Helping you Fight for your parking ticket freedom!

Larry Answers Frequently Asked Questions from lawrence berezin on Vimeo. How long is a bus stop zone? Where does it end? Can I unload packages? Can I park at a broken fire hydrant? Can I leave a licensed driver behind the wheel to avoid a parking ticket? How about the grace period rule? Any other features of the grace period rule? Can I drop off or pick up a passenger in a crosswalk? Can I unload my car in my driveway, if it extends on the public sidewalk?

• What if I can't find my New York City parking ticket?

• That's o.k. You can obtain a copy of the original from the Department of Finance. Here's how to find your parking ticket online
  

• Why is my parking ticket so important?

• There's information on the face of your ticket that may allow you to beat it! These little word bites of information are called, "Required Elements"
  

• Can you give me an example?

• Sure. Plate #, Expiration Date (month, year and day if registered in NY; month, year if registered out-of-state and month and year displayed on your plate), plate type, body type, violation charged must be the parking rule displayed on the sign. (Please note for out-of-state vehicles, a "reasonable discription" of your vehicle suffices for body type, and when your plate type is not shown)
  

• Why do I need "Supporting Documents?"

• There are parking tickets you can beat with "Supporting documents". For example, you can win if you were ticketed in certain no parking zones while making a delivery with a commercial vehicle. But, you'll need an invoice or a delivery ticket to establish your defense; Or, if the expiration date is omitted, you'll need photographs of your plate attached to your vehicle, and a close up of your plate to prove your case
  

• Do I have to appear in court to fight my parking ticket?

• Absolutely not. You can beat your parking ticket by mail. No court appearance is necessary. I URGE YOU NOT TO CONTEST YOUR PARKING TICKET ONLINE!
  

• What if I don't want to try this myself?

• We hear you! New York Parking Ticket has over 5 years experience beating or reducing penalties for parking tickets.  Feel free to put our experience to work for you

• There are alot of people offering parking and traffic ticket solutions, what makes you stand out from the crowd?
  

• Our mission is to encourage you to fight when you're RIGHT. We provide our visitors with valuable parking and traffic ticket information from top experts in their specialties. NY Traffic Ticket makes things easy for you when you receive a traffic violation. Who else can you call, Email, submit a question, read more than 200 blog posts about every aspect of NYC parking tickets, or ask to fight your parking ticket and trust?

• Is there a way to find out the days alternate side parking rules are in effect?
  

•  Daily Alternate Side Parking Rules in effect are found by clicking this Link .
  

• How many days do I have to enter my "not guilty" plea?

• You have 30 days from the date your parking ticket was issued

• What if I'm late?

• You can still plead not guilty, but a $10 penalty will be imposed.  Don't delay, addtional penalties will be added on until a judgment by default is entered

• What if I don't take any action for more than 100 days from the date my parking ticket was issued?
  

• You're at risk to have a default judgment entered against you. It will  include the fine and $60 worth of penalties. Plus, your car can be towed, if your fine and penalties total more than $101.00
  

• Is there a time limit to fight my parking ticket?

• YES. NYC will enter a judgement by default against you after 100 days. You can still dispute a parking ticket up until one (1) year from the date of default judgment. But, it is much more difficult to fight your parking ticket after a default judgment has been entered. Here is a link to the form you must complete, with supporting documents. Request for Hearing after Judgment. I urge you to fight, settle or pay your NYC parking tickets within 30 days from the issue date. 

• Can I stop or stand in a no parking zone, if I'm driving my private auto?

• Yes. As long as you are dropping-off or picking-up a passenger.  You may also load or unload your personal property to or from the curb IN A NO PARKING ZONE, ONLY.

• Can I park a commercial vehicle in a no parking zone?

• Yes, as long as you are making an expeditious service call or delivery. Expeditious means 30 minutes or less

• It's been more than 100 days since my parking ticket was issued, and a judgment has been entered against me. Is there anything you can do to help?

• We are sorry to say...very little. You can request a hearing after judgment. In order to persuade a Judge to vacate the default judgment, the parking law requires you to demonstrate "excusable neglect," and a "substantial defense" to the violation. You'll find a list of acceptable excuses on the Request for Hearing after Judgment Application

• If I fight my parking ticket and lose, can I still apply for a reduced fine?

• Nope.  Once you decide to fight your parking ticket, rather than accept a reduced fine in exchange for pleading GUILTY, the decision of the judge is final (you may appeal the decision).  No mulligans in the world of NYC parking tickets.

