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I just got a NYC Parking Ticket--What Next?

 

I am passionate about empowering the NYC driving public with the knowledge to navigate the mean streets of NYC , and avoid extravagantly priced parking tickets.

I am currently working on an E-Book which will recommend what action to take after you and your wallet feel the sting of a parking ticket. It's coming soon. Keep an eye out for it. 

Here is a preview of some of the valuable information in our upcoming book.

Joe's tale of parking ticket woe

Joe is on the way back to his car following a very difficult business meeting. It's 7:01 p.m. and he's beat. Joe's disappointed with his performance and knows he must do much better at the next meeting in order to obtain the second round of financing from the venture capitalists at DOF Financial Partners, a subsidiary of NYC Funding Unlimited.

Joe is about 10 paces from his car when he notices something on the windshield. It is the orange envelope that launches a thousand epithets. A NYC parking ticket for No Standing. There is no parking ticket warrior in sight, and the parking ticket was allegedly issued at 7:01 p.m. Ummmmm....Joe feels his blood pressure rising, and his eyes begin rolling around in their sockets. 

parking rulesMake your car the star of the show

This is the exact moment when you win or lose your parking ticket dispute. Joe loses, if he sticks the NYC parking ticket in the glove compartment of his car, and drives away in a fit of rage.  What should Joe do next? Joe should absolutely, positively examine the front of his parking ticket very, very carefully for mistakes.

Joe does not recall seeing a parking sign regulating his parking space that prohibits standing. He walks the entire block and discovers he is absolutely correct. The parking rule regulating his space prohibits Parking from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Joe is on his way to the goal line. Will he score or fumble?

Joe reaches for his cell phone camera, and takes a time/dated photograph of his car in the parking space; with identifiable landmarks such as the Trader Joe in the background. He takes a close up of the Trader Joe building, clearly showing the street address on the front of the building. Joe cuts to his left, and leaves some would-be tacklers in the dust. 20-15-10 yard line. Next, Joe takes overlapping photographs of the entire block showing each parking sign. He makes sure one of the photographs show the street signs. 5 yard line. He snaps close up views of the front and back of each parking sign.

TOUCHDOWN. Joe has the proper proof to demonstrate the parking rule displayed by the parking signs conflict with the misdescribed parking violation entered on his parking ticket. Nice work, Joe. You win.

Larry's commentary:

Never, ever move your vehicle from the parking space where you were issued your ticket to a NYC fund raiser, before you take photographs. Make your car the star. How else will you prove the parking rule regulating your space doesn't match the violation inserted on your parking ticket? Or, the place of occurrence is wrong?

Here's a link to a great video showing you exactly how to take winning photographs. 

 

NYC parking ticketThe 10 Plagues visited upon a parking ticket warrior

Chapter 39 of title 19 of the Official Compilation of Rules of the City of New York was adopted by the Commissioner of Finance to prescribe the internal procedures and organization of the Parking Violations Bureau, the manner and time of entering pleas, the conduct of hearings, the amount and manner of payment of penalties, and other purposes of article two-B of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. For NYC Traffic Rules applicable to the stopping, standing and parking of vehicles, refer to Chapter 4 of title 34 of the Official Compilation of Rules of the City of New York, adopted by the Commissioner of Transportation.

A required element is a bite size piece of information that must be included on the front of a parking ticket to establish a prima facie case by a parking ticket warrior against a member of the NYC driving public. If any required elements are missing, the warrior fails her mission of separating you and your money.

Here is a list of the 10 required elements contained in the Compilation of the Rules of the City of New York, Title 19, Section 39-02 et seq. 

  1. Registration plate number 
  2. The type of registration
  3. The state of registration
  4. The date of expiration
  5. A description of the vehicle
  6. A general statement of the violation alleged, including a reference to section 4-08 of title 34 of the Official compilation of the Rules of the City of New York or applicable provision of the Vehicle and Traffic Law or of the Administrative Code of the City of New York or any other law or rule
  7. Information as to the days and hours the applicable rule or provision is in effect, unless always in effect pursuant to the rule or provision and where appropriate the word 'all' when the days and /or hours in effect are every day and/or twenty-four hours a day
  8. The date and time
  9. The place of occurrence
  10. The meter number, if a meter violation

The meaning of each required element

To be continued....

parking ticketsPlease give us your feedback. Are there any topics you'd like me to include in the E-Book?

 

 

 

[*Ask.com/List of Biblical 10 Plagues in Egypt]

 

 

 

 

 

If you found this article helpful, you may wish to share it with your friends. Simply click on the above social media buttons of your choice. Thanks, Larry

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Comments

Larry,  
 
 
 
It is just too easy for zealous parking thugs to shoot away at any license plate that comes into focus to make quota. And most folks just pay so they know they cannot loose. 
 
 
 
And for just minutes effort to take some photos and do a bit of paperwork to save shelling out 100 bucks or more is not much.  
 
 
 
But I suspect busy new Yorkers who often don't even have minutes to spare are what these shoot from the hip street cowboys pray on. 
 
 
 
A thought just occurs to me. For even a small share of the saved fine the rate per hour would still be very good.  
 
 
 
Maybe if I move to NYC I could set up a business as a photographer to follow the trigger happy cowboys. Then offer help to hurried retuning victims as they find the bad news. 
 
 
 
I love reading your tips and watching your videos which makes so much sense. Keep up the good work. to keep swinging the balance for real street level justice 
 
 
 
Cheers from Down under 
 
Posted @ Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:45 AM by Gordon Wood
Gordan 
It is always great hearing from you. I like your passion for parking ticket photography. Good idea! 
 
I'd love to share a brew with such a fine gentleman as you. 
 
