you call Matt Weiss, Esq. He's a NY attorney who has dedicated his practice to fighting traffic violations. 
 
You'll find Matt's contact info by clicking on the "Traffic Ticket" tab in the navigation bar of our website. 
 
Don't worry about the "ominous" form language that always appears. It simply means pleading guilty has the same legal significance as a finding of guilty after a trial. Guilty is Guilty, in other words. 
 
It is always a very good idea to back up your word with documentary proof. Your word v. the Cops word...You lose! In God we trust, but show me the data. 
 
Good luck.

Bil, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and share your work product and parking experience with us. 
 
You and your first letter contesting the street cleaning violation on the basis of misdescribed registration expiration date are winners! Nicely done. I suggest you continue your quest, and ignore the offer of a fine reduction. 
 
Your second letter presents some interesting issues. This is a great example of forms without context to understand the interplay of all of these different rules... 
 
You are correct in your statement of the rule, i.e. you are permitted to unload your personal property to the curb in a NO PARKING ZONE. But, in a "MUNI-METER NO PARKING ZONE, you will always get a parking ticket if you unload before you "rent the space."  
 
If this was an un muni-metered NO PARKING ZONE, you'd win. Here's the rule you're up against... 
34 RCNY 4-08(i)(3) Muni-Meters...1. No person shall, in any parking space controlled by a Muni-Meter park a vehicle without first purchasing the amount of parking time desired from such machine. 
2. No person shall, in any parking space controlled by a "Muni-Meter," park a vehicle without displaying a payment receipt in the windshield... 
 
I understand your excellent, logical argument, which is, you're not parked when you're unloading property to the curb. I'm afraid when it comes down to logic vs. raising revenue, raising revenue wins. 
FYI, NO PARKING, NO STANDING, and NO STOPPING mean the same thing under NYC parking rules...halting a vehicle. The difference lies in the permitted activity in the parking zone where you halt your vehicle. For example, in a NO PARKING zone, you are permitted to drop off or pick up people and/or property curbside. In a NO STANDING zone, you are only permitted to drop off or pick up people curbside. 
 
Some interesting twists would be: 
1. Was your vehicle a commercial vehicle? 
2. Did you intend to stop, unload your property, and immediately drive away?  
3. Or did you intend to pay the toll after unloading? 
4. After being issued the ticket, did you pay the toll and get a MUNI-METER receipt? 
 
On your second ticket, you may wish to accept the fine reduction, and live to fight another day. 
 
Let me know what you decide to do. 
Great question! 
Good luck. 
 
 

What does "Angle Parking (m) (2) mean? I was parked at an angle but when returned to my car found a ticket for this offense. Plus I had an ONST Pass on the window. What can I do?

W.N. 
 
Thanks for visiting our website and posting a great question. Angle parking is when you park your vehicle perpendicular to the curb, rather than parallel to the curb. Angle parking is otherwise know as "head-on" or "back-in" parking. 
 
Was there a parking sign requiring "Angle parking" or prohibiting "Angle parking?"

Hi-great discussion in the comments here! I received a parking ticket for "No Parking / SCR (d)(1)". I had parked during street cleaning, 7:30am to 8:00am except Sundays. 
 
The body type says sedan, but I have a 2dr convertible. There is no listing for coupe or convertible. From reading over the other comments, I think this is grounds for dismissal. Am I correct? What are the odds of it getting dismissed, even if I am correct. Should I bring in a printout of pvo_itslaw_00.pdf or is that out of date? 
 
Thanks!

Nick, 
Thanks for visiting our website and posing a very interesting question. I have a couple of questions... 
 
1. Is your vehicle registered in NY? 
2. What is "pvo_itslaw_00? 
 
Looking forward to your reply.

I recently got a ticket for double parking on a residential street - I was bringing some items into the house. 
 
The traffic agent mistaken the IL plate for an MA plate, and this is noted on the ticket. I was stumped for a little when I couldn't locate the ticket online with the plate number & state. 
 
I know this means that I can have the ticket dismissed. But do I even have to respond to the ticket? 
 
If I have to respond to the ticket, what information do I need mail in? 
 
TIA

Hi--Thanks for your response to my question. There is a provision for "other" body type on the ticket (where I believe "conv" should be written). 
 
My vehicle is registered in michigan, so my car does not have the ny registration sticker on the windsheild.  
 
Nevertheless, it is a 2-door convertible and the body type listed on the ticket is incorrect.

Louis, 
I apologize for the delay in responding to your excellent question. I missed it. 
 
I would submit a copy of your vehicle registration with two photographs showing: 
1. Your vehicle with the license plate attached; and 
2. A close up of your plate showing the mistake 
Send your Defense Package by certified mail, return receipt requested. 
 
At this point in time, parking tickets are tracked by plate number. I'm not sure how in the world NYC DOF would connect your plate with the plate from a "different" State. 
 
Either way, you are a winner. If you don't fight your ticket, however, there will be some poor soul in MA in the cross hairs of the NYC DOF for no good reason. Not a pretty sight. 
 
Good luck.

Thanks for the advice Larry. 
 
Keep up the good work.

You are very welcome, Louis!

Nick, 
 
Thanks for the "heads-up" on the brochure. I'm going to read it for understandability and completeness. If it passes the test, I'm going to make it available to our visitors.  
 
You are a Prince, Nick G.

Hi, 
 
 
 
I got a ticket in NYC because my front license plate was on the dashboard, however my car is registered in NJ, they still can give me a ticket even I'm out of state ? Should be this enforced ny the NJ police and not the NYC traffic agents ? 
 
 
 
Thanks 
 
Tim

Tim, 
Always great to hear from a Jersey guy. The rule provides that out-of-state registered vehicles are required to display one plate on the rear of the vehicle. 
 
You are a winner!  
You may wish to fight your parking ticket by mail. Make sure you tell you story in a sworn Affidavit, with photographs (attest the photos represent the appearance of your car and plates on the date of your ticket). 
 
This defense pertains to 4-08 (j)(2). Please advise me of your ticket number so I can check on line. I want to be sure you were charged with the corresponding violation. The defense must match the parking crime. 
 
Looking forward to your reply. 
Good luck.

Larry, 
 
 
 
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions greatly appreciated.. The ticket number is 714109377-1.. 
 
 
 
Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.. 
 
 
 
Tim

Tim, 
Can you re-check your parking ticket number. I can't seem to find it on the DOF website. 
 
Thanks.

Awesome site!! They listed my car as a SUBN and my car is a 4DSD per the reggie. They gave me a parking ticket while I was waiting for a spot for no parking when I was clearly standing (In car while running) and they didn't put my name on the ticket (I was in the car) I am assuming the only thing I can hang my hat on is the Veh type since there is no real proof of all the other items. And its a shame that the missing VIN number dosn't count.

Larry, 
 
 
 
Sry for the late response, it seemed that it took sometime for the ticket to be entered in the system, i guess with the holidays, its there now I just checked.. 
 
 
 
Thanks again 
 
Tim

Tim, 
I checked your parking ticket on-line. 4-08(j)(2)is the rule to cite. It states in relevant part, "...plates from other states shall be deemed properly displayed if at least one plate is fastened on the rear of the vehicle." 
 
Let us know the outcome. 
Good luck.

Ken, 
Thanks for visiting our website and sharing your parking ticket experience. You hit the defect right on the head. Please be sure to include a copy of your reggie when you fight your parking ticket! 
 
Good luck!

Hey Aiesha, 
Thanks for joining the conversation. The regulation I referred to with Tim, is a NYC parking rule. It is not a Statewide Rule. 
 
I suggest you call or visit the City of Yonkers Parking Violations Bureau, 
87 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701 
(914) 377-6600 
Monday thru Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30 PM and pose your question. 
 
I called this telephone number, and the menu only provides information and extensions for payment of tickets, directions, etc. I think it is best to either call a Yonker's attorney or go to the PVB in person. 
 
Good luck, and let me know how you do. 
 
 

Well, I lost my appeal--I wanted to argue that my miata wasn't a sedan. They said that a reasonable body type description is sufficient, since I have out-of-state plates. Woe. 
 
The respondent has been charged with violating Traffic Rule 4-08(d)(1) by parking a vehicle in violation of officially posted street cleaning rules as defined in Traffic Rule 408(a)(7)(iii). Respondent's claim that the summons is defective due misdescibed body type is not persuasive to warrant a dismissal. A "reasonable" body type description is sufficient for "out of state" vehicles. Summons is sustained.

Nick, 
I'm sorry for the loss! 
You fought the good fight. Unfortunately, you got caught by the "catch all"...reasonably accurate description. The judges obviously give the warriors wide latitude when it comes to describing the body type of an out-of-state vehicle. 
 
Thanks for sharing the outcome. It is a reminder of the manner in which the NYC parking ticket judges deal with out-of-state "body types." 
 

Hi Larry, 
I'm from New Jersey. I usually avoid to drive my car into the city because bad thing tends to happen to people's car there. And, I drove my car to Queens yesterday. I paid the muni parking and placed the receipt on the dash board, however, I didn't notice the receipt was upside down.  
 
I got a violation for "Failure to Dsply Muni Rec". However, the agent wrote NS on CD and N/A on Exp. Date.  
Are they require to write Exp. Date for NJ license plate? 
 
