Expert: Philip Sweeting - 7/25/2007

Question
I have parked my car on a yellow single line..about 2 weeks ago, i'm asking if i have to pay the Penalty Charge to the Council which the amount is : 120.00.
I was just waiting in the car for my Friend + i didn't know that you had to pay for parking on the single yellow line.
SO CAN YOU HELP ME!!


Answer
You need to read the specific law that the citation was written for.

If you are paying the fine to the "council" it sounds like it is a municipal/city law rather then a state law. In Florida the no parking laws allow for parking in certain restricted areas for the temporarily loading and unloading of items. It is meant to allow vendors or customers to park momentarily for the sole purpose of picking up or dropping off large items close to the business...but for only the time necessary to pick up or drop off.

As for your situation...you should read the law and determine if the law has the same exception. If so, you could possibly challenge the citation and claim your friend meets the criteria as an item loaded into your vehicle?

You can generally access most laws on the Internet but all cities may not have theirs on line but you should be able to get a copy by contacting your city...hope this helps.