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July 29, 2009
Help with Double Parking Rules?
I just moved my car in a double-parked spot for street cleaning. (This is tolerated by the DOT on my north Slope block.) I was across the street from a hydrant, though, so someone kindly left a message on my phone telling me that I would be ticketed - that double-parking is only allowed as a mirror image of what would be allowed on the side that is being cleaned.
I moved my car to be on the safe side, but I have never heard of this rule before. Since double-parking is technically illegal, the DOT website is of no use. Does anyone know the scoop?
Comments
I have never heard of such a thing (mirror image).
If what you say were to be taken literally, then double parking across from a driveway (or other such similar no parking area) would also not be permitted.
As double parking is tollerated, yet illegal, it is up to the enforcement officers to decide if they wish to tollerate or ticket.
My only experience with ticketing is that if one car is ticketed, all cars on that block are.
Posted by: SenatorStreet at July 29, 2009 12:12 PM
I've never heard of that either & haven't seen it happen on our block. In fact, wide cars tend to park across from a hydrant because it leaves more wiggle room on days when you have to stay clear of the bike lane.
Posted by: Arkady at July 29, 2009 12:13 PM
I've never heard of this either, and it's certainly not the case on our block. Maybe your neighbor knows something about the enforcement agent on your block, or maybe your neighbor covets the spot. Hat's off that you leave your phone number on your dashboard...an often overlooked courtesy.
Posted by: vinca at July 29, 2009 12:20 PM
Since you're blocking the direct access to the hydrant from use by the fdny you will be ticketed. These aren't cheap.
Better be safe
Posted by: JohnHancock at July 29, 2009 12:53 PM
JohnHancock - he is NOT blocking the access to the hydrant - he is across the street.
Vinca - Thanks for your comment about contact info. Too many people who double park seem to only be thinking about themselves and never give a thought to the car that they are blocking in.
A simple note with an address, telephone number or any means of contact will allow a blocked car to move.
I implore everyone who double parks on alternate days to please leave contact information!
Thanks!
Posted by: SenatorStreet at July 29, 2009 1:07 PM
Thanks, everyone. Other cars did double-park opposite the hydrants on my block and weren't ticketed today. (They in no way block access to the hydrant.)
Perhaps my good samaritan is just overly cautious.
Posted by: Kris at July 29, 2009 1:10 PM
Agree with Senator Street... Moreover, I have seen numerous instances where someone double parks in front of a car that needs to leave and the car's owner has called the police and the police have towed the double parked car. If you don't leave a note, you're quite possibly setting yourself up for a long day down at the navy yard.
Posted by: SJ at July 29, 2009 1:28 PM
SJ - "your mouth to god's ears" - I wish I could get a cop to tow! I have trouble getting them to ticket - I can barely get them to even show up!
Posted by: SenatorStreet at July 29, 2009 1:48 PM
My precinct told me that if one car gets ticketed for blocking a car in, they have to ticket all the double-parked cars since technically everyone's guilty. It happened once here years ago.
My own pet peeve is people who double park before the opposite space is clear. Often, a late-mover doesn't move at all so there's little room for traffic & tickets are more likely for everyone. (Of course that too could be solved if everyone left phone numbers &/or addresses on the dash.)
Posted by: Arkady at July 29, 2009 1:55 PM
Double parking is illegal so if you get a ticket you deserve it!
Posted by: kimmc at July 29, 2009 3:16 PM
kimmc, you don't have a car and drive in NYC, do you?
Posted by: SenatorStreet at July 29, 2009 3:21 PM
kimmc - It's a lot better than having all those cars cruise around burning gas for however long alt side lasts.
Posted by: Arkady at July 29, 2009 3:39 PM
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