On the "Place of Occurrence", the agent wrote "Front of 135-20 40th Rd" Do they have to indicate the what town is it? Because it could be the 40th Rd else where. Or their jurisdiction is indicated under the "Command" column? 
 
My car was parked on the curb, there was no meter, so the meter # blank, as well as "Operational" and "Limit". May I ask what VC stand for on the parking ticket? 
 
Thank You.  
 
Sincerely Yours, 
Ethan

Good morning, Ethan from New Jersey. I feel badly about your rude treatment at the hands of a parking ticket warrior. 
 
Some thoughts: 
1. VC stands for violation code. There are approximately 90 codes in action, one for each violation. For example, failure to display muni-meter receipt is VC 38.  
 
There should also be a reference to the Rules of the City of NY. You should find on your parking ticket, 4-08(i)(3)(ii), which is the rule requiring the display of muni-meter receipts. 
 
2. We've had a great deal of success fighting this violation. You may wish to plead, NOT GUILTY, and: 
A. Send a letter to the judge stating you paid for the time, placed your receipt on the dashboard of your car. You intended to place it face up, and thought you did; but may have been mistaken. 
 
Attach a copy of the MM receipt and a copy of your registration. Send your Defense Package by certified mail, return receipt requested to the address on the back of the ticket. 
 
I'd also throw in failure to insert meter number, operational and time limit. You'd win if it were a mechanical meter because the warrior must enter that information. I'm not sure about the muni meters, but it can't hurt to include it. 
 
Be respectful and to the point. No extra baggage. You'll be charged.  
 
On a scanned ticket, the county indicates the borough where you were parked.

Hi Larry, 
 
Today I received a ticket for metered parking. I believe the meter is running fast as I believed I still had a few minutes left at the time I received the ticket and plan to plead this defense. However, I also noticed the vin # on the ticket is missing the last digit. Can the ticket be dismissed as defective solely on the wrong vin # as a defect. If not, what are my chances on the fast meter defense. 
 
Thanks, 
Michael 

Hi Michael, 
Good evening. VIN number is not a required element. It's not a "get out of jail free" card. 
 
Did you report the "fast meter?" (311) If not, and no one else did, you'll lose. Hopefully you or someone else reported the meter. If it's reported, and verified you'll win. 
 
Good luck.

I got a ticket and 'Body Type' was left blank. I have NJ plates. What are the chances of getting it dismissed?

Reuven, 
Good morning. You are a winner! A parking ticket warrior has two (2) choices: 
 
1. If a vehicle is registered in NY, she must enter the body type that appears on the registration 
2. If a vehicle is registered out-of-state, he must enter a reasonably accurate description. 
 
Leaving the tiny little box empty is NOT an option! When you're right--FIGHT! When you send your defense letter by CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN, RECEIPT, REQUESTED to the address on the back of the parking ticket, please enclose a copy of your vehicle registration. 
 
Congratulations, Reuven. This is a great omen for a prosperous 2011.

I am parked in NYc at 220 sullivan street. alternate side rules are suspended tomorrow and my sign says no parking Monday 11-2:30  
 
But it is also a No parking m-friday 8am-6. When I called to ask 311 about what to do they said alt side is suspended but not metered parking. and that it is ok if not a 24/7 rule like no standing any time etc. but is it ok to park on the side they would sweep if parking sweeping alt side is supended but it is usually a no parking ll the business day spot. They coudl nto answer me.

Theresa, 
Good morning. Please stay safe. 
ASP Rules are suspended today (12-27)due to snow. You can park on the restricted side of the street, as long as your parking space is a legal space. 
 
In other words, you still have to obey ALL parking signs, and feed the meters today. So, you cannot park in a space where parking is prohibited between 8A-6P until 6:01P. 
 
Good luck.

I got a ticket for No Parking in Brooklyn. I had $200 in an outstanding fine in judgement. I thought I was under the radar. I was wrong. 
 
I'm focused on the way the complainant "signed" the ticket. I have successfully fought one ticket where the complainant initialed the ticket. The violation pointed out a failure to display the permit stub in the windshield (it was upside down on the dashboard). I'd like to focus on the way this person "signed" the complaint. 
 
S/he used a first initial with a last name of three letters. I'm heartened to hear the start of a case for a complete signature in this very blog entry. I'd like to fight this complaint arguing that a lack of a complete signature is not a signed document. 
 
The car has NJ plates and the complaint was generated with a device. The fact it got towed still weighs on my mind, because a judge will realize a Not Guilty verdict will mean a towing refund for me. 
 
Can I omit mentioning a tow fee in my defense letter, and just bring it up if/when I get my refund? 
 
I'd also love to get more thoughts on demanding a complete signature for a sworn document. 
 
Happy holidays! 
 
Vincent 

Vincent, 
Thanks for the holiday cheer. I am sorry to report that we have contested parking tickets due to the absence of a signature, initials, and illegible signatures. Here's what we found: 
 
1. A printed (scanned ticket) does NOT require a signature. So, the signature line can be left blank by the warrior 
 
2. A handwritten parking ticket does require a signature. 
 
The grey area is what counts as a signature on a handwritten ticket. Technically, a signature must be legible. However, my view of legible, and the parking ticket judge's view of legible is very different. Judges consider almost anything that appears on the signature line as legible. 
 
I've also fought, with a ton of research, what constitutes a signature. I tried to persuade a Judge a signature (other than a "Mark" entered by an person who can't write his/her name) must be a full name. I lost my fight.  
 
If your parking ticket is a printed (scanned) ticket, you may wish to take the reduction. 
 
On the other hand, since you've got towing charges at stake, it may be worth it to give it a shot. You do not have to mention anything about the tow. If you win, all you have to do is complete a simple online form; and your tow charges will be refunded to you (really!). 
 
Great question. 
Let us know what you decide to do. 
Good luck!

Hi Larry, me again. I got a "ticket" (not quite a parking ticket, but given by a meter-maid) that I doubt I can beat, but figured I'd ask. 
 
I forgot about my inspection. In general, if I'd get a ticket for that, I'd go the same day to get it fixed (and I'm under the impression that this would help you get the ticket dismissed). In my case, since alternate side was suspended all of last week, I jus discovered the ticket today and got inspected quickly. 
 
It's a cheap ticket, but I'm wondering if there's anyway to fight it / get it dismissed as I got it inspected right away once I knew about (was even late to work, because the ticket was frozen to my windshield and had to weight 20+ minute for it to defrost enough to take the soggy mess off without destroying it) 
 
figure it's a long shot, but annoying that they'll give you an inspection ticket without doing anything else wrong. (and I also now know why all the cars had part of their windshield brushed off from the snow, they were looking at all cars for an easy score!)

Stacy, 
Hip, Hip, Horay!!  
Congratulations. Nicely done. 
Thanks for sharing your terrific news with us, Stacy. 
 

I received a ticket for disobeying a traffic device from Monday to Friday for a $130.00 but the traffic agent wrote down an incorrect registration date. Is it still valid?

Sandy, 
Good day. Sorry for the delay in responding. If you were issued a TRAFFIC TICKET, I'm sorry to say we only handle PARKING TICKETS. 
 
If a warrior enters the wrong registration date on a PARKING TICKET, you win upon application. 
Our great friend, Matt Weiss, Esquire has dedicated his law practice to fighting traffic tickets. I'm sure he'll be able to answer your question. 
 
You can obtain his contact information by clicking on the "Traffic Tickets" tab in the navigation bar of our website. 
 
Good luck.

Sean, 
Great to hear from you. Sorry about the delay in responding to your excellent question, but my old, tired eyes missed your comment. 
 
I am sorry to report to an old friend that inspecting your vehicle after a parking ticket is issued for expired inspection is not a defense. It is one of those parking ticket myths that has a life of its own; as it is passed down from generation to generation. 
 
If you are issued a ticket for a broken tail light, or mirror, you can fix it within 24 hours and submit proof of repair; and the ticket will be dismissed. 
 
Apply for a fine reduction on this one and live to fight the good fight another day. 
 
Don't be a stranger. 
Happy NY!

No problem, figured that what it was. Annoyed at myself mostly (what can I say, first year owning a car of my own so never had to schedule these before). Lesson learned, not so expensive lesson.

Sean, 
Great attitude. Kind of Obi-Wan Kenobiesk. 
 
Sean, most importantly, always check for accurate information. Once you have the knowledge, you'll know where the solution lies. 
 
Park safely.

Larry, 
 
Just to clarify, the ticket had two mistakes and when I checked the ticket's status online, I had to search under the wrong license plate # to find it, it wasn't being shown under my real license plate #

Murph, 
Good evening. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and share another example of the wacky world of NYC parking tickets. Did you dispute your parking ticket online? And, did you furnish a copy of your vehicle registration with your dispute? 
 
Looking forward to your reply. We'll get to the bottom of this.

Larry, 
 
I did dispute the ticket online but I did not provide a copy of the vehicle registration. I only said that the ticket reads "ME6411" when the license plate # is actually "MCE6311".

Murph, 
Good morning. 
I plead with our website friends to never, ever, dispute a parking ticket online because you cannot submit the proper proof to win. In G-D we trust, but show me the proof. 
 
