Asked 1/22/2016 – Dallas, TX

I parked angled in a parallel spot and have been doing that for the last 8 months along with everyone else. Just today the police decided to write tickets and we were unaware that it was illegal. Is there any grounds to fight the ticket or have it reduced to a warning for the first time?

Answer

You have the right to contest this matter, but it is not a defense that you do not believe parking violations in this specific areas have not been enforced before. Are the parallel spots clearly marked as parallel? Why does everyone angle park in this area? Are there any signs posted? These are some of the questions to ask if contesting the citation. The applicable law will be in the Texas Transportation Code, or on the city of Dallas ordinances (assuming the citation was issued in Dallas).