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?
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That's o.k. You can obtain a copy of the original from the Department of Finance
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Why is my parking ticket so important?
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There's information on the face of your ticket that may allow you to beat it!
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Can you give me an example?
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Sure. Days-hours defects. Wrong location, time of violation (am/pm box), violation code and description
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Why do I need "Supporting Documents"?
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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
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Do I have to appear in court to fight my parking ticket?
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Absolutely not. You can beat your parking ticket by mail. No court appearance is necessary
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What if I don't want to try this myself?
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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
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There are alot of people offering parking and traffic ticket solutions, what makes you stand out from the crowd?
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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. Daily Alternate Side Parking Rules in effect are found by clicking this Link . We hope this information prevents you from getting a parking or traffic ticket. If not, we're here to fight your ticket; or show you how to apply for a fine reduction on-line
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How many days do I have to enter my "not guilty" plea?
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You have 30 days from the date your parking ticket was issued
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What if I'm late?
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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
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What if I don't take any action for more than 100 days from the date my parking ticket was issued?
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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
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Is there a time limit to fight my parking ticket?
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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 judgment has been entered. I urge you to fight, settle or pay your NYC parking tickets within 30 days from the issue date.
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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.
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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
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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 130 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?
- 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?
- 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.