I suggest you appeal, immediately, and send in a copy of your vehicle registration, which "officially" shows your plate number. Also submit two photographs of your car; one with the entire front, and the second showing a close-up of your plate. Indicate the photographs represents exactly how your car looked on the date your ticket was issue. 
 
Technically, the Appeal Panel is not supposed to consider any evidence you did not submit to the original judge; but many times they do. 
 
When you're right--FIGHT. But, to win, you must submit the proper proof, properly. 
 
Good luck. 
Let me know how the outcome. You should win on appeal. 
 

I received a parking summons on my Mercury Grand Marquis. The 'make' of the car stated on the summons is MG. I don't that is correct. Am I right? Is this grounds for dismissal?

I parked on the wrong side of the street just for 1 hr on a block that was all icy and no parking on other side of street. I got a code 61 subsection m1. 
 
 
 
The color of car is wrong, year and make is correct and license and registration info is correct. 
 
 
 
Is there any way I can fight this?

I forgot to mention immediately above the county wasn't completed but address and precinct name were listed.

Reuven, 
I think you have a legitimate complaint and defense. "MG" is a make of a vehicle unto itself. Please be sure to enclose a copy of your vehicle registration when you fight this parking ticket. 
 
Please let us know the outcome. 
Good luck.

During the week after the snow storm, I parked all week in a spot labeled "No Parking Mon-Fri 8a-6pm. Alternate Side Street Parking rules were suspended all week til Saturday, but I got a ticket on Friday, Jan 14,2011. Do "No Parking" rules also get suspended during a storm? If not, how did I get away with it for 3 days?

Andre, 
Good evening. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and join the conversation with some excellent questions. 
 
I am sorry to report, "No Parking, M-F 8A-6P" rules do not get suspended automatically when ASP Rules are suspended. The parking rule you refer to gets suspended on Sundays and NYC Major Legal Holidays. 
 
I'll answer your next question about getting away with it, the same way I answer my kids...You got lucky. Enjoy your good financial fortune.  
 
Good luck.

Hi Larry, 
 
First off, thanks a lot for the assistance you provide with this blog. As a cantankerous civil libertarian and policy wonk, I've enjoyed reading the success stories of people willing to fight their tickets when they're right! 
 
That said, I'm currently embroiled in parking ticket combat with the city of Albany, and am wondering if you might be able to provide some assistance, even though NYC is your locale. 
 
My vehicle is registered in Texas, and I'm challenging the citation on the state's VAT 238.2: the handwritten citation fails to identify the registration expiration correctly (08/11 vs. the correct 07/11), and it turns out the plate was entered downtown incorrectly (on the summons itself, it seems to pretty clearly read ****V3, but it was entered as ****43 into the computers). In addition, the location of violation is identified only by the nearest intersection, and it's essentially an ASP ticket, which seems like it should clearly be specified more explicitly. 
 
Anyway, I prepared a defense packet per the instructions on your blog (copy of citation + reggie copy + dismissal request, certified + receipt) and received only an acknowledgement from the city of Albany that I had pled not guilty, and setting a pre-trial hearing with corporation counsel for 03/23/2011. I'm trying to get a feel for how that corresponds to the process in NYC that I've been reading here. It seems like NYC allows for carrying out the whole hearing by mail, whereas here in Albany, I'll need to appear in person to present my proof.  
 
I'm confident that I should win this thing, but I do want to be sure of where I am in the process from a legal standpoint, i.e. whether the city has yet to consider my dismissal proof, or if they've rejected it without informing me of such.

Erik, 
Good morning. Thanks for your kind words. In NYC, you have the option of fighting your parking ticket by mail; but not in Albany.  
 
In NYC, you do have the option of appearing in-person. A parking ticket warrior is not permitted, nor is he subject to a subpoena, to appear at an in-person hearing.  
 
 
In general terms, a pre-trial hearing is a conference to set case schedules, an opportunity to frame the issues for trial, and most importantly, try to settle a case. Your parking ticket has technical defects under the VAT, and should be dismissed.  
 
I would double check to find out if Albany has any of its own quirky parking rules. Good luck. 
 
Please let us know how you do. Good luck. 
 

Please help, i got a misunderstanding parking violation ticket? 
 
i drove into this municipal public parking where you pay and got to display a small time-proof ticket on the dashboard. a traffic police was checking around the cars. He saw my car by the way, just coming in. i got out of it, walk to the pay parking meters. but they seemed not to be working when attempting paying with my CC tho. then like a minute after, the same police was ticketing on my car. i came up to him to see what's going on, he said that my time-proof ticket on my dashboard is face down unreadable, when in reality was an old ticket from two weeks ago that i forgot to dump. i mean, first he didn't even give me time to pay at the meter and all parking meters were not working properly.  
 
 
 
now i want to know if could fight this misunderstanding violation ticket, by showing that the ticket that was face down on the dashboard is defective/expired? i don't want to go in person but a hearing by mail! 
 

i got a parking ticket in front of my sister my truck broke down and its not movable can i fight that ticket ?

Lucy, 
Great question. You may wish to raise the "my vehicle was disabled" defense to your parking ticket. You are required to submit a tow receipt, and a repair receipt to support your defense.  
 
One of the key elements is how expeditiously you made arrangements to remove your disabled vehicle.  
 
Good luck.

Hello Larry, First off this is a great blog with so many interesting questions and answers. My question is does a parking ticket require a printed signature of the officer who gave the ticket? My ticket is barely readable and has I cannot read the signed signature of the officer. There was recently two officers indicted for writing fake tickets in Staten Island and by chance this could be one of them. Please advise

Alfred, 
Good afternoon. Thanks for taking your valuable time to join the conversation with some great info and news. 
 
A handwritten ticket requires a signature, which can be just about anything. The judges are very, extremely, ridiculously lenient about this requirement. 
 
A scanned ticket does not need a signature. 
 
Neither type of ticket needs a printed signature. 
 
I fought a parking ticket for illegible signature and lost. The warrior's mother couldn't identify the signature; but the judge didn't care. 
 
Good luck.

Hello, 
 
I received a parking ticket for code 19 - No Standing Bus Stop. I was more than 50 feet (8 car lengths, I took video & photos) from the actual bus stop (where the bus sign is and drops off riders). The the bus stop is just off the north end of the block while I was parked at the corner on the south end. It appears the entire block is the bus stop.  
 
Additionally, I was parked in front of address number 946 (948 is listed). Also, the model year listed on the ticket is incorrect. 
 
In your opinion, do I have any shot of dismissal If so, which of the above information should I present. 
 
Thank you.

Christopher, 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and share some parking ticket pain, with people that understand and care. 
 
In order to beat your bus stop ticket, you are required to demonstrate you parked outside the bus stop zone. In other words, a bus stop ends at the next parking sign in the direction of the arrow on the bus stop sign. Distance doesn't matter. A bus stop zone may extend the entire length of a block, if there is no "next" parking sign in the direction of the arrow. 
 
I'm sorry to report, model year is not a required element. The wrong year is not a get out of parking jail free card. 
 
Good luck. 

Love reading all the advice here! 
 
I'm fighting a ticket now. I'm still waiting for a decision, but the car has just experienced catastrophic failure. It's no longer driveable and the repair costs are now bumping up against its fair market value. 
 
Any thoughts on doing nothing if the car is junked and the ticket decision doesn't swing in my favor? 
 
Thanks for reading! 

Vincent, 
Thank you kindly for your kindness. Personally, I never like leaving a sleeping parking ticket lie. It will come back and bite you. 
 
Good luck.

I paid .75 to a Park Slope muni meter which should have given me an hour. Instead, the receipt showed only 20 minutes. The time of payment and amount were both on the receipt. I received a ticket at 26 minutes past the time of payment. Believing the receipt was proof that the meter was defective, I sent in a not-guilty plea. The hearing judge ruled that she was not "persuaded" that the meter was defective. I appealed, and 3 judges upheld the original decision. It seems to me that a defective receipt is proof of a defective meter. If that is not proof, what the heck is? Is there anything else I can do?

Dinah, 
I agree 100%. This is an absurd decision. I am sorry to say, the next level of appeal is to the NY Supreme Court, by filing an Article 78 Application.  
 
The challenge is the expense. To hire a lawyer will prove very expensive. You may wish to do it yourself, but it is not a simple journey. 
 
Technically, you are required to report a "broken meter" to 311. If you didn't, and it wasn't recorded as a broken meter on the computer, a judge will not have the appropriate record to find you not guilty. That may be what happened. 
 
Good luck. 

Parking signs are generally at a 45 degree angle to the street. Is that because there is some law governing visibility of parking signs? I received a parking ticket where the sign, which was parallel to the street, could only be seen by crossing the street. The visible sign on the block would have made my parking legal. Any suggestions?

Michael, 
Good morning. Very interesting observation. One of the defenses to a parking ticket is that a sign is not visible. In order to prove this defense, photographs demonstrating the "invisibility" must be on the money. 
 
You may wish to check out an example of this defense in action on our customer success stories web page. Here's the link. 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/customer-success-stories/ 
 
You specific situation may be difficult to prevail. Was your ticket issued at night? What was blocking a side view of the sign?  
 
Good luck.

