NYC Violation Code 42: Expired Meter - Commercial Vehicle
Parking violation · $65 base fine · 5-stage penalty escalation
Fine Breakdown
Base Fine
$65
Maximum (before judgment)
$165
Penalty Escalation Timeline
Base Fine
$65
At issue
+$10 Late Penalty
$75
After 30 days
+$30 Late Penalty
$105
After 60 days
+$60 Late Penalty
$165
After 75 days
Judgment Entered
$165
After 90 days
Quick Tip
Commercial vehicle meter rules differ from passenger vehicles. If the meter was malfunctioning or you had a valid receipt, provide evidence. The 5-minute grace period also applies to commercial meters.
When this ticket gets issued
Code 42 is issued when a commercial vehicle is parked at an expired meter in a commercial zone. The base fine is $65. Commercial meter rules differ from passenger vehicle rules in pricing structure, maximum stay, and posted hours. Code 42 targets commercial vehicles specifically, often in designated commercial loading zones where meter payment is required. The 5-minute grace period under NYC Admin Code 19-167.2 still applies. Fleet drivers encounter Code 42 when delivery sessions run past the purchased meter time or when the ParkNYC session fails to extend.
How to fight code 42
Vehicle was not at this location at the time
Pull GPS or telematics data showing the commercial vehicle was on a different block when the Code 42 ticket was written. Export the trip log for the ticket minute and compare to the summons address. A written statement identifying the actual delivery stop rounds out the submission.
Evidence to bring: written_account
Wrong plate number on the ticket
Compare the plate on the Code 42 summons to your DMV registration. Attach a photo of the commercial plate currently on the truck. Commercial meter zones cluster commercial plates, increasing the odds of a transcription error between similar-looking plates.
Evidence to bring: photo_of_plate, photo_of_registration
Ticket contains errors (wrong date, time, location, or vehicle description)
Review the Code 42 summons for wrong body type, color, street, or time. Commercial meter hours differ from passenger hours, so a ticket issued outside posted commercial meter hours is defective. List each error and include the correct value in the written statement.
Evidence to bring: written_account
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 5-minute grace period apply to Code 42 commercial meter tickets?
Yes. NYC Admin Code 19-167.2 provides a 5-minute grace period after meter expiry for all MuniMeter violations, including commercial meter Code 42. If the summons minute is within five minutes of the last paid minute on your receipt, attach the receipt and cite the grace period in your statement.
How is Code 42 different from Code 44 overtime parking for commercial vehicles?
Code 42 covers expired meter status at a commercial vehicle in a metered commercial zone. Code 44 covers overtime parking by a commercial vehicle beyond a posted time limit regardless of meter. Both are $65. The defenses differ: Code 42 leans on MuniMeter receipts and the grace period, while Code 44 often uses the ACTIVELY_LOADING defense.
Can I use a passenger MuniMeter receipt to defend a Code 42 commercial meter ticket?
No. Commercial meter zones require payment at commercial meter machines, which often have different hourly rates and maximum stays than passenger meters. A passenger meter receipt for the same block does not apply. Check the meter designation carefully and keep receipts matching the specific zone type.
What this means for commercial fleets
Code 42 at $65 is a frequent ticket for delivery fleets in commercial meter zones across Manhattan, Long Island City, and Downtown Brooklyn. The fine is the same as passenger expired-meter but the zones are specifically designated for commercial plates, making loading stops common. Train drivers to pay commercial meters specifically (not passenger meters), retain ParkNYC screenshots, and dispute Code 42 tickets within the 5-minute grace period window. Pair clusters with route analysis to identify zones where default session lengths should be increased.
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Disclaimer: Clear Plates is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is general educational content about NYC violation code 42 and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney. Defenses, evidence strategies, and hearing outcomes depend on facts specific to each ticket. For legal advice about a specific violation, consult a qualified attorney licensed in New York.