Parking near a fire hydrant increases your chances of getting a ticket. Chances are, you’ve seen those bright red fire hydrants around town and have probably wondered whether or not you can park near them. The answer is usually no. Fire hydrants are one of the most common places for New York City parking enforcement officers to leave tickets. The reason is pretty simple, parked cars can block access to the hydrant in the event of a fire. So think again and reconsider before parking anywhere near a fire hydrant. If you’re thinking about parking near a fire hydrant, you’re more likely to get a ticket than if you find a spot elsewhere.
Read the signs and ensure you’re not parked in a No Standing/No Parking zone. Also, ensure your vehicle is not parked near a fire hydrant for long – even for just a minute or two. Finally, keep an eye out for traffic enforcement officers and avoid getting towed.
Rules :-
Here are few rules for Fire Hydrant Parking Ticket In NYC,
“No citizen must stand, stop, or within fifteen feet of a New York City fire hydrant,”. If a vehicle is being driven, it may be parked within a fire hydrant between sunrise and sunset, that is, ready to start the vehicle and give immediate access to the fire hydrant under the following situations:
If a firetruck is heard to be closebyIf a firefighter, police officer, or some other municipal department member asks for the vehicle to be moved
Leaving an unattended vehicle near a fire hydrant will earn you a parking ticket. If you’re parked more than 15 feet away from a fire hydrant, you’re in the clear! Even if you’re parked more than 15 feet away, you can still get a ticket if the hydrant is obstructed. So the best way to avoid getting nailed with a $270 fine is to either find a spot that’s more than 15 feet away from the hydrant or make sure it’s completely unobstructed.
If you’re unsure whether or not you can park in a spot, it’s always best to play it safe and find a spot elsewhere. Even if you think you see a “No Parking” sign, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, unless a parking ticket of that price isn’t a bother.
How much does a fire hydrant parking ticket cost?
Did you know that a single parking ticket can cost you up to $270 in New York City? That’s right, one misplaced parking space and you could be looking at a bill that size.
How can I get my fire hydrant ticket reduced or dismissed?
If you’ve been issued a fire hydrant parking ticket, you must respond to it within 30 days of receiving the ticket by either paying a fine or by challenging the issued ticket.
How can I fight a fire hydrant Ticket in NYC?
You can request an online hearing online after your violation is duly processed. You can fix a mail hearing. It might not be processed fast enough compared to the online method. You can have a walk-in hearing. Hearings of this nature are held on weekdays.
It is important to note that your driver’s license, vehicle registration documents, and concrete evidence to prove your claim of innocence (e.g photo/video evidence and witness statements) must be provided for your hearing.
NYC parking can be tricky, so if you’re not familiar with the area, it’s best to do your research ahead of time. Several apps and websites can help you find parking, as well as street cleaning schedules and alternate side parking rules. If all else fails, there’s always a valet.
Do not park in a bike lane as it is also illegal and also puts cyclists at risk. Your vehicle must not be on the street or obstruct traffic. If you’re parked on a hill, make sure your wheels are turned towards the curb so your car doesn’t roll away. Don’t park in a spot that’s reserved for the handicapped unless you have a disability placard. Double-check the parking signs to make sure you’re not violating any restrictions to avoid being issued a parking ticket.
Conclusion
As you can see, parking near a fire hydrant in NYC can be very costly. By following the simple tips in this post and by being aware and abiding by New York’s traffic rules regarding parking near fire hydrants, you can avoid getting a ticket and having to pay a fine of up to $270.
