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> Got Tickets?

Your Guide to

ParkingTicket Hearings

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Helping people pay the

right amount on time.

Adjudication Division

Hello,

The New York City Department of Finance’s mission is to help people pay the “right” amount

on time. The Adjudication Division helps determine what the “right” parking ticket amount is

by providing a fair and independent forum for you to challenge your ticket. The Department

of Finance does not issue parking tickets. Finance’s job is to make sure that the agencies

responsible for issuing tickets did so correctly and to listen to your explanation of why a ticket

should not have been issued.

We want to make sure you understand the rules and that at the end of your hearing you feel

that you were treated fairly and well. This guide will help you if you decide to challenge your

ticket. It provides information that will help you present the best case possible. We describe

common defenses to most violations and what evidence is needed to support the defense

you’re claiming.

We believe that if you know what’s needed, you will better understand how our judges arrive

at their decisions and will therefore better understand the parking ticket adjudication process.

We hope you find this brochure informative and helpful. As always, we welcome your feedback.

Please visit our website, at nyc.gov/finance, to let us know what we can do to serve you better.

Best,

Martha E. Stark

Commissioner, New York City Department of Finance

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Table of Contents

Fire Hydrant Code - 40 9

Crosswalk Code - 50 10

Sidewalk Code - 51 10

Pedestrian Ramp Code - 67 11

No Parking – Except Handicap Plates/Permits Code - 27 6

Double Parking Code - 46 10

No Standing – Bus Stop Code - 19 5

No Standing – Anytime Code - 14 4

No Standing – Except Authorized Vehicle Code - 17 4

No Parking – SCR (Street Cleaning Regulation) Code - 21 6

No Parking – Anytime Code - 20 5

No Parking – Except Authorized Vehicle Code - 24 4

Expired Meter Code - 34 7

Expired Muni-Meter Code - 37 8

Failure to Display Muni-Meter Receipt Code - 38 8

Overtime Parking at a Broken/Missing Meter Code - 32 9

Registration Sticker is Missing/Expired Code - 70 11

Inspection Sticker is Missing/Expired Code - 71 12

Missing or Improperly Displayed Plates Code - 74 12

Medical Emergency 13

Location Does Not Exist 13

Disabled Vehicle 13

Authorized Vehicle 13

Lost/Stolen Plates and/or Registration Items 13

Stolen Vehicle 13

Sold/Transferred Vehicle 13

Is the ticket written correctly?

A ticket is defective when a required element

under the law is missing or misdescribed.

Defective tickets may be dismissed even if you

do not have another defense to a charged

violation. When conducting a hearing, Finance

will review recently issued summonses for

these defects and if any defects are found

Finance will dismiss the tickets.

NO STOPPING

NO STANDING

EXPIRED and

BROKEN METERS

REGISTRATION

INSPECTION and PLATES

GENERAL DEFENSES

PARKING VIOLATIONS DEFENSE CHART

FINANCE BUSINESS CENTER LOCATIONS

IF YOU WISH TO REQUEST A HEARING -BY-MAIL

NO PARKING

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Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings

Violation Code

and Description

Code-14

No Standing-Anytime

Remember

•

Only one sign is needed to cover

an entire block, even if it is posted

far away from the parked vehicle.

•

A parking zone begins at the

posted sign and continues in the

direction of the arrow to the next

posted sign or to the corner of

the block.

•

Painted yellow lines or other

markings are not an indication of

the regulated zone.

Code-17

No Standing -Except

Authorized Vehicle

Code-24

No Parking-Except

Authorized Vehicle

Remember

•

Only one sign is needed to cover

an entire block, even if it is posted

far away from the parked vehicle.

•

A parking zone begins at the posted

sign and continues in the direction

of the arrow to the next posted

sign or to the corner of the block.

•

In a no parking zone you can

unload items to the curb only.

•

Painted yellow lines or other

markings are not an indication of

the regulated zone.

Possible

Defenses

•

There was no sign anywhere on

the block.

•

The agent described the wrong

sign on the violation.

•

The officer wrote the wrong

violation on the summons.

•

I had a permit to park in this zone.

•

The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•

I was dropping off or picking

up a passenger.

•

I was not parked in violation of the

posted sign.

•

I had a permit to park in this zone.

•

There was no sign anywhere on

the block.

