Within 15 feet of fire hydrant ticket in New York City — code 40
In New York City, 10% of contested within 15 feet of fire hydrant tickets were dismissed between 2025-01-01 and 2026-07-27, per the TossMyTicket Outcomes Index (n=125,560 hearings, source: official open data).
The basics
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)
Defenses that actually work
Defective summons — required elementsstrong
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.
Hydrant — driver present exception
NYC code 40: a licensed driver remaining in the front seat, daytime, ready to move, is a recognized exception.
Evidence: Statement of facts; Witness statement if available.
Is it worth fighting?
At a 10% baseline dismissal rate, a within 15 feet of fire hydrant 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.
Common questions
How long do I have to fight a within 15 feet of fire hydrant ticket in New York City?
You have 30 days from the date the ticket is issued to contest a within 15 feet of fire hydrant ticket in New York City. Missing the window triggers late penalties.
Can I dispute a New York City ticket online?
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).
What happens if I ignore a within 15 feet of fire hydrant ticket in New York City?
$10 late + 9% interest (non-camera); camera +$25 day 31; judgment ~day 100; boot/tow at $350 judgment debt; no hearings on judgments >1yr
Is it worth fighting a within 15 feet of fire hydrant ticket in New York City?
10% of contested within 15 feet of fire hydrant tickets in New York City were dismissed (2025-01-01 to 2026-07-27, n=125,560). 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.