Fighting a parking ticket

ChicaAtx08 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 01:47 PM

Well here is my situation. I parked on the side of the street a few blocks away from school. Where I parked, there was NO sign saying you couldn't park there, the curb did NOT have any RED or YELLOW painting on it to NOT park there. There was NOTHING nada zero zilch... So i assumed i could park there. We'll lo and behold I come out of work and I have 2 tickets for blocking a disabled access ramp???????????? both for 250 early fine. I did take pics and plan on fighting it. I have seen several vehicles since park there...

I'm trying to prepare and even if I dont get it fully dismissed, I'm not paying no 500 dollars.

i found in the city's legal web page this...

12-5-35 PARKING AREAS DESIGNATED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

(C) A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on public or private property in a manner that blocks an access or curb ramp, accessible pedestrian space between or adjacent to a parking space, or other architectural feature designed to aid a person with a disability.

BUT again, there is NO signage????? or painted curbs depicting that it is illegal to park there??? ugh!!!

the1_thedave · #2 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:17 PM

Is there a Ramp? or driveway? next to where you parked. Post the pics.

Black Dragon · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:33 PM

sounds like you may have a case. good luck!

ChicaAtx08 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:37 PM

there is a ramp next to it....but again no signage... and unless you've parked there already (Hence, me) and got ticketed then you don't know. Last week I passed by there and almost everyday someone parked there....

Godzilla-san · #5 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicaAtx08 [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

there is a ramp next to it....but again no signage...

if you blocked the ramp then you're in violation

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicaAtx08 [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

Last week I passed by there and almost everyday someone parked there....

wrong place at the wrong time

good luck with the dispute though

ChicaAtx08 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:44 PM

NO SIGNAGE, there is signage for everything else.............and i dont think they can ticket me twice, its not like I left and came back...I think I do have a case and its not like I'm trying to get off scott free at the same time, its ridiculous!!!

ChicaAtx08 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:50 PM

Pics are to come.... Grant it I was partially blocking the sidewalk but no way i'm paying 500.

Godzilla-san · #8 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:51 PM

I get that there is NO SIGNAGE but you're really not supposed to block a handicap ramp.

I agree that the 2 tickets for 1 offense is ridiculous.

Good luck

ChicaAtx08 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 02:58 PM

thanks....

ChicaAtx08 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 03:17 PM

**Special** · #11 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 03:29 PM

Looks like you have a case as there is no sign.

ChicaAtx08 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 03:30 PM

i sure hope so...

PsyKoH · #13 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 04:17 PM

I think you have a case for throwing out one ticket. I don't know if the judge will go for both unless the law requires a sign or some marking to be visible. I wouldn't take the first and the last picture to court though. Their angle makes it seem like you completely blocked the ramp.

ChicaAtx08 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 04:20 PM

Like I said, I dont plan on getting off, and if there is NO required sign then so be it like there is for not parking in front of a fire hydrant which to me is pretty obvious or 12 feet from a stop sign, etc....I'm just like thinking, they can't possibly ticket me TWICE, seriously?? Its 250 a ticket, I hope they drop it at least ;( I'm in no position financially to be making 250

Black Dragon · #15 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 04:22 PM

heck, the shrubbery is blocking access more than your vehicle does.

ChicaAtx08 · #16 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 04:25 PM

I know thats what I said too LOL when I was taking pics

the1_thedave · #17 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicaAtx08 [Only Registered Users Can See LinksClick Here To Register]

.

12-5-35 PARKING AREAS DESIGNATED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

(C) A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on public or private property in a manner that blocks an access or curb ramp, accessible pedestrian space between or adjacent to a parking space, or other architectural feature designed to aid a person with a disability.

According to the Civil Code you pulled up and I'm assuming you were cited for, it makes no mention as to whether the law requires a sign to be present in order for this law to be effective. From what I read, it clearly states, "...blocks an access or curb ramp"

I would have to say that you are in violation of blocking the ramp.

Also I would be interested if there is a civil code for parking to close to the corner from the looks of it, it could be. But Maybe its because I'm from CA and they find things like that to get you for.

ChicaAtx08 · #18 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 05:56 PM

well i'm going to fight it and I dont think they can fine me TWICE for the same thing, that CRAP!!!! I'm willing to pay the 1 ticket but 2 come on!! I didn't leave and come back, thats total crap