Double Parking

Driving down the streets of New York City, to drop off his wife, Jim was issued a double parking ticket. He earned his ticket, just because he double parked while his wife exited the car. Is it possible that while you are driving around to find a parking spot or waiting for your passenger to exit, you are violating a traffic law?

What is Double Parking
It is generally referred to as the act of parking a vehicle next to the side of an already parked car. This means the first car is blocked in and the second car may obstruct in the normal functioning of the traffic lane. The extent of this obstruction may cause the double way street to temporarily turn into a one way, single lane. It is an illegal practice. It may lead to a ticket and in some cases towing away of the double parked vehicle.

It is seen that many garages, valet lots and parking lots tend to have double parked vehicles. This is because there is lack of space or a method to optimize the parking density. In such cases, one needs to leave their vehicle keys with an attendant. This is in case, the driver of the car that has been blocked in by the double parked car returns. The attendant can move away the double parked car and allow the other car driver to leave. Another common infraction is seen when people take up more than the space assigned for one car. This is very common in case of large SUV's and trucks. This form is very rarely punishable.

Laws
The laws in New York City under code 46 are defined as, "Standing or parking on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped, standing or parked at the curb; in other words, "double parking". A person may; however, stand a Commercial Vehicle alongside a vehicle parked at the curb at such locations and during such hours that stopping, standing and parking is allowed when quickly making pickups, deliveries or service calls. This is allowed if there is no space or marked loading zone on either side of the street within 100 feet. "Double parking" any type of vehicle is not; however, allowed in Midtown Manhattan (the area from 14th Street to 60th Street, between First Avenue and Eighth Avenue inclusive). Midtown double parking is not allowed between 7am and 7 pm daily except Sundays.(See Code 47.)"

The above law by the book definition means that between 7 am to 7 pm, you cannot double park in Midtown. You are not allowed to double park at a STOP sign. You cannot double park when you are loading or unloading stuff from your vehicle to the curb. You cannot double park while your passenger is busy doing their business around. It carries a fine of $115 in NYC.

If you have a look at the laws of California, section 6610 clearly states, "No person shall double-park any vehicle upon the parking facilities of the County at any time. Double parking shall be defined under California Vehicle Code section 22500(h)." This means you cannot double park ever. If you do, you will earn a fine of about $30.

So, as you can see, although it is very common in urban areas, it is illegal. Many delivery trucks and commercial vehicle owners think of the parking tickets as cost to business. One cannot help it if there is no legal parking space available. You need to make sure you explain to the police officer that you were standing there for less than 2 minutes or so, waiting for your passenger to disembark. Or else you earn yourself a parking ticket. Do not argue a lot with the officer, or you may earn another hefty ticket. Instead you can try contesting a parking ticket, if you feel that you have got an unfair deal with the law. The common expression, "Everybody does it!" may not help in this case.