• Can I obtain an on-line reduction of my parking ticket fine?
  

• Yes. Here is a link to a slide show which will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a fine reduction on-line

• There are over 500 articles published on Larry's Blog.  How do I find the information I'm searching for?

• Easy. You have 2 choices. (1) Navigate to Larry's Blog. Scroll down the page. On the right side of the page, you will come to "Browse by Tag" (Index to Larry's Blog). All of the articles on listed by tag, in alphabetical order. Or, (2) Use the customized GOOGLE SEARCH browser on the right side of the page. Plug in any keyword, or ask any parking related question and click enter on your keyboard. All the articles on the subject will magically appear.

• What's all this fuss about omitted, misdescribed and illegible required elements?

• If you did the crime, you do not have to pay the fine, when a warrior makes a mistake on the front of your parking ticket. If there is an omitted, misdescribed or illegible required element. YOU WIN!

• How do I respond to a notice from the DOF requesting payment of a parking ticket I already paid?

• Before you contact Finance, first check the ticket numbers on each notice against your records. If the ticket numbers on the notice match your records of payments  Take your evidence to any Business Center, or send a letter of explanation, along with your proof of payment to the address below. Submit copies, not originals, including the front and back of your canceled check, canceled money order stub, your payment receipt, disposition slip, hearing decision, or stamped printout. Send them to:

New York City Department of Finance
Paid Summons Claim Unit
P.O. Box 29021
Cadman Plaza Station
Brooklyn, NY 11202-9021

If the ticket numbers do not match
Respond timely by paying or challenging any outstanding ticket indicated in the notice. Visit the Pay a Parking Ticket page for payment options.  If you believe a notice for any ticket was sent in error, call 311 or Contact Finance.

• Can I park at a broken Muni-Meter?

• "When a Muni-Meter is out-of order, it will flash a red light, and the display message will read 'machine out of order.' The motorist is required to purchase a parking receipt from the next nearest Muni-Meter on the same block or within the same Municipal Lot. If all Muni-Meters on the block are broken or missing, New York City law permits motorists to park for the time duration posted on the block side signage" (NYC_DOT Website, F.A.Q.)

• A terrific lady asks a great question, "Can I erase a parking ticket for failure to display a valid inspection sticker by getting my car inspected the next day, and mailing in a photo of the valid inspection sticker properly attached to my windshield?

• Kathy, it is with a heavy heart I report there are no mulligans in the world of NYC parking tickets. The instant your vehicle appears on a NYC street with an expired inspection sticker, it is dead sticker walking. If you're caught by a warrior and issued a parking ticket, there is no grace period, or eraser.

• Can I stop temporarily in a crosswalk to discharge or receive a passenger?

• No way Jose.

• Why are some parking fines higher in Manhattan than in the other Boroughs?

• 4-08(a)(11) empowers the Parking Violations Bureau to establish a separate fine schedule for violations committed in the "restricted" area.  The restricted area means all of Manhattan, south from the north building line on 96th Street but excluding all of Central Park. 

• I understand a 5 minute grace period went into effect on March 21, 2010. What does it cover?

• Effective March 21, 2010, drivers will get a 5-minute grace period past the expired time on Muni-Meter receipts, Alternate Side Parking signs, and any other parking spaces with specific times listed (eg. 8:30am - 9:30am). During the 5-minute grace period, parking tickets cannot be issued.

• How long is the statute of limitations for a NYC parking ticket? 
• 8 years, 3 months from the date your parking ticket was issued
  

• If a curb is painted yellow, can I still park there?
• Absolutely! A painted curb in NYC means nothing, zero, zilch...I promise
• What is an Article 78 Petition? Is there a time limit to file? 
• Here is a link to a great Guide to Article 78 Petitions. The time limit to file is 120 days. 
• Can you get a reduction for parking tickets in judgment?
• Nope. You would have to file a Request for Hearing after Judgment Application. If granted, you can either fight or apply for a reduction of your parking ticket

• What if the meter is broken or running fast?
  
• A broken meter may - or may not - absolve you from liability in a parking violation. At a broken meter (one that is not working at all or is too fast) parking is allowed for the maximum time lawfully allowed at that meter (an hour for a 1-hour meter, two hours for a 2-hour meter, etc.). If you were issued a ticket for an expired meter violation and the meter was broken, you must send your plea of "Not Guilty" to a different claim unit so that your claim can be substantiated.