Best regards 
Larry B
Posted @ Wednesday, February 24, 2010 1:12 PM by Larry Berezin
Unfortunately, even the best intentions are sometimes thwarted. One time, my entire block (West 96th Street) was given parking tickets for parking in a bus stop, even though not a single one of them was in the bus stop. My doorman witnessed this and confronted the ticket-writer, and she told him we could just contest the tickets!  
 
When I came home, I took copious pictures, just as you described, and submitted my request online. Unfortunately, my claim was denied and I was forced to pay the ticket anyway!  
 
One problem with hearing-by-web is that the verdict is final and cannot be appealed.  
 
So frustrating!
Posted @ Sunday, March 07, 2010 8:56 AM by Michael
Michael 
You violated several of Larry's Rules. Off with your head!  
(1) Never-ever fight a parking ticket online. How did you submit your photographs and affidavit? 
(2) In order to win, you must submit the proper proof properly. See (1) 
 
What is your authority for stating you are not permitted to appeal an on-line hearing? Here are the instructions about fighting your parking ticket online from the DOF website. 
 
Parking Tickets | Request A Hearing 
Customers who receive a parking summons and wish to contest it should request a hearing within 30 days of receiving it to avoid incurring any penalties. Hearings are also available after 30 days, but if an administrative law judge upholds the fine, the penalties may also be owed. NOTE: You cannot have a hearing for any ticket issued more than one year ago. 
 
You may contest a parking ticket in person, by mail, or online using the Search feature below. You will receive the judge's decision at the conclusion of an in-person hearing. If you request a hearing by mail or via the web, the decision will be mailed to you in approximately 90 days. 
 
If you submit a "Not Guilty" plea online, you can only submit written testimony in your defense. If you have any supporting evidence to present, such as photographs or documents, you should contest your ticket by mail or in person at one of the Finance Business Centers.  
 
Michael, I applaud your tenacity. You followed our NUMBER ONE RULE: When you're right-FIGHT. Next time, I recommend you fight your parking ticket by mail or in person. 
 
Maybe, off with your head is a little severe. Pick a finger... 
 
Thanks for letting me yell at you in front of your friends. As parents always say, "It hurts me more than you." But, I really mean it.  
 
Good Luck.
Posted @ Sunday, March 07, 2010 1:22 PM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, if the time and date are listed on a parking ticket but no bubble is checked off indicating whether the ticket was given in the AM or PM, does this count as an error that could dismiss the ticket? Thanks.
Posted @ Thursday, July 01, 2010 8:12 AM by KB
KB, 
What a great way to kick off the holiday weekend. YOU WIN! 
 
I suggest sending a letter to the PVB by certified mail, RRR pointing out your parking ticket does not indicate AM or PM, and respectfully request a dismissal. 
 
Nicely done.
Posted @ Thursday, July 01, 2010 8:25 AM by Larry Berezin
Hey Larry, 
 
If the plate expiration date is marked "N/S" on my ticket, but it's cleary shown on my plate, can I get this dismissed? Thanks.
Posted @ Thursday, July 29, 2010 11:44 AM by DD
DD, 
 
You are a WINNER! Way to go, DD. 
 
If the month/yr your registration expires is clearly visible on your plates, N/S doesn't work for a lazy warrior. 
 
You may wish to fight your ticket, send in a copy of your registration, and two photographs of your car/license plate, and then a close up on the plate to show the expiration mos/yr. 
 
You did your homework & will save your hard earned dough. 
 
Posted @ Thursday, July 29, 2010 4:05 PM by lawrence berezin
For item #10 from your "list of the 10 required elements" above: 'The meter number, if a meter violation.' 
 
Does "Failure to display muni-meter receipt" fall into this category? 
 
Another words, for this violation, are they required to write the meter # on the ticket? 
 
 
 
Posted @ Thursday, September 02, 2010 10:27 PM by Frank
Hi, I have a question. I parked my motorcycle in a commertial parking zone, my plate was not displayed on the vehicle. I got a ticket that has my vin number, the time of the offence and the rule i violated, but not my name or my plate number. Can I fight this ticket based on missing information? 
 
 
 
Thnaks in advance, 
 
Alex.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 15, 2010 2:26 PM by Alex
Hi Alex, 
 
It is a common, well-known practice amongst the motorcycle driving public to remove the plate to avoid being issued a parking ticket. 
 
Is there a comment from the warrior on your parking ticket directed to the absence of a license plate? If not, I would raise the missing plate number as a defense and include a copy of your registration. 
 
If there is a comment from the warrior, apply for a reduction. 
 
Good luck!
Posted @ Wednesday, September 15, 2010 4:04 PM by Larry Berezin
I parked in a no parking anytime zone but nypd officer wrote a ticket for no standing anytime zone that was on the opposite side of the street. Is the ticket defective? He checked the "no standing anytime" zone in the ticket.
Posted @ Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:32 PM by Joe
Joe, 
 
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation. The violation on your parking ticket must match the rule displayed on the parking sign regulating your parking space. If mismatched, you win. 
 
Congratulations. 
Now, please be sure to present the proper proof, properly. 
 
How are you going to prove your case and win a dismissal of your orange epistle?
Posted @ Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:36 PM by Larry Berezin
Helen, 
Happy holidays. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and share your excellent question. Unfortunately, common sense and reasonable behavior doesn't count in the wacky world of NYC parking tickets. 
 
You can only stand in a bus stop zone, temporarily to expeditiously drop off or receive a passenger. Period. Temporarily is two minutes or less. The warriors aggressively ticket bus stop sitters.  
 
My suggestion is to apply for an online reduction, UNLESS, you find a mistake on the front of your parking ticket. If a required element, such as make, plate type, body type, expiration date, place of occurrence, is omitted, misdescribed, or illegible you win upon application.  
 
