What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
I recently received a ticket in the mail for allegedly parking next to a fire hydrant in December 2013.
As far as I recall, I was in the area to pick up a friend, spotted her on the street, and pulled off to the curb out of traffic to pick her up. It could have been more than 30 seconds before she crossed the street to get into the car.
I didn't even realize I was next to a fire hydrant. The parking enforcement agent must have just pulled around the corner and presumed that we had just gotten into the car after being parked illegally. I never left the vehicle, and contested the ticket (along with an affidavit from my friend) by mail citing CVC 22514(a) which reads:
I paid the fine, and requested a hearing in person. But, I was wondering if my point is valid; namely, that I was allowed to stop by the fire hydrant since I was in the driver's seat the entire time. What other defense would I have (or need), and would the hearing officer still find me guilty?
There's another section somewhere that defines parking, standing, or stopping and that it is OK temporarily for active passenger loading but I'm not sure if that's as relevant.
Thanks!
I recently received a ticket in the mail for allegedly parking next to a fire hydrant in December 2013.
As far as I recall, I was in the area to pick up a friend, spotted her on the street, and pulled off to the curb out of traffic to pick her up. It could have been more than 30 seconds before she crossed the street to get into the car.
I didn't even realize I was next to a fire hydrant. The parking enforcement agent must have just pulled around the corner and presumed that we had just gotten into the car after being parked illegally. I never left the vehicle, and contested the ticket (along with an affidavit from my friend) by mail citing CVC 22514(a) which reads:
I was found liable for the citation, but of course they didn't give any explanation.22514. No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant except as follows:
(a) If the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the front seat and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity.
I paid the fine, and requested a hearing in person. But, I was wondering if my point is valid; namely, that I was allowed to stop by the fire hydrant since I was in the driver's seat the entire time. What other defense would I have (or need), and would the hearing officer still find me guilty?
There's another section somewhere that defines parking, standing, or stopping and that it is OK temporarily for active passenger loading but I'm not sure if that's as relevant.
Thanks!