Hey all—just got a parking ticket for being within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. The thing is, there was a construction dumpster parked right in front of the hydrant, so I literally couldn't see it. I took a photo from my driver's seat. Is it worth contesting? I've never fought a ticket before and the online hearing thing looks confusing. Any advice?

Yeah, contest it. Online hearing is actually pretty painless—you upload photos and write a paragraph. But you need a clear shot showing the dumpster blocking the hydrant AND your car's position. If your photo just shows a dumpster, they'll say you should've known. Been there.

Wait, was the dumpster permitted?! If it's a legal construction dumpster with a DOT permit, that actually helps your case because it's a temporary obstruction. Check the permit sticker on the side! And take a photo of the hydrant from across the street to show the angle. I once got a ticket tossed because a scaffolding covered the sign—totally different but same principle!

Good advice above. A few specifics: the online hearing (called 'contest online' on the DMV site) lets you submit up to 3 photos and a written statement. You want one photo showing your car's front bumper relative to the dumpster, one showing the hydrant hidden behind the dumpster, and ideally a third showing the whole scene including the street sign. If the dumpster has a permit, photograph that too. Also, check if there's a 311 complaint about the dumpster blocking the hydrant—if so, attach the complaint number. The administrative law judge won't accept 'I didn't see it' but will consider 'the hydrant was physically obscured by a permitted object.' Don't bother with an in-person hearing unless you lose online—the online one is faster and you can appeal. One caveat: if the dumpster was placed illegally (no permit), that's actually not your problem—you still parked near a hydrant. But if it had a permit, you have a solid case. Keep your statement to the point: 'The fire hydrant was completely occluded by a permitted construction dumpster. I have attached photos showing no visible hydrant from the driver's perspective.'

Oh I've been here! I fought a ticket where a dumpster hid a 'no parking' sign and won because I included a photo from my eye level sitting in the car. The judge said 'if a reasonable driver couldn't see the sign, it's not enforceable.' Same logic should apply! Definitely contest it. And take a photo from exactly where your car was parked—not from the sidewalk. That's the key!

Thanks for posting this—I'm new to contesting tickets too. Did you take the photo at the time you got the ticket or after? I always forget to document stuff. Also, does the online hearing let you attach a video? I have a dashcam clip.