NYC Violation Code 98: Obstructing Traffic
Parking violation · $115 base fine · 5-stage penalty escalation
Fine Breakdown
Base Fine
$115
Maximum (before judgment)
$215
Penalty Escalation Timeline
Base Fine
$115
At issue
+$10 Late Penalty
$125
After 30 days
+$30 Late Penalty
$155
After 60 days
+$60 Late Penalty
$215
After 75 days
Judgment Entered
$215
After 90 days
Quick Tip
If your vehicle was not obstructing traffic or if road conditions forced the situation, provide photographs showing traffic flow around your vehicle. Mechanical breakdowns with documentation can also support your case.
When this ticket gets issued
Code 98 is issued when a vehicle is observed obstructing the normal flow of traffic — parked, standing, or stopped in a way that blocks a travel lane, a narrow street, or a turning movement. This is distinct from double parking (code 46) in that it covers any form of traffic obstruction. Officers write this code when a vehicle creates a measurable delay or hazard to other road users. Fleets see this code when drivers stop in travel lanes for quick drop-offs, when narrow streets leave no room even for curbside parking, or when mechanical issues prevent safe relocation.
How to fight code 98
Vehicle had a mechanical breakdown and could not be moved
Submit the tow receipt, repair invoice, or roadside assistance dispatch record dated the same day. A breakdown is a complete defense because the driver had no option to relocate. Include the vehicle's repair history if the issue is documented.
Evidence to bring: written_account
Ticket contains errors (wrong date, time, location, or vehicle description)
Check the officer's narrative for a specific description of the obstruction. Code 98 requires the summons to articulate how the vehicle obstructed traffic — a vague citation without detail is defective. Also verify vehicle description and location details.
Evidence to bring: written_account
Vehicle was not at this location at the time
Provide GPS or dispatch data placing the vehicle elsewhere during the ticket window. Obstruction tickets require the vehicle to be physically present and observed; if it was at a yard or another route, the summons is invalid.
Evidence to bring: written_account
Wrong plate number on the ticket
Compare the transcribed plate to your registered plate. Obstruction tickets are often written in dynamic traffic situations with plate transcription errors. A mismatch voids the summons.
Evidence to bring: photo_of_plate, photo_of_registration
Frequently Asked Questions
My driver stopped in the travel lane for a quick drop-off — is code 98 defensible?
Rarely. Stopping in a travel lane is the core conduct code 98 targets, and quick-drop arguments usually fail. The stronger paths are either no actual obstruction (traffic flowed around without delay) or mechanical breakdown. For day-to-day drop-offs, drivers should use curbside spaces or legal commercial loading zones.
The street was so narrow there was no way to park without partially blocking — does that help?
It can, combined with photographs. Document the street width and the lack of curbside space. Under a reasonableness argument, if the driver could not comply with traffic rules because of the infrastructure, hearing officers sometimes dismiss or reduce. Pair this with proof of active loading if applicable.
Can a dashcam clip showing traffic flowing around my truck defeat code 98?
Yes. If the video shows other vehicles passing without meaningful delay, there was arguably no obstruction. Code 98 requires actual impairment of traffic flow. Submit a clear clip covering at least 60 seconds before and after the ticket time, and include the timestamp overlay.
What this means for commercial fleets
Code 98 is often a driver-behavior issue. Route planning that avoids narrow streets during peak hours, clear drop-off protocols, and strict no-travel-lane-stopping rules cut these tickets significantly. At $115 per ticket, a pattern of code 98s across a small group of drivers signals a need for targeted retraining. Dashcams resolve disputes in both directions — proof of non-obstruction wins, and proof of repeat behavior informs coaching.
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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 98 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.