There are many theories about how to best handle a Traffic Enforcement Officer who might be writing you a ticket, ranging from submission to confrontation and everything in between. A week ago we watch someone scream and yell long enough that real two NYPD cars showed up on the scene. In any case, the issue comes up as part of a long email forwarded to us from someone in our Park Slope network that makes the neighborhood rounds from the Park Slope Parents email list. (This is not to be confused the with the Playground Proselityzers Problem from earlier today.) We’re running it because it presents an interesting neighborhood slice of life story:
Allow me to preface this story by saying that I am an idiot. Last week, my wife, two children and I went to Tarzian to buy an outdoor table and chair set to put on our balcony. After I bought the piece, I drove my car in front of the store and double-parked so as to carry the heavy item only a short distance.
As I was doing this, the car I was blocking needed to leave. I placed the item in my hatchback and backed up to allow this car to get out of it’s spot. As I was only trying to place said item and my family into the car I let another car park in the open metered spot, since as everyone is aware, it is a constant struggle to find parking in Park Slope. Now, I am double-parked again next to another car in a metered spot. Behind that car is the bus stop between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Idling in that bus stop is a manned car obviously waiting for a spot to open.
As I get out of my double-parked car to get my eldest of two children and place him in his car seat, the present car that I am now blocking needs to leave. So, rather than put my son in the car I hand him to my wife and back up yet again to let this car out of it’s spot. I am now next to the manned car idling in the bus stop. As the car leaves the metered spot, the car in the bus stop pulls up to take the metered spot. Again no problem. I just want to put my family in the car and leave. So I make the obviously illegal move of backing into the bus stop to place the kids in their car seats and finally leave what is becoming a very trying ordeal. I’m sure we all know what’s coming next.
I place my older child in his car seat. As I’m taking my younger child out of his stroller everything takes a turn for the worse. My wife begins to nervously exclaim, “We’re leaving right now officer!”
I look up to see a traffic officer already putting her reader up to my windshield. I run into the street holding my child and beg this officer to please not give me a ticket, as I am only trying to place my kids in the car. She tells me to move my car immediately. I said, can you please allow me to put my child in the car first? And she tells me to lose my attitude as I am the one in the wrong and that I shouldn’t be yelling at her. To be fair, I was voicing this at an above average volume, but it was nerves not attitude. As I’m being harassed by this officer, I actually consider pulling a Britney Spears and move this car with my child on my lap. But as I step into the driver’s seat she relents, and says that she wont’ be giving me a ticket this time, all the while telling me that I am in the wrong and that I shouldn’t be copping an attitude with her.
I’m now fuming for being treated this way. While I know that I was in the wrong, she seemed to want just to harass me. So after I place my child in his car seat and as I am putting the stroller in the hatchback, I say to my wife “Thank God we don’t live in Park Slope anymore!” With that, the officer does a 180, and says “That’s it! Now you ARE getting a ticket!” And she proceeds to do just that!
Now I really should have gotten my money’s worth since I was already getting the ticket, but I was in shock that such a thing, said to my wife, would disturb this officer so much. So instead, I blabbered some ridiculous thing about my being a family man, and why are you harrassing me, blah blah blah…but she was determined to give me that ticket. I know, I know, my wife already screamed at me a thousand times, “Why, why, why did you have to say something more?!?!”
But my question is, should I fight this ticket on the basis of harassment and circumstance? Or will this just be diluted into a black and white, open and shut case, with no room for grey?
35 responses so far ↓
1 Erik // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Maybe this guy should learn from this lesson:
“I drove my car in front of the store and double-parked so as to carry the heavy item only a short distance.”
He has a very self-centered attitude. “I’m only doing something MILDY annoying to save MYSELF a huge hassle.” However, as it turns out, his projected in/out scenario was wrong and the situation was far more complex than he predicted.