Wow, this site is a goldmine of information. My situation probably isn't that uncommon, but I would love to hear your advice. I moved to the city about 6 months ago, so I'm new to the craziness of NY parking, though I'm getting more knowledgeable really fast! Last week I accidentally parked my car in a commercial zone. The block was marked, I just couldn’t see the sign near my car because of a large truck. I should've looked more carefully. I was not aware of the penalty for parking in a commercial zone, and I was shocked to come back 45 minutes later and find that my car had been towed, and then appalled to find it had also been ticketed, for a total bill of $300. 
 
First, it seems outrageous that they can hit me with both the ticket and the tow within such a short period of time. Is this really the way it works? 
 
My ticket does have a few errors on it, though from what I've read here these may not be enough to invalidate it. The color of my car is wrong (it says lavender, the car is silver), there is no VIN, and the signature is just initials. Also there is no (muni) meter #, though the address is entered correctly. 
 
Any hope for me? 
 
Thanks!

Gary, 
Good evening. I am very happy you find our website helpful. Thanks for the kind words. You raise some great questions: 
 
1. Color is not a required element 
2. VIN# is not a required element 
3. A scanned parking ticket does not require a signature from the warrior; however a handwritten ticket requires a signature. I've argued initials do not a signature make...I lost 
4. I trust you were charged with parking a non-commercial vehicle in a commercial vehicle zone. It was not a meter violation, such as expired or overtime parking. If my assumption is correct, the muni-meter number is not a required element. 
 
One of the challenges the driving public faces is inconsistent enforcement of parking regulations. On another day, your vehicle may not have been towed. It is a shame, but once you receive a parking ticket, you are exposed to a tow. 
 
You may wish to apply for a reduced fine, online. Good luck.

Larry, 
 
I am so happy I found this blog. Thank you for all your informative answers. I am hoping you could help me with my question. My husband received a code 9 parking ticket in the city. He states that there was more than enough room to cross the intersection when the light was green, but when he got to the other side, a car three cars ahead suddenly stopped with its flashers on (he thinks that maybe another traffic warrior pulled that car over), causing his car to be sticking out into the crosswalk thus leading to the ticket of obstructing traffic (though it was pedestrian and not vehicular). Based on what I read, lawfully he was able to cross the intersection as there was enough room for him to cross on the greeb. However, what can I do with this, as I have no concrete proof, just his word? 
 
In addition, I know you have stated multiple times that a missing name or VIN is not reason for dismissal, but I don't understand - the ticket states directly above the signature: "I affirm under penalty of perjury...if the operator was present, I wrote the name above or marked the "ID refused" and personally served this notice..." Now if my husband was handed the ticket, but the name is not filled out and neither is the ID refused oval checked, then the signature under this affirmation should technically cause the warrior to be penalized for perjury! So why can't the ticket be dismissed for these omissions?! 
 
I look forward to your response and explanation of this affirmation statement. 
 
Thanks so much.

Dalia, 
Good afternoon. Thank you very your kind words. They mean a lot to me. 
 
You are absolutely, ethically, morally and legally correct about the drivers name required to be inserted, if a driver is resent behind the wheel when a parking ticket is issued. The PVB ignores this law. Plain, simple and morally/legally reprehensible.  
 
Unfortunately, this issue has never been decided by an appeals court, which decision would bind the PVB. Or, there has not been a political attack on this bad behavior. 
 
Your husband acted properly, and did not violate VC 9. Since there is no fine reduction, you may wish to fight the parking ticket. You'll find how I've fought this ticket, and the proof I've supplied to beat a VC 9 violation. 
 
Although, there are no independent witnesses, be creative. You have nothing to lose but your valuable time.  
 
Let me know what you decide to do. Good luck. 
 

Dalia, 
 
You'll find a FREE Download to fighting a blocking the box parking ticket on our web page entitled, "Customer Success Stories." Here's a link to the web page  
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/customer-success-stories/ 
 
Witness Certifications from your passengers will be a big help. I would definitely raise the issue of no name, refused ID, especially since one or more of your witnesses should be able to verify the fact that your husband did not refuse to render his ID. 
 
I suggest you fight your parking ticket by mail. Never fight it online. I wouldn't recommend fighting this ticket in person. 
 
There is no reduced fine for a blocking the box parking ticket. You'll see how I used Google Maps with Street View to help the judge understand the lay of the land. 
 
If this is a little overwhelming for you, I would be happy to fight your husband's parking ticket. We would fight this ticket by mail, too. Please call me if you wish me to handle it. I can be reached at  
800) 249-5048. 
 
Your questions were excellent questions. I'm happy to answer them. 
 
Please let me know how you do. 
Good luck.

Larry, so I was wondering if you could point out to me where parking on a curb is defined in the law? I can't seem to find it anywhere. I got a ticket this morning for it, for parking on a curb that was basically parallel with the street (I'd admit to the fact that my rear tire was on what appears to be a curb, but the curb was literally just a centimeter or 2 over the street level, basically making it difficult to park near the curb without having the tire on it at all (especially in a tight space, can send you a picture of the curb if you are interested). 
 
Do I have shot at beating this? I haven't found any definition of a curb in nyc law.  
 
With that said, got another t intersection parking ticket that I know I'll beat again (and getting more and more pissed off about)

Sean, 
Great question. 
Here is some information that may be helpful to you, and a link to the full decision. 
 
"The issue herein is whether the curbstone is part of the sidewalk, which would make it the responsi­bility of the defendant. Although "sidewalk" is not defined in section 7-210 of the Administrative Code, section 7-201 (c)(1)(b) states that a sidewalk "shall include a boardwalk, underpass, pedestrian walk or path, step or stairway." No mention is made of a "curbstone." Moreover, Section 7-201 (c)(1)(a) of the Administrative Code provides, in pertinent part, that "[t]he term `street' shall include the curb­stone..." 
 
http://www.ecabstract.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83:curbstone-found-not-to-be-part-of-sidewalk-responsibility-of-city-not-abutting-landowner-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=78

Erik, 
 
You deserve a standing ovation for facing down a lawyer bully. The role of a prosecutor is to make sure justice is done. This person seems to have lost his way. 
 
You're doing great. You are in the right; especially since there are no home rule issues. 
 
Please feel free to give me a call at your convenience. I'm happy to share 35 years of court appearance experiences with you. 
 
Kudos, Erik.

Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
Received a parking ticket today right opposite to Museum of Natural History. Before parking checked the signs at the "No Standing bus stop" and there was no sign where it ended, I mean the ending pole marker. Parked after leaving one half bus length, sufficient enough for tour bus drop off ( as displayed on the sign ). I also noticed that 2 other cars behind mine also received similar tickets. My vehicle is NJ registered. 
 
 
 
Can I contest for incorrect sign on the street ? 
 
 
 
Thanks 
 
Vanchee 
 

Vanchee, 
 
Good morning. I am sorry to hear about your parking ticket pain. A bus stop zone ends at the end of the block, if there is no parking sign in the direction of the arrow on the bus stop sign. 
 
Here's a link to a blog post about those nasty bus stops. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/54020/A-Secret-about-How-to-Beat-a-NYC-Bus-Stop-Parking-Ticket 
 
You may wish to check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes. If a required element, such as make, expiration date, plate type, body type, place of occurrence, etc is omitted, misdescribed, or illegible, you win upon application. 
 
Otherwise, you may wish to apply online for a reduced fine. Here's a link.  
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/resource-links/ 
 
Good luck.

Danielle, 
 
Good morning. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post a great question. I apologize for misleading you about the "model" of your vehicle being a required element. The warrior only has to enter your correct make. There is no little box for model. My bad. 
 
I am sorry to report, the year and color of your NJ vehicle are not required elements. 
 
I'd like to mention one thing for our wonderful friends from New Jersey. The warriors have another safety net when it comes to describing out-of-state vehicles. The judges interpret the NYC parking rule to allow a "reasonably accurate" description of your vehicle be inserted in your parking ticket. Unfortunately, "reasonably accurate" is in the eye of the beholder judge. Not a bright line for all of us to follow. 
 
For example, body type is a one where judges allow horse shoe descriptions to be entered...By that I mean, close is good. 
 
Kudos to you for taking the time to learn about NYC parking tickets, and ask great questions before taking action.  
 
Thanks for your kind words. 
Good luck. 
 

Howdy You, 
 
 
 
I received a ticket while on vacation NYC for parking to close to a fire Hydrant in 2009. I got out the camera and measuring stick and took pics. Was gona fight it, then my kid said she would pay the ticket since it was her boyfriend who said I was good to park there. I was 16 feet away. Anyway, no matter how far I was away NOW huh, since my kid just found the ticket and never paid it. Grrr So my question is, what do I do NOW!!! 
 
 
 
Here is some info that is on or not on the ticket. it is very hard to read!No Vin #... 
 
Date Registration Expires - A line is drawn through the boxes... 
 
Plate is correct - But yet STILL does not show up on website, never did when I had the ticket... 
 
Body Type is SDN - Correct... 
 
PA Plate - Correct... 
 
Make Other- Pont.- Correct... 
 
Time 6:22pm... 
 
Date - Correct... 
 
Violation - 40 - Says 10 feet - I was 16 ft... And when I got my the ticket there was a car parked right in front of hydrant!... 
 
Place of Occurence seems correct but I can't read all of it... 
 
Issue Agency I can't read... 
 
CMD I can't read...  
 
and Tax reg # I can't read... 
 
