Even the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles isn't shy to admit that parking isn't always easy. Parallel parking, in particular, can be quite a challenge.
The department's site notes that many people consider this the most difficult part of driving. It takes skill and practice but you have no choice but to learn how to do it if you want to get your drivers licence. According to the site, parallel parking is part of every road test.
"You must know where parking is illegal and what NO PARKING, NO STANDING and NO STOPPING signs indicate," it states. And there you have it... straight from the horse's mouth.
The site explains that there's a difference between parking, standing and stopping.
"Parking is when a vehicle is stopped, occupied or not, other than temporarily for the purpose of loading or unloading merchandise or passengers. Standing is similar to Parking, except that it only relates to receiving or discharging passengers. Stopping is literally that, bringing the vehicle to a stop (even temporarily)," it states.
Therefore, a NO PARKING sign means you can make a temporary stop to load or discharge merchandise or passengers. A NO STANDING sign means you can make a temporary stop to load or discharge passengers but the driver cannot exit the vehicle. And a NO STOPPING sign means you can stop only to obey a traffic sign, signal or officer or to prevent conflicts with other vehicles.
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Traffic laws vary around the world, but in New York State and many other places, there are some common rules every driver should know when it comes to parking.
One is that you generally cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in an emergency. You also should not park on the roadside of a parked vehicle (otherwise known as "double parking"). Parking on a sidewalk, in a crosswalk or in an intersection is also not permitted.
Steer clear of parking your vehicle next to or opposite road work, construction or other obstructions if it will block traffic. And within 30 feet of a pedestrian safety area, unless another distance is marked.
Don't park on a bridge or in a tunnel, and it goes without saying that you should never leave your car on railroad tracks. In fact, you aren't even supposed to park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. If you see a traffic light, STOP sign or YIELD sign, you should not park within 30 feet of it. Nor should you park within 20 feet of a fire station driveway, or within 75 feet on the opposite side of the road.
According to the New York State Motor Vehicle Department, "along a curb that is cut, lowered or made for access to the sidewalk" is also not considered parking space. Neither is in front of a driveway. Yes, Karen, we're talking to you!
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Only a truly entitled driver would dare to park in a space designated for disabled people.
"These special parking spaces for motorists with disabilities ensure safe and equal access to goods and services, access which is taken for granted by many persons," notes the department. "You can park in reserved spaces only if you have a permit or vehicle plates for persons with disabilities and only when the person who received the permit or vehicle plates is in the vehicle."
Don't even think of trying to cheat the system. The department warns that if you make a false statement or provide false information to get a parking permit for a person with a disability, you face possible civil penalties from $250 to $1,000 and a mandatory surcharge.
"These penalties apply to the applicant and to a doctor who provides certification," it adds.