Check "Broken Meter" in the third box at the bottom of the back of the ticket. This is an administrative claim, not a request for a hearing. Send the ticket to:

NYC Department of Finance Meter Unit
P.O. Box 29021
Cadman Plaza Station
Brooklyn, NY 11202-9021

• If your meter claim is valid, the ticket will be dismissed.
• If your meter claim is denied, it will automatically be put in for a hearing on the ticket. If you have other evidence for an additional defense, you should send copies of that with your original meter claim

• I understand there is a New Handicap Meter Parking Penalty Waiver for Non-New York City Residents

• Residents living outside of the five boroughs, who are issued the new Meter Permit Waivers For People With Disabilities by New York State, may use them within New York City.  New York City does not issue the waivers.  The law permitting the waivers was signed on July 18, 2007 and went into effect on January 18, 2008.  NYS Metered Parking Waiver Information and Application

• How do I secure a REFUND of my parking violation?

 

• Finance will automatically issue a refund of parking fine overpayments within thirty days. Most vehicle owners will not need to file an application to claim a refund. A check will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle and mailed to the address on file. However, if an individual other than the registered owner made the payment, he or she must file a Parking Violations Refund Form. 11/9/06

Parking Violations Refund Form (19k)
Request a Refund Online

• Is it EVER legal to park in a school zone?
• Parking in a School Zone

"Parking is allowed in school zones when school is in recess. However, motorists should be aware that specific schools may be open on holidays and during summer vacations, and parking restrictions would remain in effect. If schools have summer sessions or are open for teacher meetings or similar activities, even if students are not attending, the parking regulations apply on such days. Individuals should contact specific schools to verify that they are in recess. To contact an individual school, call 311 and ask for the "Find a School" service; they will provide you with the school's telephone number. For TTY deaf and hearing-impaired, dial 212-504-4115. If you are calling from outside the five boroughs, dial 212-NEW-YORK" [Source: DOF Website].

If I request a hearing contesting my parking ticket, can the NYC DOF continue to assess penalties?

NO. Once the DOF receives your request for hearing, no additional penalties are added to your base fine.  The time spent waiting does not count towards the number of days payment is due (or overdue). 

Hi Larry,

Where can I find a reference to legal pedestrian ramps on the DOT website?

Here you go. Follow this link

Or, This link to another DOT webpage containing the information you requested.

Good luck.

Larry

Larry,

How do I fight a parking ticket for a missing meter? Is it the same as fighting a parking ticket for a broken meter? 

When a meter is missing, parking is allowed for the maximum time on the posted sign (an hour for a 1-hour meter, two hours for a 2-hour meter, etc.). Missing meter claims are processed as hearing requests and not like broken meters, which are processed as administrative claims.

Larry,

I am a little confused. What is a summons number?

It is the 10 digit number found along the border of the parking ticket. It is important to refer to this number when paying or contesting a NYC parkiang ticket.

Larry,

I can't believe this happened to me. I parked legally, went to work, came back, and a new, different parking sign was installed. I was issued a parking ticket based upon the new parking sign. Is there anything I can do?

Absolutely! There is a relatively new law that gives the driving/parking public a get outa jail free card, if they are issued a parking ticket within 5 days of the installation of a new parking sign. Read more... 

Josh...Good morning. You are permitted to park commercial vehicles overnight in areas zoned commercial, subject to the rule that limits parking in the same space for more than 3 hours. Here's a link to the information you're looking for

Josh's follow up question...

How do you tell a commercial district?

 Larry's reply

Josh, I think this link will help...Commercial Zoning Districts

Larry,

How do I display a muni-meter receipt on my motor cycle?

Thanks,

Sam

Great question, Sam.

According to the DOT, "Like other motorists, motorcyclists using Pay and Display Muni-Meters, must display their receipt on their vehicle. To prevent theft or damage to the receipt, DOT recommends using clear plastic holders attached to the motorcycle with a lock or other mechanism. Devices made especially for this purpose can be found in specialty stores. "

Good luck,

Larry

Larry,

Am I permitted to park my tractor-trailer on a residential street between 9P and 5A?

Thanks,

Ted

Ted,

Parking tickets are now being issued for parking tractor-trailers on residential streets between 9 PM and 5 AM. The initial fine is $265, but any additional tickets issued to the same owner within a six-month period are $515 each.

Be careful out there, Ted.

Larry

Do I have a choice in the method I use to pay a NYC parking ticket?

Yes.

