Fighting parking ticket/tow charges (car towed by town)? (house, neighborhood) - City-Data Forum

uncletwain · 12-04-2009, 08:39 PM

I dont use car very often, therefore it is usually parked for a long time on a street that does not have any restrictions.
Today I found out that my car was towed by the town because of the "emergency road repairs" (they have resurfaced the whole street). The sign about that was posted 2 days after i've parked the car and 1 week before it was towed.
Since the street is out of the way from my house I've never noticed the sign.
Also, they gave me a parking ticket.
Notably, my car has a town parking sticker registered to my name/address, so they could easily find me if they would want that.

Is there any chance to fight the ticket off? Is there any chance to make city pay back the towing charges?

Thanks.

rscalzo · 12-04-2009, 09:53 PM

The sign was posted well in advance of what is required by NJ law.

[SIZE=3]
Quote:

<A name={AFEF}>[SIZE=3]27:3A-3. <A name=FolioHit1>Emergency closing; notice[/SIZE]
<A name={AFF0}>[SIZE=3] Should the governing body or agency closing the highway or road determine that an <A name=FolioHit2>emergency condition exists requiring the immediate closing of a State, county or municipal highway or road for a period of 48 hours or longer, the notice requirements of this act need not be given within the prescribed time periods, but every effort shall be made to notify the public as soon as possible of the closing.

L.1983, c. 84, s. 3.
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uncletwain · 12-04-2009, 10:22 PM

Thanks for replying. Not quite sure that it applies to this case, as it seem to be mostly for advance signs for traffic routes and not for parking. Also, the street (not highway or road) was not closed for 48 hours.

hrjersey · 12-05-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncletwain

Since the street is out of the way from my house I've never noticed the sign.
Also, they gave me a parking ticket.
Notably, my car has a town parking sticker registered to my name/address, so they could easily find me if they would want that.

Is there any chance to fight the ticket off? Is there any chance to make city pay back the towing charges?

Thanks.

More out of curiosity, why would you park your car out of the way of your home? Second, don't you want to check on it occasionally to make sure it's still there and undamaged? Is this street generally used by towns people for long term parking?

Nothing can prevent you from showing up at court to fight it. I would contact your town or go to your library to find out about the parking laws specific to your town.

mumra · 12-05-2009, 11:17 AM

why should you be held accountable for where you park your car? its not your fault that they needed to resurface the roads, fight that and have the town pay you extra for your inconveniences. Also recommend that your mayor personally notify every resident of such future events.

uncletwain · 12-05-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrjersey

More out of curiosity, why would you park your car out of the way of your home? Second, don't you want to check on it occasionally to make sure it's still there and undamaged? Is this street generally used by towns people for long term parking?

Nothing can prevent you from showing up at court to fight it. I would contact your town or go to your library to find out about the parking laws specific to your town.

This is the only street near my home where a car can be parked for a long time. It is only a block away, but since i don't pass it daily, I am not aware if they post any new signs on it.

Thanks for the advise, appreciate it.

uncletwain · 12-05-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mumra

why should you be held accountable for where you park your car? its not your fault that they needed to resurface the roads, fight that and have the town pay you extra for your inconveniences. Also recommend that your mayor personally notify every resident of such future events.

Thanks for replying.
I am not against resurfacing the roads and understand that they have to do it, and it benefits a lot of people. But since it is the only road for long term parking in my neighborhood, they could do better job of notifying people. However, i am not sure if such argument will be valuable in court

NY Annie · 12-05-2009, 12:44 PM

You might find a judge with a soft spot but mostly I think you'll hear that you had a full week to find out. How did you want them to notify you - personal letter? It was posted. You parked on a public street, not in a parking garage.

captne76 · 12-05-2009, 05:16 PM

Well when I hear about stuff like this it makes me want to come in to court with double bazookas and AK-47's, lol. But maybe you might find a room full of people in a similar situation and maybe the town might cancel the tickets and towing charges? You never know until you try.

uncletwain · 12-05-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY Annie

You might find a judge with a soft spot but mostly I think you'll hear that you had a full week to find out. How did you want them to notify you - personal letter? It was posted. You parked on a public street, not in a parking garage.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I think you're right and its a lost cause.

As for notification — yes, something like personal letter would be nice. If I won't pay taxes or this stupid ticket in time, they will have no problems finding me. Or before calling a tow truck and writing me ticket, the cop could walk to my door, ring the bell and ask me to move the car. That would take the same amount of time for them, but, of course, its a too humane thing to do.