News

10/8/2014 - NPD FACEEBOOK POST - 10/7/14 - Parking Violations
Hi Everyone

What a week - we are already at hump day!! The wet weather has cleared and we escaped last nights storms with few issues...So it's on now to a beautiful day - so enjoy!!

I'd like to talk today about parking issues throughout the Borough. I posted a few weeks ago about how the NPD is often dealing with illegally parked cars - well, I have to touch on it again as well as touch on general "parking violations" because as we approach winter, we need to start making sure the roads are clear of these vehicles. Our officers will be out ticketing and towing all varieties of illegally parked cars and parking violations.

Knowing this, let's recap what constitutes an "illegally parked car" or a "Parking Violation" ... Well, First and foremost- it must be "illegally parked" or parked in such a way it is "in violation"... .... .... Not much of a help there was I?!!

Ok - here is some more help ... Now, keep in mind - this is not an all inclusive list of violations - but here are some of the big ones;

- parking an "unregistered motor vehicle" on a public roadway: ... Can't do this people...the DMV frowns on cars that are not legally registered ... And when you park them on a public road ..even if you otherwise park your car legally ... because it's not registered - it is parked illegally! ... now, please know that we have pleaded with the DMV that their laws on unregistered cars make it very difficult for your average citizen to own a half dozen or more rusted out, smashed up, flat tired, busted wind shield, no hood or side mirrored- non running cars .... But still - the DMV insists their laws have a purpose - so we are sorry, but you will have to remove your unregistered motor vehicles from the roadway.

- Cars parked on sidewalks: ...BIG "no-can-do" on this one...it makes it very difficult to walk on a sidewalk when your car is parked on it ...I'm afraid this applies to both registered and unregistered cars....sorry! ... Also - just so we are clear ....can't drive on sidewalks either ...just throwing this one out there, it's a pretty popular move in action movies - but this is frowned on in the Borough...thank you...

- Cars parked parked facing the wrong direction: ... now, let's be clear on this - here in the United States we drive on the .... Ok-ok, ... We LEGALLY drive ....on the RIGHT side of the road...The law says we must then PARK -FACING the proper direction...let me simplify - whenever you park-ie - your car-ie - on the road-ie... your right side tires (passenger side for those of us that have trouble distinguishing our rights from lefts) MUST be along the curb side... They must also not be more than 12" from the curb .... Come on now, 12" is quite a bit of space... Seems reasonable right? ... Well, no matter - it's the law - so, you must it under a foot away from the curb facing the proper direction!!

- Cars parked within 25 feet ... YES - 25 FEET - of an intersection, crosswalk or stop sign: ... I know these spaces ALWAYS seem to be so tempting to park in... But please resist... Cars parked in these spots ALWAYS have something bad happen to them...there - I said it, now if you do it you will not be able to help but think... Darn, he said that in that post and it happened!! ... And when I see it happen, I will not be able to help but say - "I Posted You So"!!

- Here's an oldie but a goodie ... the old parking on a curve or blind corner... Now you'd think this one could go without saying... But here I am saying it!... This again, is not a great idea ... And for obvious reasons...did you know that somewhere in America - someone is illegally parking a car on a curve or blind corner every six seconds? (... Ok - I just made that up...but you all get my point right?) ...again - don't be tempted to do this one, or my "post karma" will get you!!

- I saved the best two for last - A lot of people mistake this one for our (the police) most coveted parking violation - the handicapped parking space intruder... This one is only second best because of the big fine associated ... I will not even get into explaining this one..... My advice ...Don't be "that guy"!!

- Now for the number #1 violation on our top parking violation count down...the old ..."blocking in a driveway": ... Nothing says "I could care less about my fellow man" then parking your car to block a driveway... Now I'm here to tell you, of all the low down, dirty, underhanded moves - blocking a driveway has to be at the top... I must admit, police officers dream of coming across this one - it's the holy grail of all parking violations... Oh - how - we - bask in the glow of hooking one of these babies... These are the ones that we pose next to ...like a fisherman catching the big one on a pier!! ... ... Oh..uh ... Sorry - sorry ... I usually only drool like this when I see a fresh box of "D-Words!!" ... But seriously- this one is bad...don't do it...Just say no... And all the other 80's sayings - DONT BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY!!!

So there it is - that's our top list of illegal parking violations - please refrain from these and we will refrain from scratching you out a ticket and towing your beloved "people mover"!!

Thank you everyone - and have a great Wednesday!