Sorry I can't help you fight and beat this ticket.  
Good luck.
Posted @ Saturday, December 25, 2010 6:27 AM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, 
Great site! I just got a $95 parking ticket for code 98, obstructing a driveway (this was written in on the ticket). My neighbors and I have parked in this spot many, many times without any tickets - until now. The building with the driveway (actually it's a garage-sized gate with a curb cut and yellow "no parking" paint on sidewalk) is currently unoccupied and a "For Rent" banner is hanging from the facade. Hence, the garage and driveway are not being used (and haven't been in years, even when the building was occupied - it was a printing press). Do I have a valid defense in this? And why did the NYPD all of a sudden decide to start ticketing this location after so many years? The complainant is the same as the ticketing officer (not a renter or owner of the building). 
 
Also, they wrote that my car was grey when it is in fact blue. Hold any water? 
 
I appreciate any advice you can offer. 
Thanks a million! 
Melissa
Posted @ Saturday, March 12, 2011 5:23 PM by Melissa P.
Hey, just thought I'd try your site for help one more time in case my question fell through the cracks for whatever reason.  
 
I got a $95 parking ticket for code 98, obstructing a driveway (this was written in on the ticket). My neighbors and I have parked in this spot many, many times without any tickets - until now. The building with the driveway (actually it's a garage-sized gate with a curb cut and yellow "no parking" paint on sidewalk) is currently unoccupied and a "For Rent" banner is hanging from the facade. Hence, the garage and driveway are not being used (and haven't been in years, even when the building was occupied - it was a printing press). Do I have a valid defense in this? And why did the NYPD all of a sudden decide to start ticketing this location after so many years? The complainant is the same as the ticketing officer (not a renter or owner of the building).  
 
Also, they wrote that my car was grey when it is in fact blue. Hold any water?  
 
Thanks so much! 
Melissa
Posted @ Thursday, March 24, 2011 3:44 PM by Melissa P.
Melissa, 
Good afternoon. 
I am sorry to say, your question did fall between the cracks, I apologize. 
 
Your inquiry is an excellent one, but a little tricky. The pertinent rule provides in part..."The prohibition herein shall not apply to driveways that have been rendered unusable due to the presence of a building or other fixed obstruction and, therefore, are not being used as a driveway." 
 
Is the driveway unusable because of the presence of a building or fixed object? If not, you have a tough road to victory. 
 
The color of a vehicle is not a required element. I am sorry to report the wrong color is not a get out of jail free card. 
 
You can walk pass a sleeping crocodile 100 times without getting eaten. Then, one day it awakes hungry and .... 
 
Good luck. 
Again, I apologize for missing your original comment. I'm getting old.
Posted @ Thursday, March 24, 2011 5:04 PM by Larry Berezin
Sue, 
Good morning. 
You are a winner with 2 great defenses. Since "Make" and "Expiration Date" are required elements, you win X2. Close only counts in horseshoes, not with expiration dates. 
 
You may wish to fight your parking ticket by mail (send certified, RRR) and offer both defects as defenses entitling you to a dismissal of this ticket. Include a copy of your vehicle registration with your Defense Letter. 
 
Please share your good news with us. 
Good luck.
Posted @ Thursday, April 14, 2011 8:57 AM by Larry Berezin
Hi larry, 
 
 
 
I got two tickets for parking in a no standing zone. One says west of 64th st, the other says east of 64th st. I didnt move my car and east and west never the twain shall meet. Any luck for dismissal of one of these?
Posted @ Wednesday, May 11, 2011 8:32 PM by Richard
Richard, 
 
Absolutely!
Posted @ Wednesday, May 11, 2011 8:46 PM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, 
 
I was waiting at one of those automatic receipt dispensers behind a lady who was using a credit card which didn't work. After a while, she gave up and I went ahead and put in my coins and got my ticket. When I got back to my car I had a ticket on it which stated: Failure to Disply Muni Rec (h) (10). Now I have my receipt, problem is the time of the ticket states the violation occurred at 8:15 p.m. and the parking receipt is valid from 8:29 p.m. to 9:29 p.m., so there's a 15 min gap (FYI, I KNOW it didn't take me fifteen minutes to get that receipt, so that I think the time on the ticket is bogus.) 
 
Anyway, think its worth it to fight it? It's 65 clams!
Posted @ Tuesday, May 24, 2011 11:15 PM by Sabine
Sabine, 
 
Good afternoon. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post an excellent question.  
 
You can beat a parking ticket when you are going to, or returning from a Muni-meter. I am concerned about the time differential on the parking ticket and your receipt. 
It is a tough call whether your very reasonable, and truthful explanation with persuade a parking ticket judge to dismiss the ticket. 
 
Your options are to fight, and tell your truthful story; or take the reduction.  
 
How long is the walk from the Muni-meter to your parking space?
Posted @ Wednesday, May 25, 2011 11:39 AM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, 
 
Thanks for getting back so soon. I HATE paying parking tickets and always fight them when I can. In this instance, the muni-meter on the block was broken, so I had to walk up the block to the next one. Of course, so did everyone else, so there was this lady in front of me. That accounts for the extra time. I'd say it took about five minutes to get to the muni-meter and another five to wait for her to get her ticket, since the machine wasn't accepting her credit card. Add in the time it took for me to put in my coins and get back to the car, I'd say it felt like ten minutes top. But the time difference between the ticket and my receipt is 14 minutes. Sooooooo, I'm thinking maybe I should go for it. Of course, it all depends on the judge. Maybe I should where a low cut top and hope I get a guy!!!! : )
Posted @ Wednesday, May 25, 2011 11:58 AM by Sabine
Sabine, 
 
When you're right-FIGHT! 
Great defense! 
 