Signature is there... 
 
Printed name is there but can't read it.

Theresa, 
 
Good afternoon. Thanks for stopping by our humble home. My son's favorite spot was under the couch. My old couch caused me a lot of pain. 
 
I am very sorry to report to a nice lady like you, once your parking ticket lapses into judgment (after 100 days), there is nothing you can do but pay it. The evil daughter/boyfriend defense doesn't work for parking violations in NYC. 
 
My son promised he would pay me back last weekend the $100 bucks he borrowed. I'm wondering if he sent you the money by mistake? 
 
Good luck.

Thanks for the reply and laugh. I go online and it doesn't show up. I use both license plate and violation #, still nothing. I even try to change the license plate to something else to see if maybe it was recorded wrong. But still nothing. Not sure what else to do other then just let it go or call and ask. I'm thinking let it go since the ticket # doesn't show up online. Hmmm

Theresa, 
 
Sounds like a plan. 
Good luck.

Hello. I parked in a muni meter zone. Bought my ticket and placed it upside down on the dash. Got a ticket of course, then filed out the application for appeal, sent in my good muni meter ticket showing that the timestamp is clearly good, yet the judge rejected my evidence, and now Ive even got a $10 penalty charge. What can I do at this point?

Dalia, 
What absolutely sensational news. A beautiful way to start my week. I am thrilled for you. 
 
Justice was served because you chose to fight when you were right...And did a terrific job presenting the proper proof, properly. 
 
You should be proud. We are! 
Thanks for sharing your success story.

John, 
Boy, I am really surprised at your result. You presented a winning defense with 99% of the judges.  
 
Your next step is to appeal this evil decision. You have 30 days from the date of the decision. You'll also need to fill out an application to appeal form. A link is available to the form on the resource link page of our website. 
 
If you'd like to email me your written defense, I'm happy to read and advise. 
 
Good luck.

My husband recieved a parking ticket, with no violation stated. He went to fight the ticket in person. The Judge gave him an 30 day adjourment in order to get a digital copy of the ticket. We tried for 27 days no copy was found on line. I even called and requested a copy, it could not be found. He went back in person and was told he would not be permitted to see a judge because a copy could not be found. I called 311 and they told me there was nothing they could do. They were not able to tell me what to do next,They could not even provide me with an address to write to. Now after over a month I checked and they have a copy, with a violation written in. Code 53. I had thought a ticket would be dismissed if information is missing. Does it have to be missing from all copies, or just one? He is not sure if he was aleast 30 feet away from the lines. He only remembers that there were cars parked up and down the whole block and his was the only one ticketed.

Lisa, 
Good morning. I feel your well deserved frustration. You really got the run-around. The "Violation Code" is not a required element, entitling you to a dismissal of your parking ticket.  
 
It is the reference to the proper section of Chapter 4-08 of the Rules for the City of NY that is required. For example, 4-08(k)(1). 
 
Was it a hand-written parking ticket? Those usually take longer to be entered on the DOF website. Once the image of a parking ticket is posted on the website, a judge can easily look it up on his/her computer. 
 
If the 4-08 reference or any other required element is missing, you win upon application.  
 
You have 30 days to appeal a bad decision. 
 
Good luck.

Marla, 
 
Good morning. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our humble home and join the conversation. There is not yet an official rule permitting the ASP driving public to avoid a parking ticket by sitting in their vehicles during street cleaning hours. The big but is we are working on it. 
 
You may wish to check out this link which will transport you to a blog post on the proposed changes to the ASP rule.  
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/50662/Stairway-to-NYC-Parking-Heaven 
 
February 7, 2011 was Black Monday for the driving public. A record of 9000+ parking tickets were issued to snow bound vehicles. Shameful.

Stacy, 
Good morning. Wow, quite a story. We've beaten the "sign on the scaffold, way up in the air" case. 
 
I'm happy to take a look at your photographs, and offer my humble opinion. Our email is nyparkingticket@optonline.net.

hi, i left my car on friday night at a spot that said no parking street cleaning tue, fri 8am to 1pm. i came back on sunday and there was a ticket for $115, no standing anytime. the sign was changed while my car was standing there, do i have a defense?

I own a business in new York and drive from new jersey where I live to drop stuff off for my store in the city. My car doesn't have commercial plates and park where it says no parking in order for me to unload supplies I bring in. I always argue with the brownies that I'm unloading and cannot give me a ticket. What laws protect me as a business owner making deliveries with non- commercial plates?

Leon, 
 
Good afternoon. 
You can beat this parking ticket. Here's a link to a blog post that will show you how to proceed. 
 
Good luck. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/42853/Have-you-Heard-about-the-Terrific-New-NYC-Parking-Law

Tristan, 
 
Good afternoon. Your vehicle must have commercial plates to take advantage of the loading/unloading exception to the general NO PARKING rule. 
 
You are permitted to stop temporarily (2 minutes or less) to load/unload packages to the curb with passenger plates in a NO PARKING ZONE. Can you have an employee meet you at the curb? 
 
Good luck.

Larry, I have an interesting (at least to me situation). 
 
As I mentioned above I got a ticket for parking on the sidewalk (rear wheel on curb). I was annoyed as there really wasn't any curb height there to distinguish from the street. However, I fought it in a bit different way (and lost, and lost on appeal). 
 
In looking at the pictures I took, I noticed my rear wheel was within the sidewalk block of a tree. In reading the law, I saw that there's a very specific definition of sidewalk. It's within a specific area and has to be an area meant for pedestrians within that area. 
 
My argument was that a tree's area takes that area out of the definition of sidewalk due to that area not being an area meant for pedestrians. 
 
The ALJ agreed with me initially that a tree is not a pedestrian area, but found me guilty for parking on sidewalk. I appealed and made the same argument, basically noting that the law requires 2 elements for something to have the legal definition of sidewalk and a tree eliminates the pedestrian element making that area not fit the definition. I lost again. 
 
Is it worth appealing with an article 78 or would it just be a waste of my time (and possibly money).

Sean, 
 
Good evening. I've had to "approve" comments because of a bucket full of foul spam. Sorry for the inconvenience. 
 
I applaud your thoughtful defense and tenacity. NYC DOF is not ready for a "thinker."  
 
I hate to say it, but it may be time to save some gas in your tank and live to fight another day. 
 
You are a winner here!

Ralph, 
 
Good morning. Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated! 
 
I've never used the "disabled vehicle" defense to fight an expired inspection parking ticket. Though, it might work depending upon the timeline. 
 
1. When did inspection sticker expire? 
2. When did car become disabled? 
3. What was wrong with car? 
4. When did you acquire necessary parts to fix the car? 
5. When were repairs completed? 
 
I'm happy to offer you my humble opinion about the viability of your proposed defense, upon receipt of the above information. 
 

Thank you for such a prompt response! 
 
The inspection had expired on 1/14/11, with the vehicle becoming disabled shortly before that, having stalling issues and eventually not starting at all, so the vehicle had been sitting there for some months, until the ticket was issued, and I had both the time off and funds to fix it. The problem involved needing new parts such as spark plugs, wires, throttle body cleaning, and necessary work on suspension, which was definitely visible to the officer from simply looking at the car (the rear was significantly slumped down, making the vehicle obviously appear lop-sided). 
 
The ticket was issued 4/19/11, with the car being repaired on 5/7/11. Needless to say, the ticket provided the necessary motivation for fixing the vehicle, moving it from low priority to top priority to get it off the street. It was not much of an issue before-hand as I had other methods of getting to/from work (I don't work a regular 9-5 job), so I realize that it was mostly negligence on my part. 
 
If it cannot be dismissed entirely, does such a ticket qualify for a reduced fine? 
Also, almost 4 weeks later now, the ticket is still not in the NY DOF system, neither by violation number nor license plate. 
 
Thank you so much!

Ralph, 
 
Are there any mistakes on the front of the parking ticket? If not, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine on this one...And live to fight another day. 
 
Good luck.

Unfortunately, no. I read through the previous comments above, and read what is required on the ticket, and all are appropriately filled. 
 
Thank you so much for your help!

Ralph, 
 
You are very welcome! 
I enjoyed our conversation.

Hey Larry, 
 
I received a ticket for parking close to a fire hydrant. The ticket has the address listed as 160 convent ave but i was parked in front of 162 morningside ave. Morningside ave turn into Convent ave a block from here however the address of 160 convent ave is like 15 blocks from where the vehicle was parked. How would i be able to prove that. 
 
Thanks

Frank, 
 
I apologize for the delay in responding to your excellent question. I missed it. 
 
If it is not too late, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine, online. You can find an on demand webinar about how to engage the process. It's really easy. 
 
Good luck.

Daniel, 
 
Good morning. Great question. You may wish to approach your defense from a different angle.  
 
Check out the address where the warrior incorrectly stated you parked too close to a fire hydrant. If there is no hydrant within 15 feet of the place of occurrence entered on the parking ticket; simply state you did not violate the rule. 
 
You'll need overlapping photographs of the block, and I suggest also using Google Maps with street view screen captures. 
 
Otherwise, there is really no way to prove you didn't park at the location entered in the parking ticket. 
 
Let me know what you find at the place of occurrence entered on your parking ticket. I'll bet there is no hydrant. 
 

Hello! 
 