•

The agent described the wrong

sign on the violation.

•

The officer wrote the wrong

violation on the summons.

•

The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•

I was dropping off or picking

up a passenger.

•

I was not parked in violation of the

posted sign.

Evidence

Needed

Where the sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs, you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Where the permit holder has the

correct authorization (permit or

plates for the zone),you may submit

copies of your permit or registration.

Also,see General Defenses.

Where the permit holder has the

correct authorization (permit or

plates for the zone),you may submit

copies of your permit or registration.

Where the sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs,you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Also,see General Defenses.

Violation Code

and Description

Code-19

No Standing-Bus Stop

Remember

•

Only one sign is needed to cover

an entire block, even if it is posted

far away from the parked vehicle.

•

A parking zone begins at the posted

sign and continues in the direction

of the arrow to the next posted

sign or to the corner of the block.

•

Painted yellow lines or other

markings are not an indication of

the regulated zone.

Code-20

No Parking-Anytime

Remember

•

Only one sign is needed to cover

an entire block, even if it is posted

far away from the parked vehicle.

•

A parking zone begins at the

posted sign and continues in the

direction of the arrow to the next

posted sign or to the corner of

the block.

•

Painted yellow lines or other

markings are not an indication of

the regulated zone.

Possible

Defenses

•

There was no sign anywhere on

the block.

•The agent described the wrong

sign on the violation.

•The officer wrote the wrong

violation on the summons.

•The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

•I was not parked in violation of the

posted sign.

•There was no sign anywhere on

the block.

•The agent described the wrong

sign on the violation.

•The officer wrote the wrong

violation on the summons.

•I had a permit to park in this zone.

•The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

•I was not parked in violation of the

posted sign.

Evidence

Needed

Where the sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs, you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Also,see General Defenses.

Where the sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs,you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Where the permit holder has the

correct authorization (permit or

plates for the zone),you may

submit copies of your permit

or registration.

Also,see General Defenses.

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Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings

Violation Code

and Description

Code-21

No Parking-SCR (Street

Cleaning Regulation)

Remember

•

Only one sign is needed to cover

an entire block, even if it is posted

far away from the parked vehicle.

•

A parking zone begins at the posted

sign and continues in the direction

of the arrow to the next posted

sign or to the corner of the block.

•

Painted yellow lines or other

markings are not an indication of

the regulated zone.

•

You cannot park in violation of the

posted sign even if the street has

already been cleaned.

Code-27

No Parking-Except

Handicap Plates/Permits

Remember

•

Handicap zones are marked with

blue markings or a sign.A vehicle

may not park in this zone without

the proper permit or plates,even

if the operator or a passenger is a

disabled person.

•

The handicap parking zone begins

at the posted sign (or pavement

markings) and continues in the

direction of the arrow to the next

posted sign or blue markings.

Possible

Defenses

•

There was no sign anywhere on

the block.

•

The agent described the wrong

sign on the violation.

•

The officer wrote the wrong

violation on the summons.

•

I had a permit to park in this zone.

•

The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•

I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

•

I was not parked in violation of the

posted sign.

•

I had a handicap permit or

handicap plates on my car.

•

I was not parked in violation

of blue handicap markings or a

handicap sign.

•

The agent described the wrong

sign on the violation.

•

The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•

I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

Evidence

Needed

Where the sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs, you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Where the permit holder has the

correct authorization (permit or plates

for the zone),you may submit copies

of your permit or registration.

Also,see General Defenses.

Where the sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs,you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Also,see General Defenses.

Violation Code

and Description

Code-34

Expired Meter

Remember

•

There is no grace period permitted

to obtain change to activate the

meter.A meter or muni-meter

system must be activated

upon arrival.

•

When two or more vehicles fit into

one metered space,then all vehicles

in the metered space are required

to activate the meter.

•

Only one sign is needed to cover

an entire block, even if the sign

is posted far away from the

parked vehicle.

•

A parking zone begins at the posted

sign and continues in the direction

of the arrow to the next posted

sign or to the corner of the block.

Possible

Defenses

•

The meter was broken or fast.

•

Meter rules were not in effect on

the day I parked my car.

•

There is no meter where the

vehicle was parked.

•

There was no sign anywhere on

the block about meter regulations.

•

There was no meter on the block.

•

I had a permit to park in this zone.

