Civilians writing parking tickets?

[Paulmmm]

Originally Posted by SmartGXL

I am siding with Master of Puppets here on this, let me explain.

Here in Chicago, it is legal to do what M.o.P. did - it is called "standing", and it is different than "parking".

"Parking" is defined as pulling the car into the space, shutting off the motor, and getting out of the car.

"Standing" is where you pull up to the curb, put your blinkers on, and leave the motor running (actually here in Chicago, the rules are even looser, you can actually turn off the car, leave the blinkers on, run inside to take care of your business, etc. This is desgined for VERY short-term parking, maybe 2 mins or less).

So, with M.o.P., he sat in the spot, on his bike, with the motor running, I think that is much different than actually shutting off the bike and going in.

So, unless the laws in TX are drastically different than in IL regarding parking (and, they may be, as we have a much different parking environment here in Chicago than in Austin), in this case, M.o.P. did might be 100% legal.

It MIGHT be legal to "stand" in a handicapped parking spot here in Austin (I have no idea what the actual law is here, but I hope it's illegal), but deliberately taking up a handicapped parking spot for any length of time so that your girlfriend doesn't have to walk an extra X number of feet, then getting indignant over being called on it and investigating the situation so you can tell the guy who called you on it "to go F himself next time" and suggesting that what the guy who called you on it did is comparable to "living in Nazi Germany", is certainly despicable, whether it's legal or not.

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by SmartGXL

I am siding with Master of Puppets here on this, let me explain.

Here in Chicago, it is legal to do what M.o.P. did - it is called "standing", and it is different than "parking".

"Parking" is defined as pulling the car into the space, shutting off the motor, and getting out of the car.

"Standing" is where you pull up to the curb, put your blinkers on, and leave the motor running (actually here in Chicago, the rules are even looser, you can actually turn off the car, leave the blinkers on, run inside to take care of your business, etc. This is desgined for VERY short-term parking, maybe 2 mins or less).

So, with M.o.P., he sat in the spot, on his bike, with the motor running, I think that is much different than actually shutting off the bike and going in.

So, unless the laws in TX are drastically different than in IL regarding parking (and, they may be, as we have a much different parking environment here in Chicago than in Austin), in this case, M.o.P. did might be 100% legal.

Apparently we have laws that are more protective of the disabled here:

Austin City Code, Chapter 12
§ 12-5-35 PARKING AREAS DESIGNATED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

(A) Except as provided in Subsection (B), a person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a parking space or area on public or private property that is designated for use by a person with a disability in accordance with applicable law.
(B) This prohibition does not apply if the vehicle is operated by or for a person with a temporary or permanent disability, and the vehicle displays:
(1) a license plate for a vehicle used by or for a person with a disability; or
(2) a windshield identification card for a person with a disability issued in accordance with Chapter 681 (Privileged Parking) of the Texas Transportation Code.
(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.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Paulmmm

It MIGHT be legal to "stand" in a handicapped parking spot here in Austin (I have no idea what the actual law is here, but I hope it's illegal), but deliberately taking up a handicapped parking spot for any length of time so that your girlfriend doesn't have to walk an extra X number of feet, then getting indignant over being called on it and investigating the situation so you can tell the guy who called you on it "to go F himself next time" and suggesting that what the guy who called you on it did is comparable to "living in Nazi Germany", is certainly despicable, whether it's legal or not.

Exactly, and reps to you for saying it so clearly.

Even if it were legal, that doesn't make it the right thing to do, or any less self-obsessed to think that waiting for one's girlfriend equates to being handicapped as far as use of the space so marked is concerned, and that anyone with a legitimate medical handicap should go to the trouble of asking you to move if they need to make legitimate use of the space.

[nomore07]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Even if it were legal, that doesn't make it the right thing to do, or any less self-obsessed to think that waiting for one's girlfriend equates to being handicapped as far as use of the space so marked is concerned, and that anyone with a legitimate medical handicap should go to the trouble of asking you to move if they need to make legitimate use of the space.

If waiting for his girlfriend seems like such a "handicap", perhaps they don't belong together

Never mind a ticket - he's lucky he wasn't plowed over by someone in an SUV. Many handicapped drivers have larger vehicles to accommodate extra equipment. As a former motorcycle driver, I know it's not wise to provoke. They can easily be parked elsewhere.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by nomore07

If waiting for his girlfriend seems like such a "handicap", perhaps they don't belong together

Never mind a ticket - he's lucky he wasn't plowed over by someone in an SUV. Many handicapped drivers have larger vehicles to accommodate extra equipment. As a former motorcycle driver, I know it's not wise to provoke. They can easily be parked elsewhere.

Good points. As a former "biker chick" back in the day (never mind that the bikes were Triumphs and BSA's and Vincents and Nortons and such), I take great offense when someone does something with a motorcycle that besmirches the reputation of motorcycles and makes people more inclined to plow them over. Usually it's something stupid on the road, but this counts, I think.