I Didn't Know a Parking Ticket Was Filed Against Me and Would Like to Fight It

[S.Mim]

My question involves a traffic citation from the state of: NJ

Hi, I apparently have a parking ticket filed against me. I just received a notice stating such and that an additional penalty fee has been add for not paying on time.

I had no idea there was a ticket filed against me. I never found a ticket on my car and I never had an officer hand me one.

The violation is 39:4-138H "Improper parking within 50 feet of "Stop" sign".

I have parked on the street in question 2-3 in the last 3 months, but I always obey signs / yellow lines and I don't remember parking by a stop sign.

My question is, would I be successful fighting this ticket or at least having the fine reduced by going to court?

Any comments are appreciated.

[PTPD22]

A plea of "I don't remember doing that" is unlikely to get you anywhere in court. However, going to court and letting them know that you never received the citation might get you out of the late penalty.

[S.Mim]

Of course, ignorance is not a good defense in court. I'm assuming that would also be the case with never receiving the ticket.

What about a yellow curb? Must the curb be yellow at a stop sign, denoting the length in which parking is prohibited? In other words if the curb is not painted yellow in the area I'm being accused of parking, would I be able to used that as a successful defense?

[PTPD22]

39:4-138. Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a traffic or police officer or traffic sign or signal, no operator of a vehicle shall stand or park the vehicle in any of the following places: ...

h. Within 50 feet of a "stop" sign;

Nothing there about painted curbs. Just a specific distance requirement. Unless you can cite a code that requires the "50 feet" limit be marked with painted curbs, it's not going to fly.

[S.Mim]

Okay then, Thanks for your time.