In New York City, 8% of contested bus lane tickets were dismissed between 2025-01-01 and 2026-07-27, per the TossMyTicket Outcomes Index (n=23,476 hearings, source: official open data).
| Fine | $115 |
|---|---|
| Deadline to contest | 30 days from issuance |
| Legal citation | 34 RCNY 4-08 |
| Decided by | NYC Dept. of Finance — Parking Violations Bureau (ALJs) |
NYC: omission OR misdescription of any of the five mandatory identification elements (plate number, plate type, make/model, body type, registration state) is a jurisdictional defect mandating dismissal. VTL 238(2); Matter of Ryder Truck Rental (1984); Crichlow v. NYC DOF.
Evidence: Photo of the summons itself; Registration showing correct vehicle details.
Regulation not properly posted: sign absent, obstructed, faded, or facing the wrong way. Photograph from the parking spot and a wide shot of the full block face.
Evidence: Photo of sign (or absence) from your spot; Wide-angle photo of block face; Timestamp metadata.
At a 8% baseline dismissal rate, a bus lane ticket in New York City is worth fighting mainly when a specific defense applies — defective summons — required elements are the strongest grounds here. Without one, most contests lose — at these odds, paying before late penalties stack is often the smarter move. Scan your ticket and we'll tell you which side you're on.
You have 30 days from the date the ticket is issued to contest a bus lane ticket in New York City. Missing the window triggers late penalties.
Yes. New York City accepts disputes online, through the NYC Pay or Dispute app, by mail, in person, by written statement. The decision is made by NYC Dept. of Finance — Parking Violations Bureau (ALJs).
$10 late + 9% interest (non-camera); camera +$25 day 31; judgment ~day 100; boot/tow at $350 judgment debt; no hearings on judgments >1yr
8% of contested bus lane tickets in New York City were dismissed (2025-01-01 to 2026-07-27, n=23,476). The odds improve substantially when a specific defense applies, such as defective summons — required elements. Outcomes are never guaranteed.
Got this ticket?Scan it — we'll read the summons, check it for defects, compute your exact deadline, and show your odds. Free.
TossMyTicket is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Self-help tools only. Outcomes are never guaranteed.
Facts on this page come from official sources, verified 2026-07-26: