got a parking ticket right in front of my house!
- Thread starter mpvue
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Originally Posted By: SinisterK9
Originally Posted By: mpvue
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Measure the corner from the centerline of the road. You've probably got 12-15 feet of lane to go through first.
in all seriousness look for GIS data on your city's website, it shows every drain pipe, manhole, etc and may give you a clue.
Also demand details on the cop's measuring tape, how he/she sticks the "tang" on the opposite end so it doesn't slither back etc. If it's eyeballed ask to have the charges dropped for insufficient evidence.
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
I'm going to ask directly, as to not put any words in your mouth. Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
yes, but the ticket does not state 20' is the standard, it just states 'too close to corner'. as to the exact measurement, I will need to look at my cell phone picture to get exactly where I was parked. I only got the 20' thing from my wife when she called the police dept.
I might also say, the corners that ARE painted yellow, are NOT 20', they are usually only about 6-8'.
thanks for asking, I started the thread to get the wonderful varied responses of the BITOG community.
Originally Posted By: mpvue
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Measure the corner from the centerline of the road. You've probably got 12-15 feet of lane to go through first.
in all seriousness look for GIS data on your city's website, it shows every drain pipe, manhole, etc and may give you a clue.
Also demand details on the cop's measuring tape, how he/she sticks the "tang" on the opposite end so it doesn't slither back etc. If it's eyeballed ask to have the charges dropped for insufficient evidence.
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
I'm going to ask directly, as to not put any words in your mouth. Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
yes, but the ticket does not state 20' is the standard, it just states 'too close to corner'. as to the exact measurement, I will need to look at my cell phone picture to get exactly where I was parked. I only got the 20' thing from my wife when she called the police dept.
I might also say, the corners that ARE painted yellow, are NOT 20', they are usually only about 6-8'.
thanks for asking, I started the thread to get the wonderful varied responses of the BITOG community.
One word. Revenue producer $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Fight it man.........
Fight it man.........
If the ticket says parked in the yellow and there is no yellow on that corner, the cops credibility is already eroded a bit.
Like I said earlier, find out what the legal distance is. I googled your town and their ordinances are online. I would assume the Penn vehicle code is also on line.
If the cop screwed up on claiming a yellow curb violation and and there was no yellow curb and didn't bother to write down a city ordinance number of vehicle code number you are even better off.
Whatever you do, don't talk to the police and try and reason with them. If the cop messed up, they will be in face saving mode and make something up to make them look semi-competent. If you take it to court, don't expect the cop to tell the truth. Many do, but you can't count on it.
Many places you are entitled to a copy of both sides the cops version of the ticket. Sometimes they write notes on the back side of the ticket. You normally request that through the court, don't ask the police for it.
Like I said earlier, find out what the legal distance is. I googled your town and their ordinances are online. I would assume the Penn vehicle code is also on line.
If the cop screwed up on claiming a yellow curb violation and and there was no yellow curb and didn't bother to write down a city ordinance number of vehicle code number you are even better off.
Whatever you do, don't talk to the police and try and reason with them. If the cop messed up, they will be in face saving mode and make something up to make them look semi-competent. If you take it to court, don't expect the cop to tell the truth. Many do, but you can't count on it.
Many places you are entitled to a copy of both sides the cops version of the ticket. Sometimes they write notes on the back side of the ticket. You normally request that through the court, don't ask the police for it.
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2002
- Messages
- 39,798
Quote:
Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
No ..you're injecting the assumption that a reasonable person would perceive it that way. He measured it and found that a FACTUAL person with measurement aids could determine that he didn't have the 20' in the code.
Quote:
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
Not from my seat
You're spinning it as though you want him to take the fine and feel shameful and "unclean" if he doesn't do it.
However ....
Quote:
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
4' mentioned on the ticket ...you, coincidentally being 4' inside the 20' legal limit.
As was mentioned, just show the image (make sure it can be determined that you're actually taking an image of the corner in question) without the yellow markings.
Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
No ..you're injecting the assumption that a reasonable person would perceive it that way. He measured it and found that a FACTUAL person with measurement aids could determine that he didn't have the 20' in the code.
