It may seem parking a motorcycle is very easy. So why think about it so much? But the real problem starts from here. Without having particular knowledge about parking can lead you to legal issues and penalties. No one wants to have a bad day especially if it is for motorcycle parking. Unusual trouble or a parking ticket can ruin your whole day. Let’s find out some easy and simple steps to avoid parking penalties.
1. Know about the local parking laws
Every new location you go you will meet with new parking laws. Though almost every parking law carries almost the same characteristics nevertheless there are some differences from place to place. That’s why you need to be completely aware of the local parking laws. What’s acceptable in your area might get you a ticket in another. For example, you might allowed to park your motorcycle on the sidewalk in your city but in other cities, you will get penalties.
2. Understand parking signs
To avoid penalties understanding parking signs properly is crucial. A few years earlier I parked my motorcycle in a reserved parking spot but I did not notice. Often I was used to parking in that area but I was in a hurry that day and I didn’t notice the reserved sign. By the time I got back from work, I had already got the penalty for my mistake. Sometimes it is difficult to understand parking signs especially if you are not familiar with those signs. If you are not sure about the sign ask someone or the parking authority.
3. Avoid illegal parking spot
In some places, it seems that motorcycles can be parked there but parking is not allowed there. Most of the time we make such mistakes without understanding or with the desire to avoid parking costs. On the contrary, a fine has to be paid and sometimes physical damage is also done. Don’t park your motorcycle on the sidewalk, without any permission on someone’s private property, crosswalks, driveways, or too close to the fire hydrants, abandoned places, and no-parking areas. Rules and laws vary according to places so make sure about local parking methods where to park or where not.
4. Use dedicated parking
Dedicated parking Indicates a parking space, that is specifically made for either a motorcycle or a car. In every city, you can see dedicated motorcycle parking lots, especially near parks, shopping malls, and downtown business areas. If you can ensure a dedicated parking space for your motorcycle the chance of being bumped or knocked over by other vehicles gets drastically dropped. On the other hand, when you park your motorcycle with other vehicles collisions with other vehicles are more common. It also saves motorcyclists time and sometimes money too. Overall a motorcycle-dedicated parking lot makes work easier and ensures better security.
5. Park in a permitted spot
If you don’t have any other option left to park your motorcycle you should invest in a parking space that requires permission or payment. Some parking areas occasionally offer special discounts on parking. Keep your eyes on that and try to invest in long-term parking. This way you don’t have to go through the hassle of finding a legal spot and don’t have to pay extra money for metered parking. Once I booked a metered parking spot for an hour but, it took me more than three hours to return from work. Due to my mistake, I had to pay a hefty fine. With that money, I could have parked my motorcycle for another 5-7 days. If you are new in the area and going to use the just for a single time and not even sure about the exact time duration then book your parking spot for several hours.
6. Be conscious about private property
As supposed to be you go to a new place and you do not know much about the rules or regulations for parking a motorcycle. At the same time faced with a situation where you need to go somewhere for a short time like 15-20 minutes. In case you thought that motorcycles could be parked on private property without any hassle as you do in your area. When you come back you will see you already got the ticket with a hefty fine or towing. To avoid tickets and save money get permission from the property owner and read signs very well if available. Moreover, you will find that you have to spend more money than what you wanted to save.
Having a clear knowledge of motorcycle parking will not only keep you hassle-free, protect your motorcycle from getting physically damaged, and save money and time, but will also present you as a passionate motorcyclist. Always be aware of local parking laws, signs, and the correct way of parking. That will save you from penalties and also ensure the safety of other road users. Hope you find useful these motorcycle parking penalty-avoiding tips.