I recently disputed a 'no parking for street cleaning' ticket because they did not have my vin #, meter #, or whether the meter was operational or not written on the ticket. And I was found guilty, do I have any chance if I appeal the decision? And if so on what ground? 
 
Thank you!

Hi Stefanie, 
 
Good afternoon on this beautiful start of the Memorial Day weekend. 
 
I am sorry to report that vin # is not a required element.  
 
Meter information is only required on parking tickets for a meter violation (such as expired meter). 
 
Better luck next time. 
Regards... 
 

Hello. I LOVE this website. I'm wondering if my ticket says my car is gray, but the registration states and actual color of the car is Tan can the ticket be dismissed?

Dear Dia, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our humble home and pose a great question. The "color" of your vehicle is not a required element. No get out of jail free card for this defect. Sorry... 
 
Any other mistakes?

Hi Larry, 
i read your earlier posts about my situation, but wanted to ask what is the best way to dispute this. I received a parking violation ticket on Friday last week for having my Muni Receipt face down in my car. I'm not sure what happened when I closed the car door, other than a wisp of wind flipped it over, but I'm sure I had placed it face up. In any event, I received a ticket, but the Muni Receipt clearly shows I had paid for parking during the time I was ticketed. What exactly do you suggest I say to make my claim for innocence and non-violation? Also, should I submit it on line or via mail? 
 
Thanks so much for your help with this. You're incredible with all your advice! 
 
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, 
Before you "trust me" to give you advice about how to fight this parking violation, you may wish to read these 3 blog articles. 
 
Do not fight your parking ticket online. I recommend fighting by Mail. Send your defense summary, along with a copy of your muni meter receipt to the address on the back of your parking ticket BY Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. 
 
Good luck. 
 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/62051/Larry-s-First-NYC-Parking-Ticket 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/62557/How-to-Fight-Your-NYC-Parking-Ticket-Online 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/63910/Larry-Loses-his-NYC-Parking-Ticket-Fight

If i have time left over on a Muni meter can I park at another location using the same recept. 
 
 
 
Thank you

John, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Great question. The answer is YES. But, you can't park in the new space for more than the limits displayed on the new parking sign. 
 
For example, if the limit is one hour on the new sign, and you have 1/2 hour left on your first MUNI-receipt, you can only park for one hour, but only have to pay for 1/2 hour on your second MUNI-receipt. 
 
Please be sure to clearly display both receipts on the driver's side dashboard. 
 
Good luck.

I got a scanned no standing ticket for Exp. Date it says N/S-Rain 
 
is this a defect on the ticket

Aron, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Great question. If it were me...I'd fight this parking ticket for omitted expiration date. Be sure to present a copy of your vehicle registration. 
 
NS-Rain...The warrior's got to be kidding. Will wonders ever cease?! 
 
Please let us know the outcome. Good luck.

Hi, the ticket I received says my license plate is xxx-0LE but my actual license plate is xxx-OLE. 
 
That is there is the letter "O" in  
 
my license and the ticket identified it as the number "0". 
 
Is it worth fighting the ticket with this defense?

Ken, 
Good evening. 
I'll ask you the same question. If it were me, I'd fight this parking ticket. The outcome will depend on the judge assigned to your case. 
 
Let me know what you decide to do. 
Good luck.

Valentino, 
 
Good evening. 
Great questions. 
On Sundays, you don't have to obey parking signs, UNLESS, days/hours are all days/all times, anytime, or prohibit Sunday parking. Beware of friends offering parking rule tips. 
 
The key here is the direction in which the arrows are pointing. One sign regulations the parking spaces in the direction of the arrow(s) until the next parking sign.  
 
Park safely. 
Good luck. 
 
[Thanks for your kind words...They mean a lot to me. Larry]

I received a ticket for double parking but on the ticket it list my car a 4DRSD my car is a 2DR, this has happened before and the ticket was dismissed this time they said "Respondent's claim is rejected this is not grounds for dismissal of the summons." can I appeal the decision or do I have to just pay the ticket

My parking violation says that I was parked in front of an address that was 20 feet away from me and the violation was Code 14 "No Standing" but the sign in front of that address said "No Standiding Except Auth. Vehicles" which is code 17 and a lower fine. Will this dismiss my parking violation if the wrong charge was checked off?

Dear Sho, 
 
Good morning. 
Great question. I am sorry to report, there is no "black letter" law I can give you. Some judges will and other judges won't dismiss a parking ticket for 2D vs. 4D.  
 
There is no specific mandate in the DOF rules that require the body type to be absolutely correct. 39-02(a) requires a "description of the vehicle," which must be reasonably accurate.  
 
Let us know what you decide to do. 
Good luck. 
 
I would appeal this ticket and include a photograph clearly showing your car is a 4D. You have nothing to lose except your valuable time. 
 
Let us know your decision.

Richelle, 
 
Good morning. 
When you're right-FIGHT! And, you are absolutely right. The challenge you face is presenting the proper proof, properly. 
 
You must persuade a judge that your car was parked in a space regulated by a different sign displaying a different rule. A warrior is required to enter the CORRECT rule on the parking ticket. 
 
Good luck fighting the good fight. 
Please let us know the outcome.

Hi. I received a parking ticket in nyc and the ticket says my car is green but it is clearly blue. I lost the ticket and just received a notice that it is in judgement. In not quite sure what that means being that this is my first parking ticket. Any help or advice is appreciated

John, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Once 100 days pass after the issuance of your parking ticket, a judgment will be entered against you. You risk your vehicle being towed by the NYPD, if you are issued a parking ticket. 
 
Color isn't a required element entitling you to a dismissal.  
 
I strongly suggest you pay the ticket ASAP. 
 
In the future, you can always locate your parking ticket on the DOF website. All you need is your plate number. Please don't let 100 days pass without either paying, reducing and paying, or fighting when you're right. 
 
Good luck.

I parked in commercial parking in mid-town and received a ticket. I accept my ticket for not being a commerical vehicle, but the officer also issued a ticket for not displaying my NY plates. Well thats true, I didn't...because I am from CT and h ave CT plates on my car. Is it illegal for someone from out of state to park in midtown?

Megan, 
 
Good morning.  
Until further notice, NYC is closed to members of the CT driving public (just kidding). 
 
When you're right-FIGHT. It seems like you're a winner on the failing to display plates ticket.  
 
Good luck. 

I parked on Sunday where it said "no standing b/t 7am-1pm, except sunday." I returned and found a ticket for parking in a "hotel loading/unlodaing" zone. Upon further investigation, I found the sign hidden behind scaffolding a tree limbs/leaves. Also, the "hotel" has been closed for business and boarded up for over 1 year. I have pics. Do I have a chance of beating this ticket in court?

Today I parked on 78th and Queens Blvd at 2:30pm. In my haste, I somehow missed the "No Standing from 3pm to 7pm" sign. When I came back, I discovered the NYPD towed my car at 6:30pm!!! now they want at least $185 for the towing and god only knows what for the ticket and any other fees. Did they do anything wrong? Do I have any rights here? Why wasn't a simple ticket sufficient? What if I had an emergency and needed by car? Anyway to fight or reduce the fees?

Andre, 
 
Good morning. 
I know the feeling of returning to your space, and not finding your car. I agree with you about the draconian parking ticket penalties, especially towing. 
 
You may wish to check the front of your parking ticket for mistakes. If a required element, such as plate type, body type, expiration date, etc is omitted, inaccurate, or illegible, you are a winner.  
 
The parking ticket will be dismissed, and your tow charges returned. 
 
If not, your ticket is eligible for a fine reduction. 
 
Really sorry about this terrible experience. 
 
Good luck.

My vehicle was towed and had 2 tickets on the windshield, both stated a violation of "No Standing Except Trucks loading/unloading" (lower east side, manhattan). The tickets were issued roughly 10 hours apart on the same day. The first ticket does not state the "Place of Occurence" (left blank). The second ticket is marked as a "Nissan" when my vehicle is a "Chevy" (all other pieces of information are correct on both tickets). Are both of these tickets disputable? If so, am I eligable for the tow fee reimbursement? And if so, how do you suggest i go about doing so?? Thanks!!

Randy, 
 
I am really sorry about the tickets and tow. 
 
Place of occurrence cannot be left blank. Your parking ticket should be dismissed upon application (by mail or in person. Don't fight it online). 
 
If your vehicle is registered in NY State, Nisson does not equal Chevy. Your ticket should be dismissed upon application. 
 
If your vehicle is registered out-of-state, the warrior must enter a "reasonable" description of your vehicle. Again, if I were the judge, a Nisson still does not equal a Chevy. 
 
You may wish to fight both parking tickets by mail. If you beat the second ticket, your tow fees will be refunded. 
 
Good luck.

I was trying to take the spot of a leaving car behind me when a guy comes in and moves into the spot front first while my car's rear was slightly angled. So I got out of my car to yell at this asshole and then my friend honks my horn and I see a traffic warrior writing me a ticket for double parking. I explain to him that the SUV took my spot and I'm trying to get it back, and he says since I'm not in the driver's seat I'm illegally double parked. From the warrior's point of view he said he did not know I was the driver since I was arguing with the SUV driver outside of his car through the window. The other driver felt bad so I had him write and sign a statement explaining what happened and so did my friend in the passenger seat. Do you think that is enough evidence to have them dismiss it? Oh and the ticket also says "engine off" when it was clearly on. What's the best way to go about this or should I hit the settlement option?