Quote:
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
Not from my seat
However ....
Quote:
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
4' mentioned on the ticket ...you, coincidentally being 4' inside the 20' legal limit.
As was mentioned, just show the image (make sure it can be determined that you're actually taking an image of the corner in question) without the yellow markings.
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
No ..you're injecting the assumption that a reasonable person would perceive it that way. He measured it and found that a FACTUAL person with measurement aids could determine that he didn't have the 20' in the code.
Quote:
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
Not from my seat
You're spinning it as though you want him to take the fine and feel shameful and "unclean" if he doesn't do it.
However ....
Quote:
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
4' mentioned on the ticket ...you, coincidentally being 4' inside the 20' legal limit.
As was mentioned, just show the image (make sure it can be determined that you're actually taking an image of the corner in question) without the yellow markings.
The perception of most things within the law is based on a hypothetical reasonably thinking person. Thus my statement. I am not suggesting he just take the ticket. I am suggesting that he fight the ticket if he didn't commit the violation. However if he was inside 20 feet, and that's what he was cited for, then he did in fact commit the violation.
If he wants to lie, like someone mentioned earlier and say it wasn't his car, that's his choice. If he wants to argue about the "yellow", that is also his choice. But, as with life, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
In this case, be prepared to answer the judge's questions. When it's all said and done, the judge might just ask you a simple question such as "Sir, were you parked within 20 feet"? If he answers truthfully, he can expect a ticket. If at any time during pleading his case, he happens to admit that he was within 20 feet, it is probably over.
As for the yellow issue, that may or may not work. If any of you have sat in on traffic court for an extended period of time, you are probably aware that contrary to popular belief, small mistakes on a traffic ticket do not always equal the ticket being null and void. That is, so long as the spirit and intent of the ticket is correct, and no ones rights are being violated. But, to be fair, sometimes they do overturn them. So if thats your ammo, then give it a shot. Take your camera pic in there too. It may work, then again it may not, as there is no way for the judge to verify that the picture was taken where or when you claim it was in relation to the traffic citation location.
My opinion (if you plan to fight it) is to go in there, leave emotion at the door, and speak clearly and concisely. Plead your case on a factual basis, and use any and all supporting evidence you have.
Good luck to you.
And yes I am biased towards police officers.
I have 9.5 years military law enforcement, and 5 year civilian law enforcement. But I also recognize the fact that police are people like everyone else, and we have plenty of douche bags in our ranks just like everyone else.
Quote:
Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
No ..you're injecting the assumption that a reasonable person would perceive it that way. He measured it and found that a FACTUAL person with measurement aids could determine that he didn't have the 20' in the code.
Quote:
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
Not from my seat
However ....
Quote:
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
4' mentioned on the ticket ...you, coincidentally being 4' inside the 20' legal limit.
As was mentioned, just show the image (make sure it can be determined that you're actually taking an image of the corner in question) without the yellow markings.
The perception of most things within the law is based on a hypothetical reasonably thinking person. Thus my statement. I am not suggesting he just take the ticket. I am suggesting that he fight the ticket if he didn't commit the violation. However if he was inside 20 feet, and that's what he was cited for, then he did in fact commit the violation.
If he wants to lie, like someone mentioned earlier and say it wasn't his car, that's his choice. If he wants to argue about the "yellow", that is also his choice. But, as with life, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
In this case, be prepared to answer the judge's questions. When it's all said and done, the judge might just ask you a simple question such as "Sir, were you parked within 20 feet"? If he answers truthfully, he can expect a ticket. If at any time during pleading his case, he happens to admit that he was within 20 feet, it is probably over.
As for the yellow issue, that may or may not work. If any of you have sat in on traffic court for an extended period of time, you are probably aware that contrary to popular belief, small mistakes on a traffic ticket do not always equal the ticket being null and void. That is, so long as the spirit and intent of the ticket is correct, and no ones rights are being violated. But, to be fair, sometimes they do overturn them. So if thats your ammo, then give it a shot. Take your camera pic in there too. It may work, then again it may not, as there is no way for the judge to verify that the picture was taken where or when you claim it was in relation to the traffic citation location.
