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This
page is intended to help drivers and/or owners of
vehicles to have a better understanding of some of the
parking regulations and procedures of the City of St.
Bernard. It is important to know that wherever you go,
there will be parking regulations. As a driver or
owner of a vehicle or property it is ultimately your
responsibility to adhere to all parking regulations.
Not knowing of a regulation does not excuse a person
from responsibility. his page lists the most
common restrictions. When in doubt, call for
information.
Remember, city streets belong to
everyone, we receive many calls because someone is
parked in front of their residence. We can’t do
anything about this type of call. However, please try
to be a good neighbor and if you have a driveway use
it and leave the street parking for those that don't
have off street parking. If you can park in an
alternate spot to help a neighbor that is also
appreciated. If the vehicle is parked for more
than 48 hours and not moved we can address that
situation with the overtime parking ordinance.
Parking
Enforcement
In the
City of St. Bernard, parking regulations are enforced
and tickets are only issued by police officers.
Penalties
The
fine for most parking violations is $35. If not paid
by the set court date, warrants will be issued for the
violators arrest. Violation of handicap parking is
$250. Failure to
pay a parking ticket may result in SUSPENSION of your
operator’s license.
Signs
and Markings
REMEMBER
– NOT ALL RESTRICTIONS WILL OR CAN BE SIGNED
Watch
carefully for signs and markings that prohibit or
restrict parking. Check up and down the street several
car lengths because signs can’t be everywhere. Don’t
park:
- Against sign restrictions
- In yellow painted curb areas
- Across parking stall lines
- In excess of time limits
Permission
to “Illegally Park”
You may
contact the police department to request temporary
permission to park in violation of restrictions for
disabled vehicles and/or special circumstances. This
will often be granted for short periods if the vehicle
does not create a hazard. You must call for permission
right away, tickets will not be excused after the
fact!
Excusing
a Parking Ticket
IN
GENERAL – THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT EXCUSE A
PARKING TICKET
If you
feel that you received a parking ticket in error, you
may contact the police department with your questions.
In general however, the police department will not
excuse a parking ticket. Common excuses include: I
didn’t see the sign – I wasn’t aware of the
restrictions – I had car trouble – I was in a
hurry – I couldn’t find another spot – I didn’t
have time to call for permission – I’ve parked in
that spot for years – etc. These will not result in
a ticket being excused.
Contesting
a Parking Ticket in Court
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTEST A PARKING TICKET IN
COURT
You
certainly have the right to contest a parking ticket.
Cases are heard in the St. Bernard Mayor’s Court
before a Magistrate. To contest a ticket, simply show
in court on the date listed on your citation. Court
costs of $40 will be added which must be paid at the
time of court if you are found guilty of the
violation. A parking ticket is an allegation that the
vehicle was parked in violation of the law.
SPECIAL
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
Handicapped
Parking
The
City of St. Bernard supports the American with
Disabilities Act. Handicapped parking is marked both
by signs and marked stalls in the municipal lots and
we have signs on residential streets for handicapped
residents. Please observe these signs to assist our
elderly and disabled citizens. This area will be
strictly enforced!
Oversize
Vehicles
No
person will park any vehicle wider than 7’ or longer
than 18’ on any residential street unless it is
providing a bona fide service to a resident. There
is no overnight parking of semi’s unless prior
approval has been granted. This is a serious
safety issue because these vehicle block the view of
the roadway especially near intersections.
Overtime Parking
Restrictions
You can not
leave a car parked on the street for more than 48
hours. If we receive a call on this type of violation
we will mark the tires, issue a citation, then tow the
vehicle so it takes several days to accomplish this.
If after 48 hours a car hasn't move give us a call.
Try not to abuse this violation to get back at a
neighbor who has parked in front of your house, the
streets belong to everyone.
Municipal
Parking Lots and Time Restrictions
There is
no overnight parking in municipal lots. Check for sign
listings in City lots and in the Vine Street business
district. Time limits of one or two hours will apply.
In addition to large full lot signs, smaller signs may
restrict individual stalls. You can only park in a
marked space. If it is not marked then that is also a
violation.
Private
Property
You may
not park on private property without permission. This
includes apartment or condominium parking lots.
Public
or Private Lawn Areas
You may
not park on any lawn area not designated for parking
(your own lawn included)
Fire
Lanes
You may
not park in posted fire lanes. This is a serious
safety hazard and will be strictly enforced.
Unregistered
Vehicles
No person
shall park or store any vehicle which is not licensed.
These vehicles will be considered junk vehicles and
will be towed at the owners expense. Likewise, you can’t
store these vehicles in the open on your property. If
you have a car that you are not going to license it
must be under cover off the street, either in a garage
or covered with a tarp etc.
Unattended
Vehicles
Do not
leave your vehicle running and unattended. This is a
parking violation and is a common way of auto thefts.
It only takes a few seconds. Also, if an officer finds
a vehicle parked where the it constitutes an
obstruction to traffic the vehicle will be towed at
the owners expense.
Vehicles
for Sale – Maintenance
No person
shall park a vehicle in any residential district for
the principal purpose of: displaying such vehicle for
sale, conducting engine overhauls, major repairs,
sanding, painting, body work.
Other
Prohibited Parking Places
-On a sidewalk,
curb
-In front of a public or private driveway
-Within an intersection
-On a crosswalk
-Within 20’ of a crosswalk
-Within 10’ of a fire hydrant
-Within 50’ of railroad crossing
-Across from fire station or within 20’ of it’s
entrance
-On any expressway
If you
have any questions, call 242-2727 and ask to speak to
a Supervisor. We serve the community of St. Bernard
proudly!
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