Then, when called to task on this, he cops attirude (to the cops). He wasn’t being harrassed. He broke the law. The cop was going to let him off the hook, but then decided not to because he sounded like an asshole.
You can’t claim harrassment that you performed an illegal act, then that someone was going to let you off the hook, but that then they did NOT. That’s just enforcement, not harrassment.
I can easily imagine myself as a cyclist coming down the street, forced to avoid the parked cars, HIS car, the bus, him and his family, the furniture, etc. THAT would be closer to harassment.
The lesson: find a spot, then offer a big tip for someone to help you get the heavy item to your car. It’s considerate, safe, legal, and, best of all, in this case, would have saved him money.
When tempted to diregard this advice, think through all the things that could go wrong with your basic, selfish, “it’ll just be a second” scenario. The fact that he needed to strap his kids in and knew that in advance, shows that he clearly didn’t think this one through!
2 Sam // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I don’t mean to give you a hard time but these posts coming from message boards are getting really annoying. It seems like any time anyone from Park Slope rants about how they have been unfairly treated they get a post on this blog. I understand that parking (and life) is hard but I (and I suspect many other readers) really could care less about this person getting a ticket. Yes, the circumstances of this person getting a ticket for double parking suck but is this really a unique situation that is a gross carriage of injustice? I guarantee that ANYONE who owns a car in NYC has been in a similar situation. Double parking regardless of circumstances is ALWAYS a gamble and ALWAYS illegal. Please stop reporting tripe like this.
P.S. This is not park slope rage as I have lived in park slope for almost 20 years. But I am getting annoyed with the entitlement some people seem to think they have for being urban, middle class, white people.
3 local mom // Jul 1, 2008 at 3:01 pm
the sad truth is that this blog would have very little to post if it was not posting things it found from elsewhere on the web… Why don’t you get off your ass and away from your computer so you can find a real news story instead of reposting someone’s post from another board “because it presents an interesting neighborhood slice of life story”. Sounds like lazy “journalism” (hah!) to me!
4 Anonymous // Jul 1, 2008 at 3:48 pm
it’s his own fault…just pay the ticket and don’t be so lippy next time.
5 don't believe it or not // Jul 1, 2008 at 3:57 pm
“Allow me to preface this story by saying that I am an idiot.”
Thanks for the warning!
6 Red Hook // Jul 1, 2008 at 4:03 pm
IN EVERY WAY, the writer is wrong.
– The writer was illegally parked. Several times. Finally in a bus stop.
– The writer fails to acknowledge that the officer is simply doing her job.
– Unbelievably – I mean this is really really really unbelievable – the officer LETS the guy off the hook and then he complains. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? Do you know how rare that it is – for a traffic officer to do you a solid like that? And then you… you… you complain??? You complain after the officer puts herself on the line to do YOU a favor? YES A FAVOR. You don’t get that part, because you have a sense of entitlement.
– And then, after having been a complete tool, in every single possible way, you then write a complaint about your experience.
This deserves an award. Seriously. If Gowanus Lounge must continue to post these complaints from people, then let’s start tallying votes on which ones we think are the most ridiculous.
Listen: Those of you who read a magazine article in 2003 saying “Brooklyn is the Shit, Yo” and then moved here and then started complaining all the fucking time… Please, do us a favor like this writer apparently did. Go back to Manhattan or wherever you’re from. This reader cannot take another one of these tales. This is just too ridiculous.
7 Jude // Jul 1, 2008 at 4:24 pm
The most disturbing aspect of this whole fiasco is the sense of entitlement this guy has and how he really thinks he is in the right. The fact that he is even considering “fighting” this is comical. Amazing.
8 Jessica // Jul 1, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Reason 10056 not to livein Park Slope
9 Red Hook // Jul 1, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Jessica, what does this have to do with the Slope? Does the Slope have special traffic agents… that only patrol the Slope..?
IDGI.