My opinion (if you plan to fight it) is to go in there, leave emotion at the door, and speak clearly and concisely. Plead your case on a factual basis, and use any and all supporting evidence you have.
Good luck to you.
And yes I am biased towards police officers.
I have 9.5 years military law enforcement, and 5 year civilian law enforcement. But I also recognize the fact that police are people like everyone else, and we have plenty of douche bags in our ranks just like everyone else.
Originally Posted By: SinisterK9
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
No ..you're injecting the assumption that a reasonable person would perceive it that way. He measured it and found that a FACTUAL person with measurement aids could determine that he didn't have the 20' in the code.
Quote:
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
Not from my seat
You're spinning it as though you want him to take the fine and feel shameful and "unclean" if he doesn't do it.
However ....
Quote:
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
4' mentioned on the ticket ...you, coincidentally being 4' inside the 20' legal limit.
As was mentioned, just show the image (make sure it can be determined that you're actually taking an image of the corner in question) without the yellow markings.
The perception of most things within the law is based on a hypothetical reasonably thinking person. Thus my statement. I am not suggesting he just take the ticket. I am suggesting that he fight the ticket if he didn't commit the violation. However if he was inside 20 feet, and that's what he was cited for, then he did in fact commit the violation.
If he wants to lie, like someone mentioned earlier and say it wasn't his car, that's his choice. If he wants to argue about the "yellow", that is also his choice. But, as with life, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
In this case, be prepared to answer the judge's questions. When it's all said and done, the judge might just ask you a simple question such as "Sir, were you parked within 20 feet"? If he answers truthfully, he can expect a ticket. If at any time during pleading his case, he happens to admit that he was within 20 feet, it is probably over.
As for the yellow issue, that may or may not work. If any of you have sat in on traffic court for an extended period of time, you are probably aware that contrary to popular belief, small mistakes on a traffic ticket do not always equal the ticket being null and void. That is, so long as the spirit and intent of the ticket is correct, and no ones rights are being violated. But, to be fair, sometimes they do overturn them. So if thats your ammo, then give it a shot. Take your camera pic in there too. It may work, then again it may not, as there is no way for the judge to verify that the picture was taken where or when you claim it was in relation to the traffic citation location.
My opinion (if you plan to fight it) is to go in there, leave emotion at the door, and speak clearly and concisely. Plead your case on a factual basis, and use any and all supporting evidence you have.
Good luck to you.
And yes I am biased towards police officers.
I have 9.5 years military law enforcement, and 5 year civilian law enforcement. But I also recognize the fact that police are people like everyone else, and we have plenty of douche bags in our ranks just like everyone else.
wow, this is a long quote!
I understand your point and agree. I have no intent on fudging the facts. they are claiming something that isn't true (on a non-existent yellow, and 4ft from corner). I don't appreciate the lying.I feel violated, someone from downtown coming up into my neighborhood, all of a sudden deciding they don't like the way we park! I know, that's silly, it just feels that way.
I'll take tickets when I deserve them, but this one is out of line.
my wife asked for a copy of the supposed 20 foot standard, let's see if it shows up.
Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
Is it my understanding, that by your statement, which I have quoted, that you believe you car WAS parked short of 20 feet in reference to what a reasonable person would consider the corner?
No ..you're injecting the assumption that a reasonable person would perceive it that way. He measured it and found that a FACTUAL person with measurement aids could determine that he didn't have the 20' in the code.
Quote:
I'm not being insulting or accusatory or anything. I'm just asking a question.
Not from my seat
However ....
Quote:
I measured it tonight, there is NO WAY they actually measured anything.
the ticket says:
"on yellow"
"4 ft from corner"
1st off, there is NO YELLOW on this corner. 2nd, from my bumper, the curb is straight for EIGHT FEET before the curve starts. and, from my bumper to the imagined 'corner' there is SIXTEEN FEET.
so, it's not the supposed 20', but it is certainly more than 4 ft. the 20' is unenforceable in this town. if they did, they would have a parking rebellion because there just wouldn't be enough parking for everyone. I take issue with the arbitrariness of the enforcement, and the obvious reliance on 'eyeballing' it.
