Ticketed while waiting for a parking spot

[dzkid82]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY, Chinatown

On Sunday, March 1, 2009, I dropped my mother off in front of the foot clinic to see a doctor due to her debilitating foot pain which prevented her from walking far distances. After dropping her off, I circled the block a approximately 4 times to find parking. After the 4th time around the block, I saw somebody get into his car who happened to be parked in front of the foot clinic. I asked this person if he was leaving and he nodded yes. He then got out and told me to wait a minute before running into the foot clinic himself. Just then, the foot patrol officer came up to my car and wrote me a ticket for double parking and would not hear my explanation. I went to the NYC finance department to argue the ticket today, but the judge would not hear it either.

My question is: is there some precedent decision that states it is alright to double park while waiting for someone to move?; and

my second question is: medical reasons excusable for briefly double parking in front of clinic to let patient move from A to B?

my third question is: was I even "Double Parking"? I was in the car the whole time -- isn't this considered "Standing"?

I figured whether I waited momentarily in front of the clinic on the parking spot or when my mother was finished seeing the doctor; either or, I would have had to double park the vehicle at one point or another to help my mother get to the car. How good of an appeal do I have? Thanks

[The Occultist]

Originally Posted by dzkid82

My question is: is there some precedent decision that states it is alright to double park while waiting for someone to move?;

Yes: you are NOT allowed to double park even if you are waiting for a valid parking spot to open up.

and

my second question is: medical reasons excusable for briefly double parking in front of clinic to let patient move from A to B?

Not unless it's an actual medical emergency. A simple trip to the doc does not qualify, I'm afraid.

my third question is: was I even "Double Parking"? I was in the car the whole time -- isn't this considered "Standing"?

If you look up legal definition, you'll find that there really is no difference between parking and standing. Obvious exceptions aside (such as a stop sign or a traffic light, etc), you are not allowed to stop except in a parking spot, which you were not doing if you were waiting for a spot to open up.

I figured whether I waited momentarily in front of the clinic on the parking spot or when my mother was finished seeing the doctor; either or, I would have had to double park the vehicle at one point or another to help my mother get to the car. How good of an appeal do I have? Thanks

Technically, your drop-off wasn't legal, and as such your pickup would not have been legal either. Your appeal will not get you anywhere.