•

The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•

I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

Evidence

Needed

Broken or Fast Meter-This

summons should be submitted to

the Department of Finance for

verification that the meter was not

working properly.If the meter was

malfunctioning,the violation will

be dismissed and you will receive

notification.If the report shows no

record of a meter malfunction,your

summons will be submitted for

a hearing.

In addition to a written statement,

you may also submit:

•

A photo of the meter showing it

was damaged,and/or

•

Statements of witnesses and/or

other documents to support your

claim that the meter computer was

fast or broken.

Missing Meter - If therewas no meter

computer anywhere on the block

where the vehicle was parked,you

may submit photographs that show:

•

Theentire block,cornerto corner,and

•

The address where the vehicle was

cited,and

•

Signs displaying the street name.

Where there are no signs regulating

the zone as a metered zone or where

the meter sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs,you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block,corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked,and

•

All signs front and back,and

•

The signs indicating the street name.

Where the permit holder has the

correct authorization (permit or

plates for the zone),you may submit

copies of your permit or registration.

Also,see General Defenses.

Violation Code

and Description

Code-32

Overtime Parking at a

Broken/Missing Meter

Remember

•

Only one sign is needed to cover

an entire block, even if the sign

is posted far away from the

parked vehicle.

•

A parking zone begins at the posted

sign and continues in the direction

of the arrow to the next posted

sign or to the corner of the block.

•

Painted yellow lines or other

markings are not an indication of

the regulated zone.

•

When two or more vehicles fit into

one metered space,then all vehicles

in the metered space are required

to activate the meter.

Code-40

Fire Hydrant

Remember

•

Vehicles may not park within fifteen

feet of a hydrant,even if it is broken.

•

Painted yellow lines or other

markings are not an indication of

the regulated zone.

Possible

Defenses

•

There is no meter where the

vehicle was parked.

•

There was no sign anywhere on

the block about meter regulations.

•

I had a permit to park in this zone.

•

The spot where the vehicle was

parked has conflicting regulations.

•

I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

•

I was not parked in violation of

the posted sign.

•

I left the space and came back

later to park in the same space.

•

There is no fire hydrant at the

location where the vehicle

was parked.

•

I was not parked within fifteen

feet of a fire hydrant.

•

I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

Evidence

Needed

The Traffic Rules allow parking at a

broken meter for a period not to

exceed one hour.You can park in a

missing meter space for a period of

time not to exceed the amount of

time posted at the location.

You may submit witness statements

or other documents to support your

defense that you left the space and

returned at a later point in time.

Where the sign is missing,incorrectly

stated or conflicts with neighboring

signs, you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Where the permit holder has the

correct authorization (permit or

plates for the zone),you may submit

copies of your permit or registration.

Also,see General Defenses.

When there is no fire hydrant at

the location where the vehicle was

parked, you may submit overlapping

photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

Also,see General Defenses.

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Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings

Violation Code

and Description

Code-46

Double Parking

Remember

•

Street Cleaning-Passenger plated

vehicles are not permitted to

double park in NYC on street

cleaning days.

Code-50

Crosswalk

Remember

•

A crosswalk may have painted

lines.In the absence of painted

lines,the crosswalk is the area at

an intersection within the

extensions of the sidewalk lines,

between opposite sides of

the roadway.

•

No part of a vehicle may be parked

within a crosswalk.

Code-51

Sidewalk

Remember

•

No part of a vehicle may be parked

on a sidewalk.

•

A sidewalk may be paved or

unpaved and is the area intended

for pedestrian use.

Possible

Defenses

•

I was not double parked.

•

I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

•

There is no crosswalk at the

location where the vehicle

was parked.

•

I was not parked in the crosswalk.

•

I was not parked on a sidewalk.

Evidence

Needed

•

You may submit a statement

explaining the way the vehicle

was parked.

•

You may also submit witness

statements about the way the

vehicle was parked.

Also,see General Defenses.

You may submit overlapping photo-

graphs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the street name.

You may submit your own

statement and/or witness

statements explaining the way the

vehicle was parked.

Also,see General Defenses.

You may submit your own

statement and/or witness

statements explaining the way the

vehicle was parked.

Also,see General Defenses.

Violation Code

and Description

Code-67

Pedestrian Ramp

Remember

•

Pedestrian ramps are curb ramps

installed by NYC to promote

pedestrian safety and provide

access to the streets and sidewalks.