Pay Online
Use your credit or debit card. There is a $2.00 per ticket service fee. Note: All payments must be in US currency.

Pay by Mail
Follow the instructions on the back of the ticket. Respond early enough to allow for mail delivery. Finance must receive your response to the ticket by the 30th day from the date the ticket was issued.

• Do not send cash. Enclose a check or money order for the full amount indicated on the front of the ticket. Make your payment to “NYC Department of Finance,” and put the ticket number, your license plate number, and the state of the vehicle registration on the front of your payment. NOTE: All payments must be in US currency.

• Some envelopes issued with the computerized parking tickets only have 9 boxes on the front to enter the 10-digit ticket number. Just add the 10th number after the 9th box.

• Mail payment to:

New York City Department of Finance
Parking Violations
PO Box 2127
Peck Slip Station
New York, NY 10272-2127

Pay by phone - 1-212-504-4041
You can use your MasterCard/VISA debit or credit card, American Express, or Discover credit card (US currency only). There is a $2.00 per ticket service fee.

Pay in person
Visit any Finance Business Center and pay by: cash, check, money order, MasterCard/American Express/Discover credit cards, or your debit card. Note: All payments must be in US currency. There is a $2.00 per ticket service fee when paying with a debit or credit card.

Are there cameras taking pictures of my car in a bus lane? Or, driving through a red light?

Red Light Camera Program
The Red Light Camera Program photographs vehicles going through red lights at selected intersections.

Bus Lane Camera Program
The Bus Lane Camera Program films vehicles that drive, park or stand in bus lanes. Signs are posted where bus lane cameras are in use to warn drivers to keep out of bus lanes, except for allowed right turns and passenger pick-ups or drop-offs.

Operators of vehicles filmed going through red traffic lights or driving, parking or standing in bus lanes are sent a Notice of Liability (NOL) approximately 30 days after the violation. The operator has 30 days from the NOL date to respond.

The NYC Department of Finance is responsible for collecting and processing payments of these violations as well as holding hearings for drivers who wish to dispute the Notices of Liability they receive.

We receive valuable information and insights from parking experts. One of the parking ticket mysteries for the ages is, "How do you determine whether you can park your commercial vehicle overnight (Actually 3 hours-unless engaged in a nearby business activitiy) at a specific location. Here's a terrific answer chock full of valuable resources and info:

"Instead of going to the zoning maps which are hard to navigate go to NYC Map Portal. When you type in the address from the summons you get all sorts of great info about the property, including it's zoning. The only zone you can't park in is one with an "R" for residential. All others are OK fro less than 3 hours (C, C1, C2, C# & son and M's) However if you are engage in commercial activity during these night time hours or if your vehicle is registered to a HVAC company you may park on a residential street."

 

Larry, is it true the NYC parking ticket fine reduction/settlement program is scheduled to end in January 2012?

I am sorry to say, YES. Justice versus money...Money wins by a mile.

 

Larry,

How many ways can you pay a NYC parking ticket?

You can pay your NYC parking ticket:

• Online
• By mail
• In person
• By telephone-Pay by phone - 1-212-504-4041
  You can use your MasterCard/VISA debit or credit card, American Express, or Discover credit card (US currency only). There is a $2.00 per ticket service fee.

Larry,

Will a "reduced" parking ticket show up on the NYC DOF website?

Great question. Here's how the process works. You absolutely can apply for a fine reduction online at the NYC DOF website. After you agree to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced fine, you have 30 days to pay. In the interim, if you search for your parking ticket on the DOF website after you've agreed to accept the reduced fine, your ticket will appear marked "Adm. reduction" until you pay your fine.

Penalties will still acrue, and if you don't pay your fine, judgment will be entered on the ticket. However, if you pay prior to judgment, the accrued penalties will be eliminated.

You may wish to check out our "Resources" page. It has a link and instructions.

According to the DOF, the fine reduction is going to be terminated with extreme prejudice sometime in January 2012. Bah humbug.

Larry,

Has the DOF announced the specific date of termination of the settlement program? Dan

Dan,

I am sorry to say, YES. The settlement program will end on January 31, 2012. BUT, there is a new, "Fine Reduction Program" offering a reduced fine under very limited circumstances. Here's a link to a blog post explaining all of this.

Larry,

Was the settlement program ended?

Thanks...Bill

Bill,

The Evil Empire ends the NYC parking ticket settlement program today, January 31, 2012. "Say it ain't so, Joe." I am sorry to say, it is so.

Larry