Let me know how you do. 
I'm rooting for you.
Posted @ Wednesday, May 25, 2011 12:19 PM by Larry Berezin
Hey Larry, I got a really nice young lady (no luck with the top but she was really reasonable. However, even though she listened patiently to my explanation, she said even though she believed me, she would still would have to enforce the fine. 
 
To that I explained that it wasn't MY fault that the meter was broken and that I had to walk up to another one. I said I did what the law required, which was to pay for the right to park. So was I required to pay for parking and pay a fine? Why was I being punished? 
 
She asked me to wait a moment. Went to speak to someone and came back and gave me the great news that she would in this instance dismiss the ticket!! 
 
Thanks Larry!!!!! Your blog really encouraged me to fight. I was really ready to just pay the discounted fine but I kept hearing, when you're right, fight!  
 
I train my kids to read NYC parking signs for at least ten minutes under penalty of death. But I think I will now start sprint training to and from Muni-meters. With change in hand, we can probably shave the whole transaction from meter to car window display to about 30 seconds which is what you probably have to do to beat these Parking Ticket Warriors!
Posted @ Wednesday, May 25, 2011 6:47 PM by Sabine
Sabine, 
 
You made my week! Terrific job. You are one very funny lady. Maybe we can petition the Olympic Committee to make the sprint to and fro the muni meter an official Olympic event. 
 
You deserve to be team captain. 
 
Great story...Happy ending...I'll end my parking ticket day on your wonderful note. 
 
Good luck. 
 
Posted @ Wednesday, May 25, 2011 7:04 PM by Larry Berezin
Why do you recommend not requesting a hearing online?
Posted @ Wednesday, July 27, 2011 5:43 PM by Bob Schwartz
Bob, 
 
Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post your comment. Here's why... 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/blog/bid/63910/larry-loses-his-nyc-parking-ticket-fight 
 
Let me know what you think. 
Good luck.
Posted @ Wednesday, July 27, 2011 6:39 PM by Larry Berezin
Thanks, Larry. I was all set to submit my request for an online hearing, but based on your info and rationale, I will now fight it in person. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Posted @ Wednesday, July 27, 2011 11:24 PM by Bob Schwartz
I received a no standing ticket while in the vehicle when my son had a medical emergency that I needed to attend to. the officer decided he didn't want to be reasonable in regards to my situation. 
 
I have a temporary plate because the car is new. 
 
Later I noticed he wrote the wrong VIN number on the ticket, where the correct "X8C5" should be, it's shows "YEL5".  
 
As well in the License plate area he wrote "N/S", but it is shown clearly on the temporary plate taped to my vehicle, it states the plate number twice, as well, say NY, but the ticket says NJ 
 
the address says, it's not very legible, but, 100 or 700 atlantic, but It looks like it says nuanuc ave was standing in front of 200 atlantic.  
 
How do I fight this? what language do i use with the judge?  
thanks!
Posted @ Monday, August 01, 2011 10:19 AM by Chris
Chris, 
 
Good afternoon. Great questions. A warrior is required to issue a parking ticket with the correct plate number and state. You are a winner. 
 
You may wish to fight the parking ticket by mail, or in person. You should prepare a defense letter stating the plate number and state is wrong. Attach a copy of your vehicle registration. You are a winner, Chris! 
 
VIN number is not required. 
 
If you fight by mail, send your defense package by certified mail, return receipt requested to the address on the back of the ticket. 
 
I hope every thing is fine with your son.  
 
Please let us know the outcome. 
Good luck. 
 
Posted @ Monday, August 01, 2011 12:27 PM by Larry Berezin
Today, I received in the mail a notice of outstanding violation for a parking ticket I never received. The ticket is for No Parking Street Cleaning.  
I think the day that I received the ticket it was a rainy day and I was late getting to my car. By the time I jumped in my car and started the police officer was in his car behind me. I drove away. He did not try to stop me and he did not give me the ticket.  
On the ticket, it has the correct plate number, correct make and color, the correction violation and signature of the officer. However in the CD spot it has NS, in the Exp. Date it has N/S-Rain, and in the year it has N/S. 
Do I have a chance in disputing this case or should I pay the reduced fine of a penalized ticket ($55 instead of $45)?
Posted @ Wednesday, September 28, 2011 2:40 PM by Ross Shearer
Ross, 
 
You tell a great story. I wish it didn't end in parking ticket pain for you. 
 
It has been our experience that parking ticket judges do NOT fall for the N/S-Rain, or N/S-Snow BS when the registration is displayed on the windshield of a car. 
 
If it were me...I'd fight this nasty orange epistle. I would state the TEA omitted the registration expiration date on the parking ticket. Since date of expiration is a required element which must be entered on the parking ticket to establish a case, respectfully request His Honor to dismiss the ticket. 
 
Let us know your decision whether to fight or reduce. 
Good luck. 
Posted @ Wednesday, September 28, 2011 7:23 PM by Larry Berezin
If the Warrior only describes my car as a sedan and not a 4DSD or 2DSD is that a good enough description?
Posted @ Wednesday, November 23, 2011 2:25 PM by Yitzy
I just got a ticket for parking on the street on a sweeping day from 12pm to 5pm, my ticket was issued at 12:02. The problem here is that I am not allowed to park on the rightcurb where my house is located from 7am to 12pm and the other curb from 12pm to 5 pm. So in the morning I parked my car on the other side and waited until its 11:55 to move my car to the right curb (the reason I don't do move it earlier is because I notice the officer always waits in her car right behind where I usually park mine so she could give us ticket right when the clock strikes 12, thinking that I might get a ticket for parking on the right side earlier than the allowed time, I waited until its close to 12 but unfortunately my time displayed on my watch didn't match with that officer's). This has happened several times already, in fact I've gotten 3 tickets so far in this year and I'm starting to think that we are being targeted because the officer could have started her beat at the other blocks as well, but for some reason, she always waits in her car and starts her beat at our block first.
Posted @ Thursday, December 15, 2011 4:09 PM by Quinn
Quinn, 
 
Good evening. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our humble home, and pose your questions. 
 
