Avoid a $293 fine—park right or pay up when this new rule hits on February 17th
- Replies 0
A new parking rule is about to hit, and it could cost you $293! Starting February 17th, a hefty fine awaits if you park in the wrong spot.
Are you ready to avoid this costly mistake?
Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis where every second counts, especially for the roughly 700,000 daily riders relying on Metro bus service.
To combat traffic congestion and enhance safety, the Los Angeles Metro and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) are launching a pilot program with a laser focus on bus lanes.
The Bus Lane Enforcement Program is the city's latest effort to ensure that these crucial lanes remain unobstructed.
If your vehicle is found parked in a bus lane or by a bus stop, you're not just inconveniencing commuters—you're breaking the law and facing a $293 penalty.
This isn't a sudden change without warning.
The program kicked off back in November 2024 with an introductory phase.
During this time, drivers who parked in bus lanes or at bus stops along Metro routes 212 and 720 received warnings instead of fines.
But the grace period is over, and the city means business.
Anthony Crump, Metro's executive officer for community relations, expressed a desire for compliance over citations.
“Ideally, we would give zero citations out,” he told LAist.
The goal is clear: to change driver behavior for the better without resorting to fines.
To enforce this new rule, the Los Angeles Metro has equipped 50 buses with cameras on lines 720 and 212.
These cameras are not just for show; they're actively capturing photographs of license plates and documenting the time and location of violations.
Before a ticket is issued, a Los Angeles traffic officer will review the images to confirm the offense.
The program is set to expand in the coming month, with dozens more cameras being installed on buses along lines 910 and 950.
While the focus is on bus lanes, it's a good time to brush up on general street parking laws.
Parking on a public street is usually legal, even in front of someone's house, unless specific restrictions apply.
However, there are universal no-nos: don't park in the same spot for over 72 hours, and steer clear of fire hydrants, driveways, and sidewalks. These rules are in place for everyone's safety.
Ultimately, the agencies behind the Bus Lane Enforcement Program hope to see buses running on schedule and passengers traveling safely.
It's about improving the flow of the city and ensuring that public transportation remains a reliable option for all.
To avoid being slapped with a $293 fine, here's what you need to do:
1. Be aware of bus lanes and stops—these are no-parking zones.
2. Look out for posted signs indicating parking restrictions.
3. Consider alternative parking spots or modes of transportation.
4. Spread the word to fellow drivers to foster a community of informed citizens.
Remember, a little awareness goes a long way. By parking smart, you're contributing to a smoother, safer city for everyone.
So, mark your calendars for February 17th, and let's keep those bus lanes clear!
Have you ever been ticketed for parking in a bus lane? What are your tips for finding legal parking in busy areas? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
Are you ready to avoid this costly mistake?
Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis where every second counts, especially for the roughly 700,000 daily riders relying on Metro bus service.
To combat traffic congestion and enhance safety, the Los Angeles Metro and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) are launching a pilot program with a laser focus on bus lanes.
The Bus Lane Enforcement Program is the city's latest effort to ensure that these crucial lanes remain unobstructed.
The Bus Lane Enforcement Program aims to reduce traffic congestion. Image source: Scott Webb/Pexels.
If your vehicle is found parked in a bus lane or by a bus stop, you're not just inconveniencing commuters—you're breaking the law and facing a $293 penalty.
This isn't a sudden change without warning.
The program kicked off back in November 2024 with an introductory phase.
During this time, drivers who parked in bus lanes or at bus stops along Metro routes 212 and 720 received warnings instead of fines.
But the grace period is over, and the city means business.
Anthony Crump, Metro's executive officer for community relations, expressed a desire for compliance over citations.
“Ideally, we would give zero citations out,” he told LAist.
The goal is clear: to change driver behavior for the better without resorting to fines.
To enforce this new rule, the Los Angeles Metro has equipped 50 buses with cameras on lines 720 and 212.
These cameras are not just for show; they're actively capturing photographs of license plates and documenting the time and location of violations.
Drivers will now receive tickets via mail if caught by cameras placed on select buses. Image source: Steve DiMatteo/Pexels.
Before a ticket is issued, a Los Angeles traffic officer will review the images to confirm the offense.
The program is set to expand in the coming month, with dozens more cameras being installed on buses along lines 910 and 950.
While the focus is on bus lanes, it's a good time to brush up on general street parking laws.
Parking on a public street is usually legal, even in front of someone's house, unless specific restrictions apply.
However, there are universal no-nos: don't park in the same spot for over 72 hours, and steer clear of fire hydrants, driveways, and sidewalks. These rules are in place for everyone's safety.
Ultimately, the agencies behind the Bus Lane Enforcement Program hope to see buses running on schedule and passengers traveling safely.
It's about improving the flow of the city and ensuring that public transportation remains a reliable option for all.
To avoid being slapped with a $293 fine, here's what you need to do:
1. Be aware of bus lanes and stops—these are no-parking zones.
2. Look out for posted signs indicating parking restrictions.
3. Consider alternative parking spots or modes of transportation.
4. Spread the word to fellow drivers to foster a community of informed citizens.
Remember, a little awareness goes a long way. By parking smart, you're contributing to a smoother, safer city for everyone.
So, mark your calendars for February 17th, and let's keep those bus lanes clear!