10 Jim // Jul 1, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Thank GOD you, your wife, and your children don’t live in Park Slope anymore. Your family is the reason normal families like mine (who obey the law) have a bad name.
11 ch. // Jul 1, 2008 at 6:24 pm
why did he constantly move his car if he’s just loading up a table and two kids? just tell the drivers you’ll be done in a couple minutes and git yer bizness dun. what an idiot.
12 slopedweller // Jul 1, 2008 at 6:32 pm
sheesh, this guy should have gotten 4 tickets. Its people like this who seem to be everywhere in the slope that think the law applies to everyone but them that drive me crazy. I am so sick of this kind of attitude. I see so much of this type thing whether its the loser on a bicycle running a red light saying “but I am better than a car” or some such crap, or the smoker smoking in a non-smoking area, or the speech nazis, they are all pompous self-absorbed pigs.
13 DW // Jul 1, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Gawker, for sure.
What a self-centered twat.
14 Red Hook // Jul 1, 2008 at 7:33 pm
With apologies to William Carlos Williams and Leon Freilich
This Is Just To Say
I have taken
the spots
that were in
the buslane
and which
you were probably
saving
for traffic.
Forgive me
We were vicious
so elite
and so cold.
15 Vautrin // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I live in Park Slope. I do not own a car. Why not? Because if some “traffic officer” gave me a ticket while I was doing the same thing this guy was, there would shortly be a dead traffic officer lying at my feet. These harassing traffic tickets are just another way NYC rips us off. Ditto for tickets for garbage improperly prepared.
And, yes, #8, there ARE special traffic agents in Park Slope; that’s where the money is in Brooklyn (Heights, too). In Red Hook, presumably they would act as I would regarding these traffic agent thieves.
16 CBrown // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I’ve gotten tickets for various offences . . . traffic violations, parking violations, smoking where I shouldn’t, and yes, peeing on a wall. And I just took the ticket and paid it, because I was in fact guilty of all the offences, and I’ve gotten away with the same offences so many times that I can’t complain. And because I’m the first to bitch when I see other people breaking the same laws and not getting caught!
And also, unless you have a relative who happens to be a top-notch lawyer who will take your parking ticket case pro-bono and make it too much trouble for the courts to bother with, there is NO WAY you will beat this ticket!
All that said, dude, just pay your ticket and go home and enjoy your new balcony furniture.
17 Ben // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:05 pm
“But my question is, should I fight this ticket on the basis of harassment[…]?”
This is what we in the industry call, “speaks for itself.”
I’m most sorry that this guy made life unpleasant for what sounds like a (relatively) helpful traffic agent.
18 die // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I coud totally picture this douchey typical button don loser with his trendy little shoes, you stuck up loser go to the suburbs of connecticut
19 Dan Fenwick // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Here’s an idea:
Next time the writer finds himself in our apparently horrible(judging by his comment to the officer) neighborhood buying something form one of our lovely stores not in his new neighborhood, he could simply ask the nice folks at the store if he could leave the purchase at the counter whiel he goea and gets his car. Then he and his wife could walk to where he was presumably legally parked, safely secure their youngsters in their carseats and seatbelts, and drive back to Tarzian. Perhaps they could even come up on the side street, and if no convenient double parking space is available momentarily while he dips in to retrieve the oversized item, then his wife could circle the block while he brings the item out to the curb and waits for her to circle back around. Itme goes in the hatchback… and Walla! No ticket. No screaming kids. No trash-talking to a ticket cop that was gonna let you off the hook- after she scanned the VIN#, no less! Do you have any idea how freaking rare that is?!?
Anywho, just a lil bit of constructive suggestions. Take them as you may.
20 anonnyer // Jul 2, 2008 at 12:43 am
Plead not guilty. Take a day off and go to court. Meet with the arbitrator and present your case. Have arbitrator laugh at your expense then find you guilty and impose the full fine plus court fees. When you are done paying the fine, pack your fine belonging and GET THE HELL OUT OF MY TOWN.