If you'd like my help with your challenge, please check out our new website service. Here's a link to "Larry's Advice." It's almost free. 
 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/larrys-advice/ 
 
Good luck. 
 
Good luck.
Posted @ Thursday, December 15, 2011 4:32 PM by Larry Berezin
Missing Plate violation. I got a ticket for a missing front plate I didn't know was gone (fell off, stolen, ???). 
 
I went to MVA within 2 days of the violation and replaced the tags which were immediately affixed and all is good now. 
 
I wonder if there is an allowance for this situation-will the powers dismiss the violation if the tag is replaced right away? 
 
thanks, 
 
tim
Posted @ Tuesday, January 03, 2012 8:37 AM by tim bell
Tim, 
 
Good morning. 
Thanks for stopping by and posing a great question. 
 
I am sorry to report there is no mulligan for this violation. But, please be sure to check the front of your evil, orange, epistle for mistakes.  
 
If you find an omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required element, you win upon application. If none, you may wish to apply for a reduced fine (while the program lasts). 
 
Good luck.
Posted @ Tuesday, January 03, 2012 8:45 AM by Larry Berezin
Dear Larry, 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you very much for this wonderful website! 
 
 
 
I am posting this thread one more time as my previous (almost identical) one didn't get posted. 
 
 
 
I've received a No Parking Street Cleaning ticket about 18 days ago. 
 
 
 
But the officer didn't write down my Exp. Date -  
 
 
 
Instead, he wrote  
 
 
 
"N/S-Rain"  
 
 
 
But it wasn't raining at all only a little bit cloudy# 
 
 
 
I double checked the weather of the day just now using the Intnernet weather site# #Link below# 
 
 
 
http://www#weather#com/weather/monthly/USNY0996?month=-1 
 
 
 
 
 
Thus, I can prove it wasn't raining. 
 
 
 
Do you think I have a case here? 
 
 
 
 
 
One more question -  
 
 
 
My registration is expired a 25th of Dec and I was charged on 23rd of Dec.  
 
 
 
I've received new regisratation card today but I haven't put it on my windshiled yet. 
 
 
 
Should I send the picture of the new registration or the old one that got expired?
Posted @ Sunday, January 08, 2012 11:50 PM by Aiden
Aiden, 
 
Good morning. 
I apologize for overlooking your blog post. Old man...Bad eyes. 
 
It is ridiculous for a parking ticket warrior to enter N/S-rain. I trust your vehicle is registered in NY?). If so, when you're right-FIGHT. And, you are right. 
 
Good idea about submitting proof it wasn't evening raining that day. 
 
On your second question... 
 
I suggest you take photographs with the old registration on your windshield (make sure you connect the windshield with your car-license plate). Then affix your new registration to your windshield and take another set of pictures. 
 
You may wish to tell your story via affidavit, rather than writing a letter. 
 
Good luck, Aiden. 
Let us know how you do.
Posted @ Monday, January 09, 2012 7:52 AM by Larry Berezin
Larry, 
 
It seems like my post was overlooked. So here we go again ;) 
 
Yesterday, I’ve found my car got towed and I wasn’t able to find out why because it was a  
 
perfectly legal space to park. I suspected my expired registration initially, which I applied for new one  
 
but didn’t get until later that night, but thought no officer would tow a vehicle over expired registration.  
 
I called the prescient but they didn’t know why. I also called the towing pound and they were closed. 
 
Today morning, I went to the Brooklyn Navy tow pound and found out that it was indeed because of the  
 
expired registration!  
 
 
 
Then I remembered that I’ve beaten my pedestrian ramp ticket a few weeks ago in the same  
 
neighborhood thanks to your website, and it was indeed the same officer who charged me wrongfully.  
 
He might try to pull a little “vengeance” on me?  
 
You see my car is very easy to remember… custom plate and one of the most noticeable models… 
 
 
 
The thing is, I applied for the new registration in time, but unfortunately only received the new one in  
 
mail AFTER it got towed. I explained it to the NYPD at the tow pound and she told me to appeal it to a  
 
judge.  
 
I still have the original envelop and the stamp indicates that they sent it Jan 04 2011.  
 
I have received it Jan 9 2012.  
 
(My expiration was expired Dec 23 2011 and the car got towed away on Jan 8 2012)  
 
I affixed the new one on my windshield but took a photo of it in the envelop to prove it came late.  
 
 
 
My question are  
 
Do officers got notice once their tickets beat? Is it possible that the officer remembered me and tried to get nasty on me? 
 
Do I have a case here? I still have the original envelop. 
 
Can I get the taxi fee which I had to take on my home and on my way to the car pound reimbursed? I have receipt. 
 
This is ridiculous! Same officer wrongfully charged me with a pedestrian ramp a few weeks ago this time  
 
not only charged me with expired registration and towed my car away for that. I want to fight this and  
 
win.  
 
Please advise.  
 
Posted @ Tuesday, January 10, 2012 2:04 PM by Christian
Christian, 
 
I apologize for overlooking your comment. I do miss 'em from time to time. 
 
I am sorry to report that failing to receive your registration renewal in a timely fashion is not a defense to a parking ticket for "expired registration." (Absurd!). 
 
