10 Things That Could Help You Avoid A Parking Ticket & 10 That Will Only Make Things Worse
10 Things That Could Help You Avoid A Parking Ticket & 10 That Will Only Make Things Worse
Park Like a Pro
Despite all of the joys and thrills that come with driving, there is no denying the fact that getting a parking ticket is probably one of the most frustrating experiences of all time. It's like a bad surprise waiting to ruin your day. But don't worry! We've got you covered with 10 parking dos and 10 don’ts that’ll help keep your driving record clean. So let's dive in!
1. Know the Local Parking Regulations
One of the best ways to dodge parking tickets is to know the local parking rules inside and out. What’s allowed in one place might get you a ticket in another. So, before you park, check out the city’s local regulations online.
2. Look for Clear Signage
This one’s a no-brainer. Parking signs can tell you everything, like where and when you can park. Take a few seconds to read them properly before leaving your car somewhere. If you ignore the obvious signs, it is a surefire way to get slapped with a ticket.
3. Use Parking Apps
There are tons of parking apps out there designed to make your life easier. They can help you find legal parking spots and even alert you to any restrictions in the area. Apps like SpotHero, ParkMobile, and PayByPhone are popular in the US and could save you a lot of trouble.
4. Plan Extra Time for Parking
“I was running late” is not an excuse. Always budget an extra 10-15 minutes to find proper parking, especially in busy areas or during peak hours. When you rush to find a spot, it often leads to poor parking decisions and, ultimately, tickets.
5. Park in Designated Areas
Always make sure you’re parking in a lot. It might seem tempting to squeeze into that spot that looks just safe and big enough, but if it’s not a legal parking lot, it’s not worth the risk. Stick to marked parking spots and avoid any areas that seem empty or questionable.
Touam (Hervé Agnoux) on Wikimedia
6. Keep Your Registration and Permits Visible
Always make sure your vehicle registration stickers, parking permits, and any other required documentation are clearly visible and up to date. Place them where they're meant to be, usually on your windshield or rear window. Expired or hidden permits are an easy way to get ticketed, even if you have the right to park there.
7. Check for Temporary Restrictions
Temporary parking restrictions can be set during local events, and they can catch you off guard. If you feel there’s an event going on, just check with nearby security personnel or look for temporary posters that might say something like, “NO PARKING | Street Festival: Saturday, June 15 | 7 AM to 10 PM.”
8. Use Parking Meters Correctly
Make sure to use parking meters and pay stations correctly. Always pay the required fee, which ranges between $1.25 to $8 per hour (based on vehicle and area), and keep the receipt as proof. Some places also provide mobile payment options, which can be quite convenient when you’re running out of time.
9. Be Aware of Special Permits
Now, some areas might require special permits to park. Most of them include city halls, hospitals, or zones near schools and office buildings. If you see a huge empty spot near those buildings, just make sure you have the necessary permit if the space demands it.
10. Keep Your Car Within Marked Lines
Do you recall those white or yellow lines? Those are parking lines marked for vehicles to be within the specified limits. If your car is over the line, you’re likely to get a ticket. So, stay inside the legal spot. It also shows that you’re considerate of other drivers.
Now, let’s talk about the big mistakes that could land you with a parking ticket faster than you can say "tow truck."
1. Parking at Construction Zones
If you park in or around an area with ongoing construction, be ready to face the consequences—get a ticket or get towed. Also, don’t forget that construction zones also come with the risk of dropping materials and damaging your car in the process.
2. Parking Too Close to Intersections or Crosswalks
Generally, you can’t park within 20 feet of crosswalks and intersections in the US. It can obstruct the view of pedestrians and other drivers. This not only increases the risk of accidents but also attracts fines bigger than you would think. That’s why you need to keep a safe distance from these areas while parking.
3. Leaving Your Car in Tow-Away Zones
Yes, people actually do that! However, tow-away zones are no joke. Parking in these areas can lead to your car being towed, which is costly and also incredibly inconvenient. So, make sure your ride is not inside a space that’s known for towing during specific hours or days.
4. Assuming This is The Spot
If you’ve arrived at a place, don’t just assume that the nearby zone is allotted to that building. Just because other cars are parked there, it doesn't mean they belong to the same building. In the States, buildings have zones allotted in their names. If you can't see the sign, check with the building management before parking.
5. Not Accounting for Street Sweeping Schedules
Street sweeping schedules are not the same everywhere, and parking in an area during scheduled cleaning means waiting for a ticket or towing scene. Take a look at the street sweeping signs, which are usually posted at the beginning of each block, to avoid getting caught in the sweep.
6. Ignoring Resident-Only Areas
If you don’t live there, forget the idea of parking your vehicle in spaces designated for residents. Having no right is a recipe for a ticket. These areas are strictly monitored to ensure residents have access to parking. When you're visiting, make sure to park in visitor spots.
7. Blocking Public Transportation Stops
In the US, parking is usually prohibited within 30 feet of a bus stop sign, and distance varies by city. That’s because it can disrupt public transportation and make it difficult for passengers to board and alight. As for train stations, you need a daily/monthly permit or need to pay a one-time parking fee.
8. Misusing Accessible Parking Spaces
Look for a wheelchair sign, a blue line, or an “Accessible” label. If you don’t have a proper permit to park in that area, get ready for huge fines and public disapproval. Misusing this space is not only illegal but also highly unethical and inhumane on the driver’s part.
9. Ignoring Loading Zones Restrictions
Loading zones are meant for short-term parking to allow for loading and unloading of goods. However, if you leave your vehicle in these zones for a long time, expect a ticket. Be mindful of the time limits posted at the location, or ask someone.
10. Parking in Fire Lanes
Fire lanes are made so that emergency vehicles can access buildings quickly. Parking in these lanes is strictly prohibited and comes with severe penalties. In case of fire hazards, the response time and entry area matter a lot, and if your vehicle stands in the path, it's cooked either way.
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