21 jerry // Jul 2, 2008 at 12:51 am
move your family to the suburbs and take your awful driving and car with you. no sympathy for you, dumbass.
22 Sam // Jul 2, 2008 at 12:54 am
Ok I dunno where the all the virulence came towards this guy complaining about the ticket. Tickets suck, and if this guy was your friend you’d probably lend a sympathetic ear, say, “that sucks” and go on with your life. The issue is not this guy getting the ticket, the issue is that this story is a NON STORY and has no place on this blog. Yes I realize the owner can post whatever they want but in my opinion posting this was absolutely ridiculous and I think the comments reflect what a useless post this was. (seeing as everyones response was basically “who the fuck cares and fuck that stupid guy”
23 Christine Hamm // Jul 2, 2008 at 3:25 am
Commentator 13?
Brilliant. Utterly.
24 mod squad // Jul 2, 2008 at 5:40 am
the harrassment is a separate issue. Even if the officer pulled his pants down he is still guilty of parking in the bus stop. No judge would have the authority to dismiss because of the harassment. Its a seperate issue probably to be brought to some civilian complaint board or whatever.
25 Janet // Jul 2, 2008 at 6:08 am
Let’s see if I get this straight: writer who lives elsewhere drives into Park Slope with the whole family to buy outdoor furniture one could purchase at any of a number of “home stores” with ample parking, knowing the store is on a major thoroughfare without street parking (because the metered spots are generally occupied by the store owners and employees who feed the meters all day long) but expects to load the items into the car directly outside the store.
Idiot, speak no more.
When your car is in the bus stop, the bus driver often can’t see the bus passengers waiting for that bus, no less pull in so they can safely board. Who is being harassed, again?
26 C // Jul 2, 2008 at 9:27 am
And the because of jackholes like this guy, everyone on the bus and waiting for the bus gets majorly delayed. Rage. Only rage for this guy.
27 Jessica // Jul 2, 2008 at 9:52 am
To Red Hook: My comment was directed not to traffic cops but to the idiot who claimed that he was being harassed by the traffic cop. That kind of temperment seems to run rampant in Park Slope.
28 Brooklyn Dave // Jul 2, 2008 at 10:16 am
You are an adult living in NYC.
You have children and a wife.
You own a car and have been licensed to drive in NYC.
A traffic officer says to you, ” I’ll let you get off with out a ticket this time”
You open your mouth to say anything other than “Thank you officer, Please have a great day”
I feel sorry for your wife and children.
29 harold // Jul 2, 2008 at 11:33 am
I’ve never had a problem with a traffic agent. Even the day I got a ticket for an expired vehicle emissions sticker (it was two months overdue), I still treat them with respect because they’re doing a thankless job.
If you treat people with respect and kindness, you’d be surprised with how people reciprocate.
30 Noisejoke // Jul 2, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Wow, just, wow. Many factors have been noted, but let’s break it down:
1 – He DROVE from a different neighborhood to buy lawn furniture????
2 – He did not drive to either Lowe’s or Home Depot, by Hamilton Avenue, or in Canarsie, where there are hand carts and ample PARKING.
3 – He took the wife, and KIDS who were young enough to require car seats.
4 – And this expedition required a STROLLER???
5 – He chose to shop, from out of the area, with his car, with his family, at 7th Avenue’s likely second worse intersection (besides Union), that features a school/flea market, two Tarzians, Post Office with parking restrictions, a bus stop, hydrant, and until recently a crappy but busy brunch spot.
6 – instead of just tipping a kid and hoofing the stuff out to where he was supposedly legally parked, leaving the wife and kids in the car’s AC, he chose to drive out front of the store.