Have you checked for mistakes on the front of your parking ticket? If none, I don't have any rabbits to pull out of our hat (Sorry). 
 
As far as your other questions go, I don't know whether warriors or police officers are notified of dismissals.  
 
Good luck.
Posted @ Tuesday, January 10, 2012 3:24 PM by lawrence berezin
Hi Larry - 
 
I got a parking ticket in NYC for not moving for the street sweepers (7:30am-8am). The officer made a mistake when writing my license plate and wrote a 6 instead of a 7.  
 
Is this enough to dismiss the ticket? If so, is this simple enough that I can submit online and get it dismissed, or should I still submit via mail? 
 
Thanks!!
Posted @ Friday, February 17, 2012 9:09 AM by Doug
Doug, 
 
Good morning. 
Boy, am I glad you asked about submitting the defense to your winning ticket online. 
 
DO NOT, ever, never, ever participate in a online hearing. It's an ambush (that can easily be corrected by the DOF). I fought a parking ticket on line to test the system, and the system failed. 
 
You are a winner. Submit a copy of your vehicle registration to prove your defense of misdescribed plate, along with a respectful letter setting forth your defense. 
 
Please fight this ticket by mail. Send in your defense package by regular mail, return receipt requested so you can prove receipt. 
 
Good luck, Champ! 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Friday, February 17, 2012 10:00 AM by Larry Berezin
Thanks Larry! 
 
Reading through a few comments here definitely made it clear that filing online is a big mistake. What a great resource, thanks for putting all this together!  
 
I will definitely be submitting this by mail. I will try to report back when I (hopefully) get the ticket dismissed!  
 
Thanks again! 
 
Doug
Posted @ Friday, February 17, 2012 10:30 AM by Doug
My pleasure Doug...We love hearing about victories! Good luck. We're all rooting for you. Larry
Posted @ Friday, February 17, 2012 10:45 AM by Larry Berezin
Hello, 
 
I have been reading this blog religiously all morning, and I am very grateful. Thank you! 
 
Onto my questions: 
I received two tickets, both for a fire hydrant offense, one on 2/25 and one on 2/26. However, the ticket number for the second ticket is lower than the other, and that makes no sense. It also raises eyebrows since I saw no tickets on my car the night of the 25th. Is it possible they are double dipping and I caught them if, for example, the 2/25 ticket is numbered 000000105, and the 2/26 ticket is 000000102? 
 
Whatever the case, one of them does not have the AM/PM bubble checked, so should I avoid the complex defense and just settle for a 50% cut? 
 
Thanks for any help!
Posted @ Monday, February 27, 2012 12:15 PM by Chris
Chris, 
 
Good morning. 
Verrrrry interesting! 
 
You burst the bubble, Champ. AM/PM is a required element. If it is omitted, you win upon application. 
 
Have you carefully reviewed both tickets, including place of occurrence, for mistakes? 
 
If you need my help, please check out "Larry's Advice"...It's almost free. 
 
Good luck. 
Best, 
Larry  
 
Posted @ Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:39 AM by Larry Berezin
Good morning Larry, 
 
Thank you for the reply. It's a great relief to know that at least one of these will be dismissed. I am prepared to attempt my more unconventional defense for the other ticket, but I have one other possibility for dismissal: 
Neither of my tickets has the plate type bubble filled. Is this required regardless of state? I have an OOS vehicle, so registration is N/S, and plate, state, make, and body type are filled, but plate type is not. 
 
Thanks again! 
 
Chris
Posted @ Tuesday, February 28, 2012 9:06 AM by Chris
Chris, 
 
If you'd like my help, please feel free to check out "Larry's Advice. 
 
Good luck. 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:06 AM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, 
 
 
 
I got a ticket for an expired meter, but in the body type they placed 4DSD when my car is only a 2 door car, can the ticket be dismissed?
Posted @ Sunday, March 11, 2012 3:44 PM by Navi
Hi Navi, 
 
Good afternoon. 
Sorry to hear about your parking ticket pain. 
 
There is a split opinion on the answer to your question. The big but is...Since there's no reduction, why not fight it. 
 
You may wish to fight your ticket by mail (certified, rrr). Take some super pictures clearly showing your vehicle is a 2DSD rather than a 4DSD. Make sure your photographs show the plate attached to the vehicle, and close up of plate numbers. Also, enclose a copy of your vehicle registration (no need to send in the ticket). 
 
Let us know the outcome. 
Good luck!
Posted @ Sunday, March 11, 2012 3:50 PM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, 
 
Great work! My NYC fire hydrant ticket (6 ft away) lists my Subaru Outback station wagon as a "4DSD" under Body Type. My car is not a sedan. What are my odds on a dismissal?
Posted @ Monday, March 12, 2012 4:06 PM by Frank
Frank, 
 
Good evening. 
Thanks for your kind words. 
 
If you have a NY State registered vehicle, and your registration says SUBN or wagon, you'll win upon application. 
 
If your vehicle is registered out-of-state, it is up to the Mad Hatter who judges your case. 
 
Good luck.
Posted @ Monday, March 12, 2012 6:09 PM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, I got a ticket for getting held up in a cross road. The traffic officer asked for my license, however, mispelled my name on the ticket. Can I fight this? Thx. Basil
Posted @ Wednesday, April 04, 2012 7:59 AM by Vasily
Vasily, 
 
Good morning. Thanks for taking your valuable time to visit our website and post a comment. 
 
If you received a parking ticket for "blocking the box," I am happy to help you. Please check out "Larry's Advice" for details. 
 