Ray, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to post a comment.  
 
I am sorry to say, once you leave your vehicle you are parking ticket toast. This a-h should pay your parking ticket.  
 
Before apply for a fine reduction, are there any mistakes on the front of the ticket?

I got four tickets. Two of them have the wrong driver ID number (texting/failing to yield) on them, two are correct (expired insurance/tinted windows). Can the two with the incorrect ID numbers be dismissed just for having the wrong ID number on it??

Fahad, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Thanks for visiting and posting a comment. I'm sorry to report, we don't handle traffic tickets, only parking tickets. 
 
Good luck.

Hi, I just got a ticket for parking in front of a school and the location is clearly misdescribed: the school and relevant signs are south of an intersection, but the summons says 50ft north of that intersection, which is actually in the middle of a bus stop. It's pretty much a slam dunk if you look at the DOT web site, which clearly lists the signage in that area. My question is whether a screen shot of the search output will convince a judge, or do I need to take a hundred pictures of the location? These guys can be pretty crazy! Thanks!

Steve, 
 
Hey. Hope T-day was a feast! 
 
Great question. The burden of proof is a real burden in your case. 
 
What about a screen shot of the output PLUS a screen shot of the results from the DOT "find a parking sign" tool? Here's a link to cut and paste into your browser: 
 
http://a841-dotvweb01.nyc.gov/ParkingRegs/ViewController/LocationValidation.aspx 
 
This will provide an official listing of all parking signs on any given street (between x and y cross-streets). 
 
Let me know what you think. 
 
Good luck.

Larry, 
 
The DOT "find a parking sign" tool was actually what I was referring to (is there something else too?). It's very clear. I was just worried whether it was "official" enough to fly with judges. 
 
T-day was great, having parked in front of a yeshiva thinking that the day after was not a school day (public schools are in fact closed). I even called the precinct and they assured me it wasn't a school day, and it was OK to park there, even if it was a private school. Lesson: don't rely on the desk sergeant to know what she's talking about!

Hi Larry,  
So I got a ticket on riverside for being too close to a hydrant. However, as I have previously read about something relevant on your blog, do I have a chance to beat it since my vehicle is out-of-state, and the cop forgot to record the expiration month and year of my plate? Thank you Larry

Steve, 
 
Oh man...Sorry about your Friday follies. 
 
There is nothing 100% certain in the wacky world of NYC parking tickets. You would think that a resource/tool embedded on the official DOT website would be "official" enough. 
 
But, the best proof is still current photo's backed up the the tool. 
 
Please let me know how you do. 
Good luck, Steve.

John, 
Good morning. 
You are a winner, IF, your expiration month and year is displayed on your plates, or on the vehicle registration affixed to the windshield. 
 
How'd you do?

My pregnant wife asked me to go out and get a cheap dinner and I get the $115 no standing appetizer. A 1 minute transaction and as im walking out the soulless b**ch proceeded to write her christmas bonus. Anyway, its a Volkswagon but in the 'Make' section it says VOLV 
and also its Green and it says Blk in the 'Color' section. What do you think? Can i work with this? 
Thanks

Matt, 
 
Good evening. 
My hope for a safe pregnancy and healthy child. 
 
If you car is registered in NY, you win...And the warrior looses her Christmas bonus. 
 
You may wish to fight the parking ticket for a misdescribed required element, i.e. make is wrong.  
 
Attach a copy of your registration, and a couple of photos showing it is a wonderful, VW not a VOLVO. 
 
Fight by mail, and send your defense package certified, return receipt requested. 
 
Happy holiday, champ! 
 
PS-if its registered out-of-state, the vehicle description only has to be reasonably accurate. I imagine the president of VW and Volvo would have something to say about a VW or Volvo reasonably describing their vehicle.  
 
Tougher battle, but if it t'were I, I'd fight!  
Let me know your decision. 
 
Good luck.

Hey Larry, 
 
 
 
My friend received a parking ticket in Brooklyn. We're not too familiar with the area. The ticket however, has certain blank/unlisted fields: For permit displayed: N/S, permit number N/A, type: N/A, CD: NS and for Expiration Date it says N/S-Rain and the year says N/S, and under Complainant's Comments it says "No scanning due to rain." for Date/Time First Observed it says N/A (is that not required Although the date/time of offense is there, is the date/time 1st observed not required?) For Plate Type: it says PAS (I'm not sure what that stands for). Also, the vin # is left blank. Is there anything here that would provide valid grounds for dismissal? Or should he just accept a reduced fine. In order to accept a reduced fine, I thought one should plead not guilty, but when I was looking at your quiz, I thought it said that you can get a reduced fine if you plead guilty, which confused me. Please let me know if I should fight it or accept the reduced fine, and if I should accept the reduced fine how I should plead. 
 
 
 
 
 
Thanks a lot, 
 
Amber

I had a medical emergency, my nephew was sick at school and I picked him up. I parked in front of his school in a DOE employees only spot and got a ticket. Can I beat this with a note from school or his Dr.? Thanks so much

Steve, 
 
Good afternoon. 
I am sorry about your parking ticket pain, especially under the circumstances you described. I hope your nephew is feeling better. 
 
A properly documented medical emergency is not an "absolute" defense but is customarily honored by many of the parking ticket judges. The wrinkle you relate involves parking in a DOE "employees only" spot. 
 
You'll need to tell a good story and present the proper proof, properly. 
 
Good luck. 
 

my brother in law gave me his car from ny,I registered and inspected in ct where I live,I didn't scrape all of the expired inspection sticker from ny off,never got a ticket,my brother in law got one in the mail even though He turned his plates in 8 mos before.

Catie, 
 
Good morning. 
What a way to start 2012. 
 
It amazes me how NY license plates seem to have a life after death...Or, a person looking for a few extra bucks at the DMV. 
 
Is your brother-in-law going to fight the ticket? 
 
Good luck.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2011, I came home from work to find my husband severely ill. We immediate drove to the hospital, and it was on Thursday, December 22, at approximately 3:00 a.m. when we returned home, and I parked on west side of Riverside Drive at 151st Street. I ensured that my car was parked well behind the crosswalk line so that I would not be within the no parking zone. My husband also, when he got out of the car, checked to make sure that I was parked correctly. 
 
 
 
At approximately 6:20 a.m., I left my apartment to walk to my car and drive to work; I had to be at work extra early as my boss was going to be away for two weeks and we had to square things away for his absence. When I arrived at the spot where I had parked, my car was gone. I immediately considered that it was stolen, and took photographs of the tire tracks from my car to provide to my insurance company.  
 
 
 
Later I discovered of course that my car had been towed.  
 
 
 
After finally getting my car back that day, I noticed that in addition to being towed, I was first given a parking ticket, at 5:44 a.m. Without allowing for any time for me to retrieve the car and move it, it was towed at 6:02 a.m.  
 
 
 
The photos I took earlier provide that it's very clear that my car was behind the crosswalk line, and therefore behind the no parking zone. 
 
 
 
On Saturday, December 23, 2011, my husband and I took advantage of the nice weather and sat in the park, on the west side of Riverside Drive right at 151st Street. There, in the same, exact spot I had been parked was a car. My husband and I remained at the park for about two hours, and in that time, both police cars and traffic enforcement cars had passed by, and neither stopped to give a parking ticket or have the car towed away. I took photos of the car demonstrating where it was parked, and noting that this is exactly where I had parked my car on December 22, 2011. I went down later in the evening, and the car was still parked at this same spot, and still had no parking tickets. The car remained there until sometime in the afternoon on December 24, 2011, when my husband and I had taken a walk and noted the owner of the car driving off. 
 
 
 
Upon research of the towing laws of NYC, It's my understanding that they are not supposed to tow any illegally parked vehicle until the vehicle is displaying three (3) or more parking summonses, or at the very least, a full 24 hours after the initial parking ticket. 
 
 
 
Is there information I can obtain regarding this? I plan to fight this case and would like to know if you think I could win?

Charlotte, 
 
Good morning. 
I am sorry for your pain, but applaud your passion. 
 
We have recently launched a new service called, "Larry's Advice." You'll find the details by clicking on...Passenger Vehicles, then clicking on...Larry's Advice...in the sub-menu. 
 
Larry's Advice is almost free ($9.99). I'm happy to help you formulate a strategy in response to this nasty ticket and tow. Please feel free to call me, if you'd like to use the service. 
 
Good luck.

Hi, Great website. I am from out of town (quebec) and I was double parked in Brooklyn during the alternate side parking period on Dec. 22, I got a ticket for lingering double parked 10 minutes after the alternate side period ended. I know there is no way to get out of it unless there was a mistake or omission on the ticket. Under Make it says BSA which I am not sure what this means (I drive a Buick) and under Color it says silver when my car is actually Tan. Do you see any way I can get out of it based on this info? One more thing I need to point out is that on the NYC ticket website when I viewed my ticket details under Make, it is empty of any description so it seems to me that even the one entering the ticket online was not sure what the make of the vehicle is. Think I got something there? 
 
 
 
Thank alot for your efforts. 
 
 
 
Ash

Ash, 
 
Good evening. 
I am sorry you were treated so rudely by the parking ticket gendarmes.  
 
