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[Chasm]

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[Chasm]

I could accept that maybe the law doesn't exist, and maybe never did.

Maybe the ticket my cousin got was based on some other law about equipment that causes damage, or maybe the cop just didn't know the law (or was reacting to my cousin being a prick!)

But when the argument has reached the point that ‘a sidewalk isn't a sidewalk unless I approve of it’ and ‘35-39 inch tires stick out past a truck’ back bumper’, well to put it kindly, that's the kind of thinking that just cannot be defeated. Wow.

So I'll continue to do my thing, you continue to park however you like. If we ever meet, we'll deal with the situation at that time. I'm fully aware and accept that I'm taking a risk.

For now, I'll politely see myself out of this conversation, and in the future I'll do my best to not trigger anyone on this site.
Even though I would like to see if the kind gentleman gets any pushback for insulting any drivers on here who back into spots. Not that I disagree with him on that one.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I could accept that maybe the law doesn't exist, and maybe never did.

Maybe the ticket my cousin got was based on some other law about equipment that causes damage, or maybe the cop just didn't know the law (or was reacting to my cousin being a prick!)

But when the argument has reached the point that ‘a sidewalk isn't a sidewalk unless I approve of it’ and ‘35-39 inch tires stick out past a truck’ back bumper’, well to put it kindly, that's the kind of thinking that just cannot be defeated. Wow.

So I'll continue to do my thing, you continue to park however you like. If we ever meet, we'll deal with the situation at that time. I'm fully aware and accept that I'm taking a risk.

For now, I'll politely see myself out of this conversation, and in the future I'll do my best to not trigger anyone on this site.
Even though I would like to see if the kind gentleman gets any pushback for insulting any drivers on here who back into spots. Not that I disagree with him on that one.

I made it pretty clear the type of drivers backing into spots that are the issue. If you stop when your bumper reaches the end of the spot go for it. Just like of you drive a 60s or 70s land yacht with a 3' front overhang. Don't pull in until your tires touch the curb and you're blocking the sidewalk. You literally said a curb and then a fence or wall was a sidewalk. Its not and those type of parking lots aren't made for you to be walking there.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Maybe the ticket my cousin got was based on some other law about equipment that causes damage, or maybe the cop just didn't know the law (or was reacting to my cousin being a prick!)

If it obscures the rear plate - that's an issue regardless of it being hitch related. Anything that obscures the rear plate is not legal in pretty much everywhere. Likely unrelated to a hitch. It just happened to be that which blocked the view of the plate.

but only a douche backs into spots in a Jeep or a truck anyway.

So myself and thousands of Jeep and truck owners are douche bags?
Really?
There are times it's the safest, and easiest way. There are parking lots where 1/4 of all vehicles are backed in because with the heavy cross traffic and narrow lanes, you end up doing a 30 point maneuver to get out as opposed to simply driving out and LOOKING directly at the traffic and not relying on electronics to warn you of a fast-approaching idiot driving through the lot.
Back in and if someone parks a bit too close, you don't have to worry about your front bumper brushing anything as you try hard to get out but can't turn the wheels hard enough.
It's the safest and easiest solution in many lots around here. It's a common practice in our tight lots where developers didn't give a rip about anything other than getting maximum profit from a tiny piece of land.
The problem isn't backing in - it's backing in too far (with a Soul, that's not possible, your rear wheels hit a curb about a foot before the rest of the car is near it)
I back in, using the camera to help get perfectly centered, and stop when my rear bumper is even with the white line, or a curb, if it exists. And that's how most do it.
I really very rarely ever see a vehicle back in to the point their rear end is blocking anything.
Me, my wife, my son, and thousands around us - find it safer and easier to back in, especially when it's time to leave. Go to an event at the arena here in Des Moines, if you aren't backed in, you are among the last to leave. Eye contact, people will motion you out of the spot and into line ahead of them. (my son even commented he was glad I'd backed in or we might never get out of there - not true, we'd just have been 30 minutes later getting out after that WWE event)

 

[Zachanadandy]

If it obscures the rear plate - that's an issue regardless of it being hitch related. Anything that obscures the rear plate is not legal in pretty much everywhere. Likely unrelated to a hitch. It just happened to be that which blocked the view of the plate.



