DRIVERS run the risk of fines up to $500 for trying a fairly common parking lot at a tourism hub.
Vehicle owners in a major city face a new ordinance to tackle unsafe driving in the area – specifically those who skip red lights and stop signs using a very sneaky trick.
Napa, known for its Wine Country, has cracked down on risky driving hacks with steep penalties[/caption]
Parking lot shortcuts to skip red lights could cost drivers up to $500 in fines[/caption]
In Napa, California, a popular destination for tourists visiting Wine Country, a new measure has been put into place that punishes motorists who use parking lots or private properties to avoid traffic stop signs, red lights or turn restrictions.
According to SF Chronicle, the ruling, which came into effect on Friday, prohibits drivers from using their vehicles on public or private property with the intent of bypassing official traffic control devices.
This applies even if there are no posted signs on the property warning against such actions.
Napa police have said this behavior puts pedestrians at risk, disrupts businesses and can create unnecessary conflict.
“This law is about safety and fairness,” Napa police Sgt. Aaron Medina said in a statement.
“Drivers who cut through parking lots or side properties to avoid lights and signs put pedestrians at risk, disrupt businesses and cause conflict.”
Under the ordinance, violators face escalating fines.
The first offense carries a fine of up to $100, while a second violation within a 12-month period can result in a fine of up to $200.
Each subsequent offense within that same timeframe will result in a fine of up to $500.
The Napa Police Department plans to begin enforcement of the ordinance on Monday – issuing citations to those found to violate the rule.
This comes as drivers in the neighboring city of San Diego have been stunned by an apparent parking loophole that sees penalty tickets costing less than paying for parking meters.
But officials are now warning motorists that the trick can lead to hidden costs – or even the possibility of having their vehicle towed.
The new special event parking rates in the downtown area of the city – specifically around Petco Park – sees parking meter rates within a half-mile radius increase to $10 per hour.
This rate, which applies from two hours before the event starts to four hours after it begins, is aimed at events expected to attract 10,000 or more attendees.
That means, for the total of six hours, drivers are looking at paying $60 to merely park their vehicles.
However, according to the City of San Diego’s Municipal Code, getting a parking ticket for an expired meter costs $55 (or $58.50 if paid online), which actually works out at $5 cheaper.
So, for many car owners, this is seen as a way to save money by intentionally letting their meter expire – instead of paying the higher parking meter fees.
However, the city and law enforcement warn that this loophole comes with risks, as unpaid tickets can accumulate late fees, while repeated violations can lead to vehicle towing – something that can cost $400 or more.
How to fight a parking ticket
You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made
Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
- Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid.
- Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too.
- Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid.
- Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees.
- When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument: I didn’t know the law; I was on my way to move my car; I can’t afford this ticket; I’ve been doing this for years; or I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.
- Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.
Source: Reader’s Digest