4' mentioned on the ticket ...you, coincidentally being 4' inside the 20' legal limit.
As was mentioned, just show the image (make sure it can be determined that you're actually taking an image of the corner in question) without the yellow markings.
The perception of most things within the law is based on a hypothetical reasonably thinking person. Thus my statement. I am not suggesting he just take the ticket. I am suggesting that he fight the ticket if he didn't commit the violation. However if he was inside 20 feet, and that's what he was cited for, then he did in fact commit the violation.
If he wants to lie, like someone mentioned earlier and say it wasn't his car, that's his choice. If he wants to argue about the "yellow", that is also his choice. But, as with life, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
In this case, be prepared to answer the judge's questions. When it's all said and done, the judge might just ask you a simple question such as "Sir, were you parked within 20 feet"? If he answers truthfully, he can expect a ticket. If at any time during pleading his case, he happens to admit that he was within 20 feet, it is probably over.
As for the yellow issue, that may or may not work. If any of you have sat in on traffic court for an extended period of time, you are probably aware that contrary to popular belief, small mistakes on a traffic ticket do not always equal the ticket being null and void. That is, so long as the spirit and intent of the ticket is correct, and no ones rights are being violated. But, to be fair, sometimes they do overturn them. So if thats your ammo, then give it a shot. Take your camera pic in there too. It may work, then again it may not, as there is no way for the judge to verify that the picture was taken where or when you claim it was in relation to the traffic citation location.
My opinion (if you plan to fight it) is to go in there, leave emotion at the door, and speak clearly and concisely. Plead your case on a factual basis, and use any and all supporting evidence you have.
Good luck to you.
And yes I am biased towards police officers.
I have 9.5 years military law enforcement, and 5 year civilian law enforcement. But I also recognize the fact that police are people like everyone else, and we have plenty of douche bags in our ranks just like everyone else.
wow, this is a long quote!
I understand your point and agree. I have no intent on fudging the facts. they are claiming something that isn't true (on a non-existent yellow, and 4ft from corner). I don't appreciate the lying.I feel violated, someone from downtown coming up into my neighborhood, all of a sudden deciding they don't like the way we park! I know, that's silly, it just feels that way.
I'll take tickets when I deserve them, but this one is out of line.
my wife asked for a copy of the supposed 20 foot standard, let's see if it shows up.
I just found the PA vehicle code online, here:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter33.pdf
there is a line that says no parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; I guess (maybe?) that is open to interpretation of what constitutes a crosswalk. there isn't any marked crosswalk at that intersection.
regardless, I'm expecting a notice to appear in court (well, my wife actually, it's our family car, registered in her name).
thanks for all the viewpoints.
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter33.pdf
there is a line that says no parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; I guess (maybe?) that is open to interpretation of what constitutes a crosswalk. there isn't any marked crosswalk at that intersection.
regardless, I'm expecting a notice to appear in court (well, my wife actually, it's our family car, registered in her name).
thanks for all the viewpoints.
Your feelings are not strange about someone "coming up into your neighborhood". Even if the ticket didn't have the mistakes you claim and it was 100% correct, you would probably still be [censored] off about it, because its so close to your house.
Realistically, the location in reference to your house doesn't have anything to do with anything when you really think about it. But again, your feeling is normal.
In general, people don't like the police, unless they are directly performing a service for them, in their favor. They really don't like them when they are being ticketed. And they certainly don't like it when they feel bothered at home.
If you feel you were wronged, by all means fight the ticket. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Keep in mind, in most places the police are not obligated to provide you with a copy of the state, federal, or local laws. Typically they simply have to inform you what you are being cited for or charged with. But if they are willing to do so, then good for them.
I sincerely wish you good luck, and whichever way it goes, I hope justice is served.
Realistically, the location in reference to your house doesn't have anything to do with anything when you really think about it. But again, your feeling is normal.
