voters-react-transportation-initiatives

Nicola Segal

11 years ago

It is generally an offense to park your vehicle in the middle of the road, in a park, on sidewalks or in handicap zone (without a valid placard). All these may amount to a parking ticket. The repercussions can be seriously inconvenient, consisting of paying a fine or even a suspension of driving license if, within a certain number of days, the fine is not paid. Fortunately, with a little care and attentiveness, one can easily avoid getting a parking ticket.

Many drivers get parking tickets from parking in unauthorized areas (via myparkingsign.com).

Here are a few common mistakes people make while parking their vehicles:

Failing 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
Failing to display parking permit

Drivers commonly park in spaces that require a permit. Make sure to read all surrounding signs before parking. (Via myparkingsign.com)

These eight reminders will help you to avoid parking tickets in the future:

1. Keep an eye on permanent and temporary signs.
Temporary signs are posted for construction zones, street repairs and cleaning, and water and sewer line works. No parking zones and loading zones are considered permanent signs. These signs help instate and enforce parking restrictions. They promote the free flow of traffic.

2. Read parking meters.
While parking, motorists are often in hurry, and they may not read the instructions carefully. Remember to note the day and number of hours the meter is in effect and look for 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 at bus stops.
Never stop or park your vehicle at a bus stop. Drivers often stop at bus stops 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 dropping off 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. Use off street parking.
Staying overtime at a meter is a violation of the law. Off street parking should be used where possible.

7. Know the difference between “No Parking” and “No Stopping.”
If a driver stops in a 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 areas should be done only in visitors’ parking areas. If you park your vehicle in someone else’s parking area, you can receive a heavy fine.

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 vehicles.

Many drivers believe that they can park anywhere on Sundays and holidays. This may not be the case, so read signs for exceptions. (Via myparkingsign.com).

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

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