We've instituted a new website policy. All the information you need to fight your parking ticket and win is contained on the blog. It's totally free.  
 
If you would like me to help you beat your parking ticket, please check out Larry's Advice (It's almost free). 
 
Here's the link.  
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/larrys-advice/ 
 
Good luck. 

Hi,  
 
 
 
I accidentally placed my municipal parking receipt faced down. I received a ticket for "Failure to Dsply Muni Rec (h) (10). 
 
 
 
Additional complainant's comment stated: "reclpt face down." The word "reciept" is spelled incorrectly on the comment. Does anyone know if this ticket is still valid? Any chance of winning if I plead not guilty? 
 
 
 
Thank you for your input!

Michelle, 
 
Good morning. 
Thanks for taking your time to post a question. 
 
Many judges, but not all, will dismiss a parking ticket for failure to display a Muni-Meter receipt if you prove you paid for the time.  
 
You're alternative is to apply for a settlement, and your fine will be reduced. BUT, you must apply and pay before January 31, 2012 (The settlement program ends). 
 
Spelling doesn't count...Sorry. 
 
Good luck

Hi Larry, 
I just received a parking ticket while I was parked in a street cleaning zone. However, the ticket reads "Failure to Dsply Muni Rec (h)(10)." Judging by the last post, I assume this is a meter violation. There are no meters on this block (71st street bet York and 1st). How should I go about disputing this? Photos of the street, sign, etc.? Online, mail, or in person? 
 
Thanks for the help!

I got two ticketts 1 1/2 hours apart for expired registration. I paid the first one and disputed the second one. (My first ticket was when my car was parked in front of my apartment, the second ticket was at a different location.) I disputed the second ticket yet got a response stating that my reason for not paying the second was because I had already got a ticket for the same violation 1 1/2 prior wasn't good enough. That doesn't sound right. Is it true? Can cops just follow you around all day and give you tickets for the same violation?

Joe P and Michael, 
 
Good afternoon, guys. 
The information you need to identify a defense and present the proof properly "Resources" page. 
 
After you research your parking tickets, if you would like my help beating your tickets, please check out "Larry's Advice," It's almost free. 
 
I am happy to help you. 
Feel free to give me a call. 
Good luck.

Hi, I received 2 parking tickets on back-to-back days for fire hydrant violation. I do not believe I was in violation, but I don't have the proof (I had to drive to work when I'd discovered the tickets!). 
What's odd is that the tickets show different places of violation. One is "W/S Whitney Ave, 20 ft S/ of Forley St", and the other is "N/S Whitney Ave, 40ft W/ of Forley St". The car never moved! but now it's on cattycorner sides of the street? Is this enough to fight? Also one ticket says the car is grey, the other says silver, and both have body type "SUBN". It's a silver Ford Escape...a mini-SUV. And finally, it shows 2 different precinct numbers. 
How do you suggest I go about this? I really don't have $230 to waste on bogus tickets!!!

Heather, 
 
Good morning.  
I'm really sorry about those 2 evil, orange, epistles. 
 
The wisdom you seek is contained on the Blog. If you would like my help fighting these two tickets, please check out "Larry's Advice," It's almost free.  
 
Good luck. 

Hi, Larry. 
 
I recently got a ticket for expired inspection sticker, which was my fault. My vehicle was parked on Ave W(northern side of the street) about 100ft west of Nostrand Ave. 
But in the "place of occurrence" section the warrior was not specific. He wrote: "Ave W N/S 100 FT NOSTRAND". He did not specify which direction of Nostrand ave my car was parked (E or W). Also another thing I noticed, Nostrand Ave, is written "Nostrand" without the "ave", so technically it could be St, or Rd etc.  
Do I have a chance for dismissal? Thank you very much.

Daniel, 
 
Good morning. 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to join us on the website. Great question. You should be able to uncover the correct answer by doing a little research on the Blog. 
 
If you're still unsure, we launched a new service recently called, Larry's Advice." It's almost free. Please feel free to check it out, and call me. 
 
I'm happy to help. 
Good luck, Daniel.

Hi Larry, 
 
I recently received a Notice of Outstanding Violation for a ticket that I never received. The alleged ticket was dated 3 days ago. It was for parking on Myrtle Avenue Between St. Edwards and Navy. The rule for that street is M-F 8am to 6pm. The copy of the ticket, however indicates 7:44 am. 
 
I am currently fighting the ticket, but here is my question. Why would anyone even bother to write the ticket 16 minutes before the start of the parking rule, especially when it clearly marked on the sign? I made sure when I requested the hearing, online, to attach a copy of the NYC DOT parking rules, directly from their site, for that location. 
 
Thanks

Good morning Felicia, 
 
"Ours not to reason why, ours but to do and die" [Alfred Lord Tennyson]. 
 
I represented a client once who stuck a large gun inside his belt, and then proceed to drive down the Garden State Parkway reaching speeds in excess of of 90 mph. He was stopped by a State Trooper for speeding.  
 
When the Trooper approached the driver's side door, and looked inside the car, guess what...He saw the gun. Arrested!  
 
After that case, I stopped asking why people behave badly or foolishly because time only permits me to deal with the consequences. 
 
You are on the right track, Champ. 
Let me know the outcome. 
Good luck. 
Best, 
Larry 
 

I have a question about what is the length of time between getting two tickets for the same violation. I recevied a bus stop ticket on 11/10 6:58p and then a second tickett on 11/11 6:39a. Can this be counted as a single offense since I never moved the car?

Eric, 
 
Good morning. 
Great question. 
 
Parking ticket judges will generally dismiss a second parking ticket involving the location of your vehicle, if issued within 1-3 hours of the first ticket (while occupying the same parking space).i 
 
You're timing for a dismissal of the second ticket is, I am sorry to say, a little late.  
 
Have you examined both parking tickets for defects? If you find an omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required element, your ticket will be dismissed upon application. 
 
Good luck.

I received a ticket for "Overtime Pkg-Time Limit Post (d) - Days/Hrs: Except Su/9 A- 7 P". 
The actual sign says "9am-4pm", and NOT 9am-7pm. 
But I was parked there from 10:30am-11:41am, which means I DID violate the rules. 
My question is, "Should this ticket still be Dismissed, based on the Defective Ticket claim that the ticket states something different than the sign?". 
 
Love your Facebook Quizes, by the way :) 

Franky, 
 
Thanks for driving over to the website. Parking is free. 
 
You are a winner! 
"Required elements" on a parking ticket are like "Miranda warnings." You can be standing over a dead body with a smoking six-shooter, and the police still have to read you your rights. if not, despite being guilty as sin, you win. 
 
So, even if you commit the parking crime, all required elements must be accurately entered on your parking ticket. Days/times are required elements. If a required element is omitted, misdescribed, or illegible, you win upon application. 
 
Now, here's the question...How are you going to present the proper proof, persuasively to win? 
 
Thanks for your kind words, Franky. 
 
Good luck

Thanks for the quick reply Larry, 
 
Great analogy/example, by the way. 
 
I usually take pictures showing the sign and the background buildings, all the way to the end of the block, to show the street names at the nearest intersection. 
 
But, I've actually found a link to the "DOT’s traffic sign database" which shows the street sign regulations according to locations in all 5 boroughs. 
Would a printout of the data from that website be enough to get me off the hook (instead of going back to the location to take pictures, and then downloading them to my computer, and printing them out, etc.)? 
 
Do you know of that Database (STATUS)? 

Franky, 
 
The data base to which you refer is one of the many resources we share with our friends. Here's the link to the page on our website (Thanks for asking...It's a super tool). 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/find--a-sign/ 
 
The parking sign data base would be more than sufficient in the real world, but this is the wacky world of NYC parking tickets...I've had friends tell stories about judges refusing to dismiss tickets based upon the evidence from data base by itself. 
 
I suggest checking Google Maps with street view first. If the images are up-to-date and accurate, using GM to provide overlapping photographs of the sign and block combined with the data base information should be sufficient. 
 
Good luck, Champ!

Yeah, I've thought of using Google Maps on several occasions, but when I zoom in on the parking signs and print them out, they are not very clear. 
And I don't want to take the chance that the judge rejects it because it's not clear to him either. 
 
Also, I remember fighting another ticket a while back, for a ticket that showed "5 Min" in the "Limit" box. 
The parking sign showed "1 Hour" limit. 
I fought that ticket (With the appropriate pictures of the sign, all the way to the intersection, plus a printout from Google Maps). 
My defense was that it was a "Defective Ticket" since it mis-described the parking sign. 
The judge said that I was still parked there between the "Date/Time 1st Observed" and the "Date/time of offense", and that the misdescription of "5 Mn" instead of "1 Hr" is not cause for dismissal of the ticket. 
Needless to say, he found me Guilty. Do you think this is worth an Appeal, or am I really Guilty? 
 
Wow, you already knew about DOT's "STATUS" Database? What Don't you Gurus know about Parking tickets?

Franky, 
 
If you'd like us to review your appeal and offer our humble opinion about your chances to win, and how to formulate the best argument on appeal, you may wish to check out Larry's Advice. It's almost free ($9.99), but it will cost your Duncan Donut coffee for a week.  
 
Great job on the other ticket, Franky. 
Best, 
Larry