In general, people don't like the police, unless they are directly performing a service for them, in their favor. They really don't like them when they are being ticketed. And they certainly don't like it when they feel bothered at home.
If you feel you were wronged, by all means fight the ticket. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Keep in mind, in most places the police are not obligated to provide you with a copy of the state, federal, or local laws. Typically they simply have to inform you what you are being cited for or charged with. But if they are willing to do so, then good for them.
I sincerely wish you good luck, and whichever way it goes, I hope justice is served.
thanks for your help, I appreciate it.
did I mention, the police don't do the parking enforcement; they have some flunky in a 'parking enforcement' marked crown vic doing it. I don't beleive he/she is actually a 'officer'.
I like the police in my neighborhood, wish htey were around more in fact, to crack (pardon the pun) down on the drug dealing going on.
did I mention, the police don't do the parking enforcement; they have some flunky in a 'parking enforcement' marked crown vic doing it. I don't beleive he/she is actually a 'officer'.
I like the police in my neighborhood, wish htey were around more in fact, to crack (pardon the pun) down on the drug dealing going on.
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2002
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- 39,798
We have a dedicated parking enforcement officer. It was usually reserved for a law enforcement officer who would otherwise retire or there wasn't enough room in terms of desk duty. It's one of the reasons (I think) that many departments grow without apparent cause in increased population. They usually try and find other borough jobs for them ..but there's only so many of those. Some turn into dog officers or water meter readers ..some become constables.
Now the parking officer can pencil whip out a violation quicker than you can get in your car and start it. He/she is absolutely quantifiable in ROI at the local level. They have to pay for themselves.
No one minds the police in our town. They're not punitive in any policy type of way. Now if you bring them social issues that could be resolved by being "a reasonable person" ..then they tend to channel the person into situations that make self resolution the easier path. Domestic/neighbor disputes usually fall into this type of "counselor with a badge" situation. It's sorta like filing a grievance or complaining about company policy violations at work. You may be right, but it will cost you in the seeking of what you've determined is justice.
Now the parking officer can pencil whip out a violation quicker than you can get in your car and start it. He/she is absolutely quantifiable in ROI at the local level. They have to pay for themselves.
No one minds the police in our town. They're not punitive in any policy type of way. Now if you bring them social issues that could be resolved by being "a reasonable person" ..then they tend to channel the person into situations that make self resolution the easier path. Domestic/neighbor disputes usually fall into this type of "counselor with a badge" situation. It's sorta like filing a grievance or complaining about company policy violations at work. You may be right, but it will cost you in the seeking of what you've determined is justice.
Mpvue, IIRC, your ticket didn't mention a crosswalk, so if it isn't on the ticket, don't bring it up in court.
If the cop brings it up, tell the judge that isn't what you were cited for, stick to the facts and don't let the cop get away with making up violations in court that weren't on the ticket. Your pictures should show that there was no marked cross walk, (assuming there wasn't) but don't you bring it up unless the cop tries to change his charge to parking too close to a cross walk. Don't you or your wife talk to the cops again. That is like telling the opposing football team what your game plan is.
Be respectful and stick to the facts, Judges tend to side with the cops, but most have some integrity and will toss out a ticket that is flagrantly incorrect.
If the cop brings it up, tell the judge that isn't what you were cited for, stick to the facts and don't let the cop get away with making up violations in court that weren't on the ticket. Your pictures should show that there was no marked cross walk, (assuming there wasn't) but don't you bring it up unless the cop tries to change his charge to parking too close to a cross walk. Don't you or your wife talk to the cops again. That is like telling the opposing football team what your game plan is.
