How to Avoid Getting a Parking Ticket

August 16, 2011

It is generally an offense to park your vehicle in the middle of the road, in a park, on sidewalks or park in handicap zone. All these will amount to getting you a parking ticket. The repercussions can be awful consisting of paying a fine or even a suspension of driving license if within 20 days the fine is not paid. With little care and attentiveness, one can easily avoid getting a parking ticket.

Few common mistakes people commit while parking their vehicle are:

  • Fail to read the posted signs.
  • Parking in loading area.
  • Parking near fire hydrants.
  • Parking in an area where permit is not valid.
  • Parking in non designated area for parking (No parking area).
  • Parking in reserved area.
  • Parking in handicap parking zone.
  • Fail to display permit for parking.

Few things are to be kept in mind which will help you keep away from parking ticket

1.       Keep an eye on permanent and temporary signs.
By Temporary Signs it is meant the signs that are posted for construction zones, street repairs and street cleaning, water and sewer line works. No parking zones, loading zones are the part of permanent signs. These signs should be noticed and are useful to state and follow parking restrictions. They help in free flow of the traffic.

2.       Parking meters should be read.
While parking almost all motorists are in hurry and they may not read the instructions carefully. The day and number of hours the meter is in effect, whether there are rush hour restrictions. Temporary parking signs should also be studied.

3.       Keep a distance from the corners of intersections.
Never park your vehicle at the end of the block. These areas are used by pedestrians and cyclists.

4.       Don’t park on bus stops.
Never stop or park your vehicle on a bus stop. Drivers often stop at bus stop to wait for friends, or use an ATM machine; this can lead to chaos on the roads.

5.       Park safely at schools.
Never double park for discharging children from your vehicles. This will put kids in a dangerous position to cross the roads. School signs are designated to maximize visibility as motorist drop or pick up their kids from school streets.

6.       Usage of off street parking.
Staying at a meter for a longer time is a violation of the law. Off street parking should be used where the intensity of vehicles is less.

7.       Know the difference between “No Parking” and “No Stopping”.If a driver stops in No Stopping zone their vehicle can be towed and they can be charged a fine. In No Parking zone drivers are allowed to pick up or discharge passengers for a period of five minutes.

8.       Never park in residential parking.
Parking in residential area should be done only in visitors parking. If you park your vehicle in someone else’s parking area it can charge you heavily.

9.       Emergency rules during snow.
To help the crew clear the snow from the streets during winters, always read the signs before parking your vehicle. Your parked car should not block other vehicle.

There are a few dos and don’ts which can help you avoid getting a parking ticket.

DO..

  • Check the signs and lines and follow the rules.
  • Clearly display a valid permit where necessary (in your windscreen).
  • Park within a marked bay.
  • Always carry a means to pay for your parking.

Don’t..

  • Take a chance with parking at any place just because other people have too.
  • Stop on the yellow line for a short time.
  • Presuppose that you can park on Sundays unless a sign states it.

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Category: No Parking

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