(Los Angeles) I was moving out the other day and I had a U-Haul truck with the ramp down parked parallel to the curb where I am legally allowed to park. An SUV pulls up behind and runs over the ramp. I confront the person who says I’m not allowed to park in “two-spaces” even though there’s no lines and the street was empty. He then proceeds to flash me a (sheriffs? six triangle badge in its own leather wallet with the badge mark embossed on the leather) even though he’s in civilian clothing.
Is there any validity to what he’s saying or is he just abusing power? Is he a real cop/sheriff? Lastly, even if he was, could he do this in civilian clothing in a non-government SUV? He said he was just there to pick up a friend.
Thanks for your help!
jslinderml
May 22, 2010 at 6:52 am
Generally speaking, as long as the spaces aren’t marked, there is no restriction on the amount of space you can use temporarily, as long as you are not blocking traffic or pedestrian flow.
More than likely he was trying to intimidate you.
Ron Akia
May 22, 2010 at 7:38 am
That would depend on the local parking statutes which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Normally there is no restriction as all vehicles are different lengths.
As far as his being an officer it’s possible although he should have shown an ID as well as he was not in uniform or on duty.
Either way, he was probably responsible for the accident as he normally should have seen the ramp down.