The Legality of Writing a Fake Parking Ticket

It's a common misconception that putting a fake parking ticket on your own car can avoid an actual ticket. However, the intricacies of parking laws and law enforcement make this idea not just ineffective, but potentially illegal too.

The Reality of Fake Parking Tickets

When parking officers issue tickets, they log the license plate and vehicle information. These records are readily accessible and easy for law enforcement to check. Simply placing a fake ticket doesn't trick the system. In fact, if multiple "fake" tickets are found, the authorities may find this suspicious and even escalate the situation into a more serious offense.

Consequences of Using Fake Tickets

For those who believe writing a fake ticket is acceptable, the consequences can be severe. Falsifying documents is considered forgery, which is a serious charge in most jurisdictions. Additionally, law enforcement may also consider this as impersonating a public official, which can carry additional penalties.

Real-World Examples

For instance, there have been documented cases where individuals have been caught and penalized for using fake tickets. One example involves a truck parked in a delivery area, prompting authorities to repeatedly issue real tickets, eventually towing the vehicle without any prior warning.

Why It's Illegitimate to Use Fake Parking Tickets

Crimes like forgery are not something to take lightly, and using fake parking tickets could potentially land you in jail. This is because you are creating a fraudulent document to avoid legal punishment for a violation of the law. Even in certain municipalities, you may be charged with impersonating a police officer or city official, which carries significant legal repercussions.

What Happens in Other Jurisdictions

In New York, the act of writing a fake parking ticket is formally called forgery. Given that parking enforcement officers are often well-informed about the day's enforcement priorities, placing a false ticket could set off serious scrutiny. If an officer finds the fake ticket and suspects foul play, an appearance in court becomes almost certain, and the fake ticket will be used as evidence.

Why It's Not a Good Idea

Placing a false parking ticket on your car is not only illegal but fraught with risks. These risks include:

Being subject to a real ticket and potential towing. Facing forgery charges, which can result in criminal penalties. Impersonating a public official, a serious offense with severe legal consequences.

Given the ease with which law enforcement can trace and verify tickets, it's crucial to respect parking laws and pay your fines on time. Ignoring these rules not only risks hefty fines and towing but also legal trouble.

Conclusion

In summary, writing a fake parking ticket is not a viable strategy to avoid fines. It is not only illegal but can lead to serious legal complications. Instead, follow the rules, pay fines when due, and avoid placing fake tickets on your car. Doing so will not only keep you out of legal trouble but also maintain the integrity of the legal system.