Be respectful and stick to the facts, Judges tend to side with the cops, but most have some integrity and will toss out a ticket that is flagrantly incorrect.
well, this 'saga' has come to an end. short version: judge dismissed the ticket. long version (mind you, I didn't go to court, my wife did, and she just summarized over the phone): the ticket lady showed up w/ cops, they stated the case, my wife stated hers, and the judge basically said, be careful next time, don't park too close to the corner.
the cop took the opportunity to try to intimidate my wife afterwards; he told her outside that although she did her research, she was wrong. she said there isn't a marked crosswalk; he said there doesn't have to be.
so, I live in a town that arbitralily applies parking regulations. without any street markings or signs, I have no choice but to park as far away from the corner as possible, since there is no telling when they might decide to interpret the law as saying I'm 'too close'.
parking is at a real premium now; a long vacant rental across the street was recently rehabed, so there are at least 4 more cars on the block now.
the cop took the opportunity to try to intimidate my wife afterwards; he told her outside that although she did her research, she was wrong. she said there isn't a marked crosswalk; he said there doesn't have to be.
so, I live in a town that arbitralily applies parking regulations. without any street markings or signs, I have no choice but to park as far away from the corner as possible, since there is no telling when they might decide to interpret the law as saying I'm 'too close'.
parking is at a real premium now; a long vacant rental across the street was recently rehabed, so there are at least 4 more cars on the block now.
- Joined
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Parking turf wars. Most troublesome when snow comes around. Luckily, having jeeps, I just don't shovel. That deters any squatting on shoveled space. You have to break some ice ..later on ..but my side of the street gets the sun
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Originally Posted By: mpvue
whare does the 20 feet start? the corner is a wide radius! where did this parking enforcer measure from? did he actually pull out a tape measure? do you measure around the curve? do you measure from a point is space where the 2 streets would meet?
You measure from where the point where the two streets intersect:
Here in SF parking right up to the corner is unfortunately legal in many places. The corners are usually painted red only a couple feet from a corner, or not at all. For a driver, being able to see around the corner, noticing approaching vehicles or pedestrians, especially short people or kids, is frequently severely impeded by cars parked too close to intersections. At the corner where I live, accidents due to a restricted view are common. For example, if there's a truck parked next to the corner, I cannot possibly see if a bicyclist is approaching.
whare does the 20 feet start? the corner is a wide radius! where did this parking enforcer measure from? did he actually pull out a tape measure? do you measure around the curve? do you measure from a point is space where the 2 streets would meet?
You measure from where the point where the two streets intersect:
Here in SF parking right up to the corner is unfortunately legal in many places. The corners are usually painted red only a couple feet from a corner, or not at all. For a driver, being able to see around the corner, noticing approaching vehicles or pedestrians, especially short people or kids, is frequently severely impeded by cars parked too close to intersections. At the corner where I live, accidents due to a restricted view are common. For example, if there's a truck parked next to the corner, I cannot possibly see if a bicyclist is approaching.
Originally Posted By: mpvue
well, this 'saga' has come to an end. short version: judge dismissed the ticket. long version (mind you, I didn't go to court, my wife did, and she just summarized over the phone): the ticket lady showed up w/ cops, they stated the case, my wife stated hers, and the judge basically said, be careful next time, don't park too close to the corner.
the cop took the opportunity to try to intimidate my wife afterwards; he told her outside that although she did her research, she was wrong. she said there isn't a marked crosswalk; he said there doesn't have to be.
so, I live in a town that arbitralily applies parking regulations. without any street markings or signs, I have no choice but to park as far away from the corner as possible, since there is no telling when they might decide to interpret the law as saying I'm 'too close'.
parking is at a real premium now; a long vacant rental across the street was recently rehabed, so there are at least 4 more cars on the block now.
Looks like time to get a Smart as your next car.
well, this 'saga' has come to an end. short version: judge dismissed the ticket. long version (mind you, I didn't go to court, my wife did, and she just summarized over the phone): the ticket lady showed up w/ cops, they stated the case, my wife stated hers, and the judge basically said, be careful next time, don't park too close to the corner.
the cop took the opportunity to try to intimidate my wife afterwards; he told her outside that although she did her research, she was wrong. she said there isn't a marked crosswalk; he said there doesn't have to be.
so, I live in a town that arbitralily applies parking regulations. without any street markings or signs, I have no choice but to park as far away from the corner as possible, since there is no telling when they might decide to interpret the law as saying I'm 'too close'.
parking is at a real premium now; a long vacant rental across the street was recently rehabed, so there are at least 4 more cars on the block now.
