Chief: How to Avoid Parking Tickets

QUESTION:

I recently received a parking ticket for parking on a crosswalk.  I didn’t even know this was a violation.  Could you please tell me about the other types of parking violations so I don’t have to worry about getting anymore parking tickets in the future?

ANSWER:

The has stepped up its enforcement efforts to locate and cite vehicles that are parked illegally. Illegally parked vehicles are usually parked in an unsafe manner and often create public safety issues.

The following is a list of parking violations most frequently observed by the Grafton Police Department. By reviewing the list, motorists will know what constitutes a parking violation and may be able to avoid receiving a ticket.

• Parking in any prohibited zone
• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 5 feet of a driveway
• Within a fire lane
• On a sidewalk
• On a crosswalk
• More than 12 inches from a curb
• Parking in the wrong direction
• Within 20 feet of an intersection
• Within 15 feet or opposite a fire station. 
• Parking to obstruct an excavation site
• On or under a bridge
• Blocking entrances to public buildings
• Double parking
• Parking in a school zone
• Blocking a private driveway
• Parking in a loading zone
• Parking within an intersection

The Grafton Police Department cites many vehicles for parking in areas restricted for vehicles bearing disabled veterans or handicap plates. The fine for this violation is $100. Many people feel that they may park in a handicap spot because they are just there for a minute.  Remember… it only takes a minute to get a ticket.

Many people who receive parking tickets have a tendency to ignore the ticket thinking that the matter will go away and that no one will follow up on its collection. People who disregard parking violations are sometimes referred to as “Scofflaws.”

People who receive parking tickets have 21 days to pay the fine or appeal the ticket to the parking clerk. If they take no action, additional penalties will be incurred. Grafton utilizes Kelley & Ryan Associates of Hopedale for its overdue parking ticket collections.

Parking tickets may be paid at the Grafton Police Station by mail or in person.  Instructions for payment are on the ticket. After 21 days, the ticket may be also paid through Kelley & Ryan Associates. You may access the web page by going to www.graftonpolice.com and clicking on "Pay Parking Ticket.'' 

After 21 days, the violator will receive a first notice indicating there is an outstanding parking ticket. A late fee will be incurred. A second notice of violation will warn the violator that that his/her license may be “marked” for non-renewal at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. A third notice will inform the violator that his/her license has been “marked” for non-renewal at the registry and the license cannot be renewed until all outstanding tickets and late fees are paid.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com.  Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons. 

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr. is Grafton's Chief of Police.