If you received a traffic ticket for your "transgression," you may wish to contact our great friend, Mathew Weiss, Esquire. His contact information can be found by clicking on "Traffic Tickets" in our navigation bar. 
 
Good luck, Vasily. 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Wednesday, April 04, 2012 9:13 AM by Larry Berezin
Hi Larry, Thanks for such an informative website. I just got 2 tickets for standing in a bus stop. This was my fault not knowing the rule that if the arrow pointed in one direction the whole block is off limits (I was over 100 feet away!).  
My question is wether or not I can get 2 tickets within an hour and 1/2 of one another. The first officer stuck the ticket in my door panel and I am thinking the second officer did not see it and issued another ticket. Can I fight this at all?
Posted @ Monday, April 16, 2012 8:21 AM by Brian
Brian, 
 
You are very welcome.  
Ouch...One tix is bad enough.  
 
Generally, a judge will dismiss a second parking ticket if issued within one hour of the first parking ticket. 
 
AND, there are many judges that will extend the time between the two tickets to 3 hours. 
 
I definitely recommend fighting the second ticket by claiming it was issued within 3 hours of the first ticket. 
 
Any mistakes on either parking ticket? 
 
(Point of clarification...A bus stop will end EITHER at the next parking sign in the direction of the arrow, OR if no parking sign in the direction of the arrow, the END of the block). 
 
Let us know the outcome. 
Good luck. 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Monday, April 16, 2012 8:54 AM by Larry Berezin
Yikes! I sent my response to the Hearing-by-Mail office via Certified Mail, as you instructed. Now the post office tells me no one was available to sign for it, so it was not delivered! I didn't specify anyone's signature necessary--what happened? I can't get the documents back until after 15 more days have passed and that will be too late.
Posted @ Wednesday, April 25, 2012 1:20 PM by Sam
Sam, 
 
Good afternoon. 
 
You may wish to immediately re-send the copy of your defense letter you kept for your records (Please make another copy of your copy, so you always retain a copy). 
 
This is a first for me. But, nothing surprises me anymore in the wacky world of NYC parking tickets. 
 
I'll leave it to your ingenuity as to how to deliver your defense letter to the Hearings by Mail Unit, PO BOX, and secure a receipt proving delivery. Without proof, the DOF can always deny receipt. 
 
Good luck, 
Best, 
Larry 
 
PS...Please refer me to your comment and my reply. I'm old and can't seem to find it. I think I need a seeing eye cyberspace dog. 
Posted @ Wednesday, April 25, 2012 2:05 PM by Larry Berezin
Thanks for your swift reply, Larry. Anyone who moves that fast can't be that old! 
I posted (and you replied) at the bottom of: 
http://www.newyorkparkingticket.com/Blog/bid/30801/I-just-got-a-NYC-Parking-Ticket-What-Next 
I will take your advice and let you know what happens. I'll give it a day or so in case someone at the unit decides to go to the Post Office to pick up and sign for the letter. Ha, ha. 
I previously stopped using Return Receipt after being an office where the mail carrier dropped off a bundle of mail and I watched a clerk open it and throw away the green cards. I never expected them to actually sign for each certified letter, but I did expect a delivery anyway. When I called the Post Office to complain, they explained they cannot leave the letter without a signature. I told them my previous experience and they said it wasn't possible. Then I was told to hold for a supervisor. After several minutes, the representative said "Here's my supervisor," and the call was terminated. I guess I won't shop at that store again:-) 
Best wishes-- 
Sam
Posted @ Wednesday, April 25, 2012 2:39 PM by Sam
Sam, 
 
Thanks for the kind words! 
 
Please let me know the outcome.  
Keep fighting the good fight.  
We're all rooting for you. 
 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Wednesday, April 25, 2012 2:48 PM by Larry Berezin
Just got the USPS email that the letter was delivered, so it looks like I'm in the clear. Doesn't say if the carrier made the 2nd attempt or someone claimed it at the Post Office. Either way, it's good news. Now we'll see if they agree that the expiration date for my out-of-state plate (clearly displayed) should have been included. 
Thanks for your advice and for keeping my blood pressure down. Keep up the great work.
Posted @ Thursday, April 26, 2012 1:46 PM by Sam
Hi Larry - I went to fight my 2 tickets for standing in a bus stop. And the ticket issued first (earlier) was dismissed but not on the merits of the case presented. This ticket was dismissed despite the fact that I stated that I was there to contest the second ticket. While I am glad that one ticket was taken off I am wondering if they spotted something wrong with the 1st ticket and decided to dismiss that one because it had some kind of mistake on it. Unfortunatly I made no copy.  
 
 
 
I may be pushing my luck here. But when I left the room I was given paperwork stating that I pled guilty to the second ticket and that the first was dismissed. I was wondering if there was a way to appeal and pay the reduced rate on the second ticket.
Posted @ Friday, April 27, 2012 12:06 PM by Brian Melara
Brian, 
 
Wow. Nicely done. 
My best guess is there was a mistake on your first parking ticket. A parking ticket judge is supposed to dismiss all tickets when he/she spots an omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required element. 
 
How much time elapsed between the first and second evil parking ticket? 
 
Looking forward to your reply. 
 
Let's see if you can hurl a "perfect" game. 
 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Friday, April 27, 2012 12:11 PM by lawrence berezin
Hi Larry, 
 
I was issued a ticket for parking in a "No Standing Anytime" zone. However this ticket was issued near my job which is a newspaper depot, where during the hours of 3-6 become filled with "illegally" parked vehicles filling up their cars with papers. Some people at the depot have even said that there is an understanding with the local prescient to not issue tickets. I was wondering if there was any way to get this ticket reduce or taken away or what the best course of action would be? 
 