Looks like time to get a Smart as your next car.
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Originally Posted By: mpvue
well, this 'saga' has come to an end. short version: judge dismissed the ticket. long version (mind you, I didn't go to court, my wife did, and she just summarized over the phone): the ticket lady showed up w/ cops, they stated the case, my wife stated hers, and the judge basically said, be careful next time, don't park too close to the corner.
the cop took the opportunity to try to intimidate my wife afterwards; he told her outside that although she did her research, she was wrong. she said there isn't a marked crosswalk; he said there doesn't have to be.
so, I live in a town that arbitralily applies parking regulations. without any street markings or signs, I have no choice but to park as far away from the corner as possible, since there is no telling when they might decide to interpret the law as saying I'm 'too close'.
parking is at a real premium now; a long vacant rental across the street was recently rehabed, so there are at least 4 more cars on the block now.
Looks like time to get a Smart as your next car.
I'd sooner get a SL1 saturn, better mpgs and more room and cheaper.
I do basically what Gary said; in the winter, I leave the VUE in place for as long as I can (it's FWD and bad in the snow) and I take the 4WD MPV out. I can park that anywhere.
I agree w/ Mori also about the 20ft from the imaginary corner. that's why I fought the ticket. it was marked as 4' from the corner. I measured from the imaginary point; I was 16' from there.
Originally Posted By: mpvue
well, this 'saga' has come to an end. short version: judge dismissed the ticket. long version (mind you, I didn't go to court, my wife did, and she just summarized over the phone): the ticket lady showed up w/ cops, they stated the case, my wife stated hers, and the judge basically said, be careful next time, don't park too close to the corner.
the cop took the opportunity to try to intimidate my wife afterwards; he told her outside that although she did her research, she was wrong. she said there isn't a marked crosswalk; he said there doesn't have to be.
so, I live in a town that arbitralily applies parking regulations. without any street markings or signs, I have no choice but to park as far away from the corner as possible, since there is no telling when they might decide to interpret the law as saying I'm 'too close'.
parking is at a real premium now; a long vacant rental across the street was recently rehabed, so there are at least 4 more cars on the block now.
Looks like time to get a Smart as your next car.
I'd sooner get a SL1 saturn, better mpgs and more room and cheaper.
I do basically what Gary said; in the winter, I leave the VUE in place for as long as I can (it's FWD and bad in the snow) and I take the 4WD MPV out. I can park that anywhere.
I agree w/ Mori also about the 20ft from the imaginary corner. that's why I fought the ticket. it was marked as 4' from the corner. I measured from the imaginary point; I was 16' from there.
I once got a warning for parking my car literally in front of my house (by the mailbox). The cop came and marked my tire with chalk and placed a notice on the windshield stating that cars may not remain parked on the street for more than 72 hrs, else subject to citation and towing.
They don't do this unless someone complained, and I suspect it was the mailman who complained. Because of my car, he had to park 20 feet from the mailbox and walk to it to deliver my mail. Lazy ***!!
They don't do this unless someone complained, and I suspect it was the mailman who complained. Because of my car, he had to park 20 feet from the mailbox and walk to it to deliver my mail. Lazy ***!!
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They do the same thing here ..but it's 24hours ..and there's no notice on the windshield. It doesn't happen unless someone complains.
Originally Posted By: mpvue
...
I agree w/ Mori also about the 20ft from the imaginary corner. that's why I fought the ticket. it was marked as 4' from the corner. I measured from the imaginary point; I was 16' from there.
Careful there, the US is 50 different countries as far as most laws go. Some states even allow local gumnts to impose their own more restrictive policies on top of state law.
...
I agree w/ Mori also about the 20ft from the imaginary corner. that's why I fought the ticket. it was marked as 4' from the corner. I measured from the imaginary point; I was 16' from there.
Careful there, the US is 50 different countries as far as most laws go. Some states even allow local gumnts to impose their own more restrictive policies on top of state law.
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