Los Angeles: The City of Angels... and Questionable Parking Meters
Ah, Los Angeles. Land of sunshine, celebrities, and the eternal struggle to find a decent parking spot. But what happens when you finally snag a space, only to discover the meter presiding over it seems to be malfunctioning about as spectacularly as a Hollywood blockbuster's CGI? Can you park there? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating, and sometimes frustrating, world of Los Angeles' broken meter protocol.
The Great Meter Caper: Inoperable or Just Shy?
First things first, not all meter malfunctions are created equal. A truly broken meter, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), is one that refuses any and all attempts at bribery (by bribery, we mean accepting your hard-earned coins or credit card payment). If that's the case, then congratulations! You've stumbled upon a rare parking unicorn. But here's the catch: you can only park there for the maximum allowable time posted (which, let's be honest, is probably not long enough to grab a decent breakfast burrito).
However, if the meter is just being a bit temperamental, only rejecting one form of payment (coins or credit card), then you gotta pay the piper. Think of it like a stubborn toddler – try the other option and see if it cooperates.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about the meter's functionality, err on the side of caution and avoid a potential parking ticket (those things can sting worse than a sunburn after a day at Venice Beach).
I Got a Ticket! But the Meter Was Broken!
We've all been there. You triumphantly park at a seemingly broken meter, only to return to a bright orange villain clinging to your windshield. Don't despair! Los Angeles, in its infinite wisdom, has a loophole. If you can prove the meter truly wasn't accepting payment (pictures or witness testimony are your best friends here), you can contest the ticket. Think of it as your David vs Goliath moment, except your weapon is a blurry cellphone photo and unwavering optimism.
The Moral of the Parking Meter Story
Los Angeles parking is a wild ride, and broken meters are just another bump in the road. Remember:
- A completely broken meter (meaning it rejects all payment) allows you to park for the posted time limit, but no longer.
- If one payment method is down, try the other.
- Document, document, document! Take pictures or videos of the broken meter if you think you might get a ticket.
- Contesting a ticket is an option, but be prepared for a bureaucratic battle.
So, the next time you encounter a broken meter in LA, approach it with caution and a healthy dose of humor. After all, isn't that what being an Angeleno is all about?
