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Chapter VI - Parking Potpourri Other Auto-Related Things to Know
Can you park in a bus stop? Yes or No? The Answer is Yes.
Pursuant to Section 4-08 a, 11, “The operator of a vehicle may temporarily stand (at a bus stop) for the purpose of expeditiously receiving and discharging passengers provided that such standing does not interfere with any bus.”
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Oversized Car in Two Meter Spots
“When a vehicle is too large to be parked within a single parking space, it shall be parked with the front section alongside the forward meter, and such forward meter shall be operated and shall determine when the lawful parking time has expired,” pursuant to Section 4-08 h, 4.
Horn for Danger Only
Think twice about blowing your horn when no danger is present. Pursuant to Section 4-12, i, horns are for danger only. No person shall sound the horn of a vehicle except when necessary to warn a person or animal of danger.
Potential Fine: Up to $800!
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Plastic Over License Plate
Pursuant to NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 402: License plates shall be kept clean and in a condition so as to be easily readable and shall not be covered by any glass or plastic material...or obstructed by any part of the vehicle or anything carried thereon. Potential Fine: $100, plus a mandatory surcharge of $25.
Many people have asked me that since this product is sold legally, why should it be illegal on my car? Well, money is a great motivator. If the company that manufactures these plastic covers didn’t sell these items, then it wouldn’t make any profits. The fact that New York State says they are illegal is unimportant to the company. This is a real case of “caveat emptor” (buyer beware). The reason why the state has outlawed these covers is simple. It reduces or eliminates the reflective property of a license plate.
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“For Sale” Sign on Windows
It is unlawful to obstruct the view of any window in your vehicle as doing so will create an unsafe condition.
Pursuant to Section 375 (1) of the NYS VTL...” The use or placing of posters or stickers on windshields or rear windows of motor vehicles other than those authorized by the commissioner of motor vehicles, is hereby prohibited.”
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Loading/Unloading When Parking is Prohibited
“When parking is prohibited by signs or rules, no person shall stop a vehicle, attended or unattended, except temporarily for the purpose of and while expeditiously receiving or discharging passengers or loading or unloading property to or from the curb” pursuant to Section 4-08, a, 4.
This allows motorists to park temporarily, while expeditiously receiving, or discharging passengers or while picking up or dropping off property from the curb.
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School “Daze”
This regulation is one of the most confusing and annoying regulations. School is open every day, even during the summer, except holidays. What the City should do is clarify the time of year school days are in effect. For example, from September 2 through June 30.
School “Daze” Defense
When school is open but classes are out for holiday or summer session, request a letter from the school on official school letterhead, indicating that there were no classes or special events that particular day. When school is open for classes, this defense won’t work.
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Improper Display of Registration, Inspection Sticker and Obscured VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Code 73, Sub-section J4 “Improper display of registration” or the Obscured VIN. These are the most banal and insipid violations ever. Issuing summonses for stickers that may be too close together or not aligned properly is absolutely preposterous.
These are ridiculous laws that are only there for one thing: so the City can collect more money in fines. Like radio talk show host Jay Diamond says, “Parking tickets are a scam and are used as a revenue producing scheme; parking tickets are not about traffic enforcement they’re about making money. In fact, this is more of a public nuisance than the squeegee men that Giuliani eliminated.” Diamond would rather have the squeegee men back. At least they give you something for your money.
Diamond goes on to say that, “There is plenty of money to pay Brownies, but no money to pay health inspectors! The City should hire more Health Inspectors and inspect the coffee carts, ice cream trucks, sandwich shops, salad bars, etc., who play fast and loose with the food we eat, violating health codes and sanitary conditions. The City would collect more money from these food inspections than from parking tickets.” I agree with Jay.
The only possible defense for these types of summonses is to take a picture and show that the stickers are actually on your car windshield or that your VIN is not obstructed. Keep in mind, though, that the inspection and registration sticker must be stuck, not taped or anything else, to the windshield.
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Inspection Expiration
The back of the Inspection Sticker indicates that the vehicle must be inspected before the date printed on the front of the sticker. Do yourself a favor. On your calendar at home or in the office, write “Car Inspection” about one week before the inspection expires. It is a simple reminder that will save you a cool $55. To remind motorists of their inspection expiration date, we have added a special feature to the Parking Pal Parking Suspension Calendar and Primer.
The Parking Pal Parking Suspension Calendar and Primer is is a real New York bargain at $5. It lists all the days in which SCR/ASP Rules are suspended, days in which LHR are in effect and all of the SAD! days on which you will most likely receive a summons. If you would like to know about these and other features, check out page 121.
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Leased Cars
Just because you lease a car rather than own it outright, does not forfeit your liability for parking tickets. When it comes to parking tickets, the City wants its money, and leasing will not stand in the way of revenue.
Leasing companies register their vehicles with the PVB, so in the event you receive a summons and decide to ignore it, you will eventually receive notice.
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