Drivers face $100 fines if their car is in wrong place under August 1 crackdown – penalties are at risk of doubling

DRIVERS frequenting a popular spot face fines of up to $100 if their car is caught in the wrong spot – as part of a major crackdown by local authorities.

Starting August 1, parking ticket penalties are increasing while fines for general violations – such as blocking driveways, parking in prohibited areas, or overstaying paid parking – will rise from $20 to $50.

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Drivers risk fines of up to $100 for fire lane violations as penalties double[/caption]

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A popular tourist spot is coming down harder on those that violate several driving laws[/caption]

Worse still, fire lane violations will see a hefty increase, doubling from $50 to $100, according to NBC Connecticut.

Set to take effect in Mystic, a popular tourist destination spanning Groton and Stonington, Connecticut, and divided by the scenic Mystic River with the iconic Mystic River Bascule Bridge connecting its two sides, parking in the area is famously difficult to navigate.

Tourists are also reminded that the village is home to thousands of residents – meaning visitors are urged to be respectful, especially during early morning and late-night hours.

Car owners are advised to check and obey posted signage, which includes not parking in fire lanes, crosswalks, or areas marked “No Parking.”

One tip is to look out for painted curbs, which often indicate no-parking zones.

Also, residential permit zones should be considered, while blocking driveways isn’t advised.

Furthermore, parking lots may have limited hours or restrictions during special events.

The Town of Groton and Stonington Police Departments regularly enforce parking regulations, and the increase in fines aims to reduce a growing trend of illegal parking.

For tickets issued by Groton Police, fines can be addressed via a QR code on the ticket or their website.

Stonington Police tickets can be managed through the Town’s website.

This comes as a driver from Hartford, Connecticut, was forced to fork out a cool $200 because his parking sticker was in the wrong spot – and the bill is increasing every day

Tishawn Tillman made the costly mistake of placing his parking sticker on the driver’s side window instead of on the windshield – which led to his car being towed.

The towing ordeal highlights the need for clearer rules and inspired a law giving drivers 72 hours to fix small mistakes

According to Courant, Tillman had recently moved to a new apartment when he received a parking sticker for its private lot.

But unsure where to place it, he stuck it on the driver’s side window instead of the windshield.

Less than a month later, his car was unexpectedly towed by Cross Country Automotive – with the towing company claiming they didn’t see the sticker.

Tillman, though, argues that there were no instructions on where to place the sticker.

He told reporters: “There is absolutely no legal documentation in my lease that says that this has to be strictly on the windshield.”

Now, a new law has come into force to help people like Tillman, which forces the towing company to warn car owners within 72 hours to get a new sticker and place it in the right spot.

It also means towing companies have to get permission from the apartment complex to tow a vehicle unless it’s blocking traffic or parked in a fire lane.