Parking against the flow

[John111]

What is the name of your state? New Jersey

All,

Just got ticked for "Parking against the flow" - i.e. parking on a small two-way street on the left side instead of right (I'm from Europe - it's completely legal to this in most European countries).

In order to get NJ driving license I read NJ Drivers Manual provided by NJ Motor Vehicle Commission and passed a test. Drivers Manual clearly lists how to park and how not to park, but does not mention that parking against the flow is prohibited (http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/driver_manual/Chapter_4.pdf).

I took a reasonable effort to learn traffic regulations before I started driving a car in New Jersey (i.e. read a book provided by those who issue licenses). Can I be convicted for the offence about which I could not know?

Do I have any chance in court with the arguments above, or I should just plead guilty and not waste my time?

Thanks a lot,

John

 

[You Are Guilty]

Did you know that you can also get a ticket if you park 12" from the curb, even on the correct side of the street?

Unfortunately, just because you are unaware of a law, doesn't mean you don't have to comply. You can try fighting the ticket on procedural grounds (if any exist), though.

39:4-135. Parking; direction and side of street; angle parking; one-way street.

The operator of a vehicle shall not stop, stand or park the vehicle in a roadway other than parallel with the edge of the roadway headed in the direction of traffic, on the right-hand side of the road and with the curb side of the vehicle within six inches of the edge of the roadway, except as follows:

a. Upon those streets which have been designated by ordinance and have been marked or signed for angle parking, vehicles shall be parked at the angle to the curb designated and indicated by the ordinance and marks or signs.

b. Upon one-way streets, local authorities may permit parking of vehicles parallel with the left-hand edge of the roadway headed in the direction of traffic, on the left-hand side of the road and with the curb side of the vehicle within six inches of the edge of the roadway.

 

[wirry1422]

Didn't you ever notice that all of the cars on the same side of a street always park in the direction of traffic on that side? This happens to be a uniform standard throughout the entire USA, not just in one community or state. Some parking laws are not at all obvious, this is not one of them. Pay the fine.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

"When in Rome . . . "

IAAL