The ramp itself is notice of the

parking regulation at the site;

signs are not required.

•

No part of a vehicle may be parked

within a pedestrian ramp.

Code-70

Registration Sticker is

Missing/Expired

Remember

•

A valid registration sticker must be

properly affixed to the vehicle

windshield.Therefore,stickers

sitting on the dashboard, in the

glove box, at home,in the mail,

etc.do not comply with the

legal requirement.

•

The registrant of the vehicle is

responsible for the vehicle’s

registration,inspection and plates

even if there is a delay in obtaining

the items from the NYS

Department of Motor Vehicles or

the US Postal Service.

•

After a summons is issued,there is

no grace period to obtain a

new registration.

Possible

Defenses

•

There is no pedestrian ramp at

the location where the vehicle

was parked.

•

I was not obstructing a

pedestrian ramp.

•

I was dropping off or picking up

a passenger.

•

The registration sticker was not

expired (or missing).

•

I have a valid

temporary registration.

•

I have a valid temporary plate.

Evidence

Needed

When there is no pedestrian ramp

at the location where the vehicle

was parked, you may submit

overlapping photographs that show:

•

The entire block, corner to corner,

including the address where the

vehicle was parked, and

•

All signs front and back, and

•

The signs indicating the

street name.

You may submit your own

statement and/or witness

statements explaining the way

the vehicle was parked.

Also,see General Defenses.

You may submit:

•

A copy of your registration receipt

to show that the registration sticker

affixed to the windshield is a valid

registration,or

•

A copy of the vehicle’s temporary

registration,or

•

A copy of the temporary plate to

support your defense that the

vehicle displayed a valid temporary

registration and plate.

Also,see General Defenses.

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Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings

Violation Code

and Description

Code-71

Inspection Sticker is

Missing/Expired

Remember

•

A current inspection sticker must

be affixed to the vehicle.Therefore,

stickers and/or plates sitting on

the dashboard, in the glove box,

etc.do not comply with the legal

requirement.

•

After a summons is issued,there

is no grace period to obtain a new

valid inspection.

Code-74

Missing or Improperly

Displayed Plates

Remember

•

For NYS registrations,both plates

must be attached,one on the front

and one on the rear of the vehicle.

They must be securely fastened so

as to prevent them from swinging,

and they should be placed,

whenever reasonably possible,no

higher than 48 inches and no lower

than 12 inches from the ground.

•

Out of state vehicles must comply

with their state regulations.

•

Plates must be kept clean and in a

readable condition and should not

be covered by glass or any plastic

material. In addition,they should

not be obstructed by any part of

the vehicle.

Possible

Defenses

•

The inspection sticker was not

expired (or missing).

•

I have a valid temporary

inspection receipt.

•

I have a valid temporary plate.

•

Both my plates were properly

attached to the vehicle.

•

Only the rear plate is required to

be attached to the vehicle.

Evidence

Needed

You may submit:

•

A copy of your inspection receipt

to show that the inspection sticker

affixed to the windshield is a

current valid inspection sticker,or

•

A copy of the vehicle’s temporary

inspection receipt,or

•

A copy of the temporary plate to

support your defense that the

vehicle displayed a valid temporary

registration and plate.

Also,see General Defenses.

You may submit a statement of

explanation and/or witness

statements about the proper

placement of the plates on the

vehicle.You may also submit a copy

of your registration stating that

only the rear plate is required to be

attached to the vehicle.

Also,see General Defenses.

GENERAL DEFENSES

Using the defenses listed below does not guarantee a dismissal of any violation.

Medical Emergency – Where you are involved in an unexpected medical emergency

affecting a human being.

You may submit:

•

Hospital or clinic emergency admission paperwork.

•

Statement from medical personnel indicating the nature of the emergency.

•

Statement from school personnel that a parent/caretaker was called to the school on a

medical emergency involving the student, etc.

Note: Planned medical appointments and procedures are not considered medical

emergencies.These appointments are not unexpected and so documentation referring

to them cannot be used for a general defense.

Location Does Not Exist

You may submit:

•

A copy of a street map, and/or

•

Verification from the U.S. Post Office, and/or

•

NYC tax information to verify that a location does not exist.

Note: This general defense is only applicable to violations that do not involve the status of

a vehicle (registrations, inspections, or plates).