7 – instead of double parking, asking for other’s momentary indulgence, he jockeyed the car three times and caused the whole escapade to last likely 5 times as much as it would
8 – he GOT A BREAK from the traffic cop but still couldn’t keep his mouth shut or at least voice down. It’s NY, he owns a car – this is the cost of doing business. WHAT DOESN’T HE KNOW? Maybe, since he only just moved here from Iowa or somewhere, he doesn’t remember when the “brownies” were actually dressed in brown and sitting ducks for disgruntled jerks’ shouting, intimidation and much, much worse while simply doing their jobs.
Calling himself an idiot provides no excuse. Pointing out the entitled attitude doesn’t begin to get at the matter. He deserves more than a ticket.
31 Parker Poseur // Jul 2, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Wow. This board is full of some of the most self-righteous arrogant pricks I’ve ever heard. Anyone with eyeballs knows that people double park all the time. It doesn’t make it right, but it certainly makes you feel singled out when it happens.
All in all, the guy was trying to do what he thought was right. As for the ridiculous amounts of chest thumping about how wronged they feel, and what a menace this guy is to society, get over yourselves already.
Oh, and one more thing, keep in mind this cop selectively decides whether or not he’ll do his job. That’s not law enforcement, that’s an ego trip.
My advice is, if you really have a bug up your ass about it bring the ticket in. Forget the harassment issue and tell them you tried to do what you thought was right, you realize you were clearly in the wrong but ask for them to knock it down.
Also know that to get this satisfaction it’s costing you more in your time than they’ll knock off.
32 Red Hook // Jul 2, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Parker you sound like the guy who wrote the original post – trying to write a post defending him. You even gave yourself the name Poseur. Weird.
33 Parker Poseur // Jul 3, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Red Hook – Close. Actually, he’s my clone. Sometimes we fool around a little but it’s totally not gay.
You know, because its just me.
PS I can still control your thoughts even through the tin foil.
34 Person // Jul 4, 2008 at 11:56 pm
I definitely agree with Parker. Double-parking?
“After I bought the piece, I drove my car in front of the store and double-parked so as to carry the heavy item only a short distance.”
As in, he DID what somebody advised him to do, that being parking somewhere, shopping, THEN going back for the car to haul it away. Yea, busy intersection etc etc, so he WENT TO DOUBLE SO HE COULD GET THE THING INTO HIS CAR FAST. Sadly, he was a CONSIDERATE person and decided to stop what he was doing to let people out. Granted, wasn’t the brightest move on his part, but that was his justification. Leave it.
The kids? Need people be reminded how NY works? Typically, you’d have your parents and an apartment and… yea, that’s about it. So, exactly where are these childseat kids going to go if both mommy and daddy are off getting some furniture? You think they should be home alone? Lol. Oh, and before some fool comes up with the jolly idea of babysitter, let’s go with 2 bits:
1. $$$$$ Obvious.
2. News. Note the many many cases of bad sitters and the families that have suffered from it. Again, lol.
“Oh, and one more thing, keep in mind this cop selectively decides whether or not he’ll do his job. That’s not law enforcement, that’s an ego trip.”
THANK YOU!
However, I can’t agree with the advice. Seriously, no amount of complaining and explaining is going to do you any good. Cops have the power and jurisdiction to “let it slide” or to foul you. Oftentime it’s the latter. Talking it through with the arbitrators aren’t going to do anything but waste your time and give you more to gripe about especially since they actually have some legal say in this situation.
Just take the discount bits and be on your way. Try not to find yourself in this situation again, etc. Oh, of course, don’t make the exclamation mistake either. While the guy was nice enough to move for people, he was naive and took too long, this giving more opportunity for the cop and then being nervous and making that comment, it didn’t work to his favour so things to look out for.
35 Katterine // Aug 15, 2008 at 2:34 am
Interesting discussion. I tend to be on the side of “live and let live” (sp?). I’m also wondering if anyone has any advice on how to get out of this annoying parking ticket. I still have 2 weeks till the payment due date. 9 other people got the tix in the same spot, same hour.
http://annoyingparkingticket.blogspot.com