New York State's "Sticker of Shame" is Warning Drivers

Cities across New York State have come up with an interesting new way to shame drivers who violate parking rules. There are times when it can be incredibly difficult to find a parking spot, but if you happen to park illegally, you may end up feeling more guilt than worry about the potential fine.

It has been a very busy summer, with people on the go from New York City to Buffalo and everywhere in between. Families are exploring all the great things New York State has to offer, and sometimes finding the right place to park can be a major challenge.

One of the biggest challenges facing cities like Buffalo is finding parking when a major event is taking place. Even when you do find a spot, parking can be incredibly expensive, making it difficult to enjoy an event when you have already spent a significant amount of money before you even walk through the door.

Finding Parking in New York Cities Can Be Difficult

Another issue for people who regularly live or park in city neighborhoods is the limited availability of parking around apartments and other housing.

Often, when you find the right apartment, it does not necessarily come with a driveway or designated parking space. That can leave residents with no choice but to park on the street, and that is where the trouble can begin.

I was recently sent a picture of a sticker that had been placed on a friend’s vehicle in New York City. The car was parked in an area where trash collection was taking place, and unfortunately, the city’s sanitation crews could not get to the pile of garbage because the vehicle was in the way.

So, a sticker was placed on the outside of the car with a message designed to make the driver think twice about parking there.

New York City’s “Sticker of Shame”

I actually took the side of the city on this one.

Although I love my friend dearly, there is a reason cities have alternate-side parking rules on certain days. Trash collection and snow removal have to happen. If sanitation crews or snowplows cannot get down a street, it can quickly become a much bigger problem.

Parking fines can definitely cause financial stress, but having a sticker placed on your vehicle is almost like a badge of shame that everyone else can see.

It is similar to being called out publicly. When scrutiny and criticism are coming your way, it can certainly affect your ego. In this case, the “sticker of shame” is an interesting way for New York City to remind drivers that parking rules are there for a reason.

Snow Removal Makes Parking Rules Even More Important

It will not be long before snow starts to fly across New York State.

When winter arrives, city crews and departments of public works will need to clear the roads. Alternate-side parking is an important part of making sure snowplows and emergency crews can get down residential streets when they need to.

And it is not just about snow.

During the hot summer months, making sure garbage can be collected on schedule is also important for keeping neighborhoods clean and helping prevent problems with pests and rodents.

Could More New York Cities Start Using These Stickers?

Don’t be surprised if you start seeing similar warning stickers used in other communities around New York State.

While a parking ticket or fine can certainly get a driver’s attention, a sticker placed directly on the vehicle provides an immediate visual reminder that the parking violation was noticed.

It may not be the most expensive punishment, but having everyone who walks by your vehicle see that warning could be enough to make some drivers think twice the next time they see an alternate-side parking sign.

New York Drivers: Would a “Sticker of Shame” Make You Follow the Parking Rules?

Parking rules can sometimes be frustrating, especially when finding a legal parking spot is already difficult. But when those rules are in place to allow sanitation crews, snowplows and emergency vehicles to do their jobs, there is usually a pretty good reason behind them.

So, if you see one of these stickers on a vehicle in your New York community, don’t be surprised. It could be the city’s way of giving drivers one last warning before a much more expensive parking ticket arrives.