Thanks Larry!
Posted @ Friday, June 29, 2012 6:18 AM by Peter
Dear Peter, 
 
Good morning. 
Great questions. 
 
I am sorry for your parking ticket dilemma, but informal agreements about issuing or not issuing parking tickets are only as good as the paper they are not written on.  
 
I liken your commentary to those "informal" agreements during ASP days not to ticket cars double parked on the unrestricted side of the street. They're honored until quota time. 
 
The fine reduction program ended on January 31, 2012. There are no more reductions. 
 
If there are no mistakes on the front of the parking ticket, you may wish to pay the fine in time so you don't accrue penalties. 
 
Good luck. 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Friday, June 29, 2012 7:23 AM by Lawrence Berezin
Latest news on my fight (above) to dismiss a ticket for not bearing my registration expiry. After getting the delivery confirmation for my hearing-by-mail, I never heard from the department. Finally I discovered online that I had been found guilty, despite quoting the applicable law and including photos. I appealed, respectfully pointing out that the ALJ had not followed the law. I added that I had not been officially informed of the decision. The website only lists the verdict, not the reason or the date of hearing, so I couldn’t include a copy of the decision and could only hope that the appeal was within the required time window. 
Today I received the appeal decision upholding the guilty verdict because of “no errors of fact or law.” Knowing that I presented credible facts and that the law states the summons is defective, the next step is an Article 78 petition. I’ve already paid the $45 fine. Now I’m looking at over $300 and trips downtown. I live in Pennsylvania, which they no doubt are counting on. But it seems wrong to let them get away with flouting their own rules. And the only way to establish precedent is to lose the Article 78 and win on appeal—-as though we have to establish precedent to compel an agency to follow the law! How much would all that cost, I wonder? 
I am close to folding on this one, much as I hate to admit it.  
Posted @ Monday, July 16, 2012 1:48 PM by Sam
Sam, 
 
Major kudos for a job well done against a force with superior resources, and plagued by corrupt leadership. 
 
Please don't consider it "folding" by making an objectively wise decision. Your statement about the DOF not appealing the right Article 78 hearing decision is borne out by precedent.  
 
There are still judges that do the right thing. I know because plenty of parking tickets I fight for clients are dismissed. And I lose my share of parking tickets because of corrupt rogue judges. 
 
My biggest fear is that you and our community of the amazing the driving public don't fight when they're right. Keep fighting. You'll get the next one. 
 
Thanks for sharing your story.  
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Monday, July 16, 2012 2:48 PM by lawrence berezin
Hey Larry, 
 
 
 
I'd like to start off by thanking you for this amazing service you provide. I've lived in NY most my life and wish I'd have stumbled onto your site sooner! So, I have an easy question. I recently was the proud recipient of Code 21 ticket, SCR. The color on the ticket is gray whereas the vehicle is brown and the registration reflects as such. Is color considered a required element? Thanks very much! Best regards, Al
Posted @ Tuesday, September 25, 2012 8:47 PM by Albian Meshaj
Dear Albian, 
 
Good morning. 
Thanks for your very kind words. 
Welcome! 
 
I'm sorry to report, "color" is not a required element. You are not entitled to a get-out-of-jail free pass if the color entered on your parking ticket is wrong. 
 
Good luck. 
Best, 
Larry
Posted @ Wednesday, September 26, 2012 7:46 AM by Lawrence Berezin
Well, maybe next time! LoL...thanks again Larry, I greatly appreciate your help, hardwork, and efforts. 
 
 
 
Best regards, Albian
Posted @ Wednesday, September 26, 2012 10:31 AM by Albian Meshaj
Larry, 
 
I received a parking ticket for not moving my car before 8am. The vehicle is a Subaru Forester, registered in NJ, and there are two errors on the ticket. The vehicle make is listed as SAAB and the body type is SUBN. Everything else on the ticket is correct. I know that required elements for out-of-state vehicles is not as strict, but given the combination of make and body style being incorrect is there a possibility of dismissal if I mail in photos of the vehicle and registration?  
Thank you for the great blog and for informing the public on motor vehicle laws in NY. 
Thanks again, 
 
Tim
Posted @ Saturday, October 13, 2012 5:00 PM by Tim
Tim, 
 
Good evening. 
Sorry about your painful NYC parking experience.  
 
Pursuant to NY Vehicle and Traffic Law, a Suburban is defined as: 
 
The term "suburban" is the term used in the NY Vehicle and Traffic Law to describe the body type of a vehicle that: 
 
has windows on the side in the rear, and 
has seats in the rear that can be folded or removed so the vehicle can carry cargo. 
 
The law defines a suburban as a vehicle that can be used to carry passengers and cargo. Vehicles that can be registered with the suburban body type include station wagons, sport utility vehicles, hearses and ambulances. The body type code for a suburban that appears on registration documents and records is SUBN. 
 
Other common body types and codes for vehicles registered in the passenger vehicle class are Sedan (SEDN), two-door sedan (2DSD) and four-door sedan (4DSD). A sedan is normally designed to carry passengers and does not have rear seats that can be folded down or removed to carry cargo." 
 
In my humble opinion, a Subaru Forester is properly listed as a Suburban ("SUBN")on you parking ticket. 
 
However a SAAB instead of Subaru is a chariot of a different color. The standard applied by parking ticket judges is that the make of a vehicle must be "reasonably accurate" for out-of-state vehicles.  
 
I would argue a SAAB isn't a reasonably accurate description for a Subaru. This is one of those "In the eye of the beholder" and will depend on the judge. A picture is worth 1000 words. 
 
Good luck. 
Best, 
 
Larry 
 
 
 
 
 
Posted @ Saturday, October 13, 2012 8:16 PM by Lawrence Berezin
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