Disabled Vehicle – The NYC Traffic Rules, 4-08(a) 8, require that “a vehicle that becomes

disabled must be pushed to the side of the road so that it obstructs traffic as little as

possible, and must be removed expeditiously.” The best evidence to support that the

vehicle became unexpectedly disabled is documentation indicating:

•

That the vehicle was quickly removed (usually towed) from the location, and

•

The bills/receipts showing the nature of the repairs to the vehicle.

Note: Accidentally locking one’s keys in the vehicle is not considered a valid defense. Neither

is “running out of gas.” This is because both the keys and the amount of gas in the tank are

within the control of the vehicle operator.

Authorized Vehicle

You may submit:

•

A copy of the permit (front and back) with a brief explanation of the

circumstances that caused the violation to be issued.

Note: NYS (and out-of-State) Handicap Hangtags and/or Handicap Plates are valid only in

off-street lots in areas designated by blue painted lines or markings that display the

international symbol of access. NYC on-street parking is not authorized for these hangtags

and/or plates.

Lost/Stolen Plates and/or Registration Items

•

If you are claiming that your plates or registration items were lost and/or stolen, you may

submit a copy of the police report stating that the item has been lost and/or stolen and

evidence of the prompt replacement of the item(s) from the NYS DMV or the appropriate

issuing authority.

•

If you are claiming that the vehicle that received the summons is not your vehicle, but

another car with your stolen plate(s) attached, submit this information with an explanation.

Stolen Vehicle

You may submit:

•

A copy of the police report (of theft and/or recovery), and

•

A statement from your insurance company saying that the vehicle was deleted from your

insurance policy.

Sold/Transferred Vehicle

You may submit:

•

A copy of any transfer paperwork (donation, receipt, trade-in statement, bill of sale, etc.), and

•

A statement from your insurance company saying that the vehicle was deleted from your

insurance policy, and

•

NYS DMV receipt for plates or transfer of plates.

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Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings

Parking Violations Defense Chart

There was no sign

anywhere on

the block.

> The agent described

the wrong sign on

the violation.

> The officer wrote

the wrong violation

on the summons.

> I had a permit to

park in this zone.

> The spot where the

vehicle was parked

has conflicting

regulations.

> I was dropping

off or picking up

a passenger.

> I was not parked

in violation of the

posted sign.

> Meter rules were

not in effect on the

day I parked my car.

> There is no meter

where the vehicle

was parked.

> There was no sign

anywhere on the

block about

meter regulations.

> I have a valid

temporary plate.

Defense 14 17 19 20 21 24 27 32 34 37 38 40 46 67 70 71

Codes

If You Wish to Request a Hearing-By-Mail

Return the ticket, with the top box completed and the“Not Guilty”box checked,

Attach a letter explaining why you should be found not guilty of the violation, and

Attach copies of any evidence that you wish to present.

Evidence can include,but is not limited to: testimony,photographs,repair bills, police reports,

Department of Motor Vehicles or insurance company reports,and towing bills. Please be certain

to keep copies of everything that you send to the Department of Finance for your own records.

Mail your request to:

NYC Department of Finance

Hearings By Mail Unit

P.O. Box 29021

Cadman Plaza Station

Brooklyn, NY 11202-9021

Receiving Your Decision

After reviewing your mailed submission,the Administrative Law Judge’s decision will be mailed to you.

Sign Language Interpreter Available

Finance offers sign language interpreters for in-person parking violation adjudication.

Online: Visit Finance at nyc.gov/finance to download a Request for Sign Language Interpreter application.

By Phone: Please call Customer Relations at 212 504-4080 or 311 for further details

Hours 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Monday through Friday

“Closed Public Holidays”

Manhattan Business Center

66 John Street

2nd Floor

New York, NY 10038

Bronx Business Center

3030 Third Avenue

2nd Floor

Bronx,NY 10455

Brooklyn Business Center/Brooklyn

Municipal Building

210 Joralemon Street

1st Floor

Brooklyn,NY 11201

Queens Business Center

144-06 94th Avenue

1st Floor

Jamaica,NY 11435

Staten Island Business Center

350 St.Marks Place

1st Floor

Staten Island, NY 10301

Finance Business Center Locations

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Got Tickets? Your Guide to Parking Ticket Hearings

Notes: