NYC Violation Code 43: Expired Meter
Parking violation · $35 base fine · 5-stage penalty escalation
Fine Breakdown
Base Fine
$35
Maximum (before judgment)
$135
Penalty Escalation Timeline
Base Fine
$35
At issue
+$10 Late Penalty
$45
After 30 days
+$30 Late Penalty
$75
After 60 days
+$60 Late Penalty
$135
After 75 days
Judgment Entered
$135
After 90 days
Quick Tip
If the meter was broken or out of service, photograph it. NYC does not require payment at non-functioning meters. The 5-minute grace period under NYC Admin Code 19-167.2 also applies.
When this ticket gets issued
Code 43 is issued at expired single-space meters or where a MuniMeter session has ended. The base fine is $35. Code 43 is the most common expired-meter code in NYC's historical data and remains in use in some zones. The 5-minute grace period under NYC Admin Code 19-167.2 applies. Fleet drivers encounter Code 43 regularly in commercial corridors where multi-stop routes cause sessions to expire mid-delivery. Disputes often succeed when a MuniMeter or ParkNYC receipt covers the ticket minute or when the ticket was written within the grace period.
How to fight code 43
Had valid muni-meter receipt displayed
Attach the MuniMeter receipt or ParkNYC transaction record covering the Code 43 summons minute. If the last paid minute was within five minutes of the ticket time, also cite the NYC Admin Code 19-167.2 grace period. Include the transaction timestamp and the expiry minute in your statement.
Evidence to bring: photo_of_receipt, written_account
Meter was broken or not accepting payment
Photograph any MuniMeter malfunction or error screen. If ParkNYC failed for the block, include a screenshot. NYC does not require payment when the designated method is genuinely out of service. Document with timestamped photos and a written statement.
Evidence to bring: photo_of_meter, written_account
Vehicle was not at this location at the time
Export GPS or telematics data showing the vehicle was elsewhere when the Code 43 ticket was written. Include a trip log covering the ticket minute and a written statement identifying the actual stop location.
Evidence to bring: written_account
Wrong plate number on the ticket
Compare the plate on the Code 43 summons against your DMV registration. Attach a photo of the actual plate on the vehicle. Bulk-written expired-meter tickets often contain transcription errors between similar plates on the same block.
Evidence to bring: photo_of_plate, photo_of_registration
Ticket contains errors (wrong date, time, location, or vehicle description)
Review the Code 43 summons for wrong body type, color, time, or address. A summons time outside meter hours defeats the expired-meter allegation. List every field-level error with the correct value in your statement.
Evidence to bring: written_account
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 5-minute grace period under NYC Admin Code 19-167.2 help with Code 43?
If the Code 43 ticket time falls within five minutes of the last paid minute on your receipt, the grace period statute requires the officer to wait. Attach the MuniMeter or ParkNYC receipt showing expiry and cite the statute. This is one of the most reliably successful defenses for Code 43 expired-meter tickets.
What is the difference between Code 43 and Code 34 for expired meters?
Both carry a $35 fine and cover expired-meter conditions. Code 43 is the older single-space meter code still used in some zones, while Code 34 was added for MuniMeter kiosks. The dispute defenses are essentially identical. Focus on the 5-minute grace period and any valid payment record regardless of which code was cited.
Can a ParkNYC auto-extension defense work on Code 43?
Yes. If ParkNYC auto-extended your session before expiry, export the full transaction history and submit the extension confirmation alongside a credit card charge line. The digital session record overrides the officer's physical meter reading. Include both documents with the dispute submission.
What this means for commercial fleets
Code 43 at $35 is the most common expired-meter ticket for commercial fleets and adds up through sheer volume. The low per-ticket fine means many operators pay without dispute, but the NYC Admin Code 19-167.2 grace period defense has a very high success rate when applied. Require drivers to retain all MuniMeter receipts as screenshots, default to ParkNYC with auto-extension, and automate dispute filing for any Code 43 ticket issued within five minutes of a logged receipt expiry. Pair with route analytics to increase default session length in problem zones.
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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 43 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.