http://madscientist01.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] madscientist01.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2009-08-25 06:57 am
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Wrong direction?

Sorry to bring up everyone's favorite topic around here... but I got cited for parking in the wrong direction today. I have never even heard of this. I was not on a one way street, and pulling in and out of the spot didn't seem any more dangerous than making a left/right turn. But yes, I was parked on the left side of the street, opposite from most cars. Do I have any chance in contesting this? And, slightly relevant, I read on the ticket that it could be adjudicated (appealed) online. Anyone done this?
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Re: Good Reason

[identity profile] library-sexy.livejournal.com 2009-08-25 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure it is likely not as dangerous on a smaller residential street than Highland Ave, but how do you write a law saying it is OK on some and not on others?

Because I felt like I learned this rule when I got my license (I got it in MA when I was 16) I checked and the "Rules of the Road" book from the RMV states:
"In Massachusetts, you may not park your vehicle in certain places:.....
• Facing the wrong way against traffic"

Because the rule are enforced by town, some must let you do it while others don't, but the State Law says it is illegal. Why each town is different I can't answer.

Re: Good Reason

[identity profile] http://users.livejournal.com/deviant_/ 2009-08-25 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
how do you write a law saying it is OK on some and not on others?

Many cities use lined vs unlined roads to distinguish exactly this.

Re: Good Reason

[identity profile] madscientist01.livejournal.com 2009-08-25 02:09 pm (UTC)(link)
...nd this specific road was not lined. I have parked in other cities where "wrong direction" is allowed. In fact I have parked in the wrong direction on this street before and never been ticketed, which was why I was so confused to find one this time.

Re: Good Reason

[identity profile] http://users.livejournal.com/deviant_/ 2009-08-26 02:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure; [livejournal.com profile] library_sexy asked how you write a law that says some roads are okay and some aren't, and I was explaining how you go about doing that. Somerville has apparently chosen not to distinguish.

Re: Good Reason

[identity profile] boblothrope.livejournal.com 2009-08-31 04:30 pm (UTC)(link)
The RMV manual is not the law, and it has plenty of mistakes.

I don't think there's any state law about parking on the wrong side.
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