So myself and thousands of Jeep and truck owners are douche bags?
Really?
There are times it's the safest, and easiest way. There are parking lots where 1/4 of all vehicles are backed in because with the heavy cross traffic and narrow lanes, you end up doing a 30 point maneuver to get out as opposed to simply driving out and LOOKING directly at the traffic and not relying on electronics to warn you of a fast-approaching idiot driving through the lot.
Back in and if someone parks a bit too close, you don't have to worry about your front bumper brushing anything as you try hard to get out but can't turn the wheels hard enough.
It's the safest and easiest solution in many lots around here. It's a common practice in our tight lots where developers didn't give a rip about anything other than getting maximum profit from a tiny piece of land.
The problem isn't backing in - it's backing in too far (with a Soul, that's not possible, your rear wheels hit a curb about a foot before the rest of the car is near it)
I back in, using the camera to help get perfectly centered, and stop when my rear bumper is even with the white line, or a curb, if it exists. And that's how most do it.
I really very rarely ever see a vehicle back in to the point their rear end is blocking anything.
Me, my wife, my son, and thousands around us - find it safer and easier to back in, especially when it's time to leave. Go to an event at the arena here in Des Moines, if you aren't backed in, you are among the last to leave. Eye contact, people will motion you out of the spot and into line ahead of them. (my son even commented he was glad I'd backed in or we might never get out of there - not true, we'd just have been 30 minutes later getting out after that WWE event)

Which is why I clarified in the 2nd post that it's not the backing in, it's the backing all the way to the tires blocking the sidewalk or half way into the stall behind you that makes you a douche. Things like trucks with long overhangs or Jeeps with a spare tire hanging off the back shouldn't be backed all the way in like a car. The camera should make it easy, but there's still a bunch of idiots out there that can't park.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The camera should make it easy, but there's still a bunch of idiots out there that can't park.

Yes - or that don't give a crap.
I tend to keep my vehicles off of sidewalks, or narrow areas where people walk.
At least Two reasons -
I don't want people bumping up against my vehicles.
Some people don't give a rip, or they are so busy thumbing and watching their phone they could walk into an open sewer. People walking can be stupid, too.
and
I have been annoyed by jerks parking so far up as to encroach into busy walkways.
I don't want to be "one of those".

 

[Blade1668]

Yes - or that don't give a crap.
I tend to keep my vehicles off of sidewalks, or narrow areas where people walk.
At least Two reasons -
I don't want people bumping up against my vehicles.
Some people don't give a rip, or they are so busy thumbing and watching their phone they could walk into an open sewer. People walking can be stupid, too.
and
I have been annoyed by jerks parking so far up as to encroach into busy walkways.
I don't want to be "one of those".

Bill
I'm going to be necromancer on this thread...
After rereading. As one of the "jackasses" who backs in almost always and anytime possible. For multiple reasons I do. First easier and many times safer to leave. Points that was drilled into many who were in several Army units I was in during the "Cold War" with even the potential for even UCMJ for not following a direct order. Of vehicles being parked that way, another one was to include POV's to be "topped off" with fuel to a minimum of 3/4 fuel. During POV inspections even then the command could "deadline" your POV. Then make you manually get fuel to fill your cars fuel tank to minimum level before letting you drive it. The "combat parking" AKA backed in was ingrained as well. By "smoking the s###" out of drivers for not doing it then if still not followed Artical 15.... Lucky if it wasn't the BN CSM, XO, Commander or BDE who found it not "combat parked" as then the driver / operator and chain of command had a visit with them. I do know that wasn't a experience that all got in service or in other units even. Some military units had higher standards for the units service members to uphold.
I remember the hitch being said to be not allowed in IL. unless actively towing my experience it (was) a urban legend in IL. I never removed mine for the most part ever. I got my D/L in IL a long time ago. FYI on many occasions being an ass can or will get you a citation(s) from a cop. Many of them (LEO) won't accept even if wrong and some write up s### that isn't in code or anything. I've actually seen and heard about some making s### up or trying to use things that are in other states/ city codes. That's something I have had to learn after working in law enforcement in multiple states over years, as a M.P. in 6 states at least and as civ cop in 2 states. A comment on experience is In my first 15 years of military in infantry most units required integrity and accountability. That definitely wasn't what I found in the M.P. side for 10 years. On Civ side. . . I'll not go there right now.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Bill
I'm going to be necromancer on this thread...
After rereading. As one of the "jackasses" who backs in almost always and anytime possible. For multiple reasons I do. First easier and many times safer to leave. Points that was drilled into many who were in several Army units I was in during the "Cold War" with even the potential for even UCMJ for not following a direct order. Of vehicles being parked that way, another one was to include POV's to be "topped off" with fuel to a minimum of 3/4 fuel. During POV inspections even then the command could "deadline" your POV. Then make you manually get fuel to fill your cars fuel tank to minimum level before letting you drive it. The "combat parking" AKA backed in was ingrained as well. By "smoking the s###" out of drivers for not doing it then if still not followed Artical 15.... Lucky if it wasn't the BN CSM, XO, Commander or BDE who found it not "combat parked" as then the driver / operator and chain of command had a visit with them. I do know that wasn't a experience that all got in service or in other units even. Some military units had higher standards for the units service members to uphold.
I remember the hitch being said to be not allowed in IL. unless actively towing my experience it (was) a urban legend in IL. I never removed mine for the most part ever. I got my D/L in IL a long time ago. FYI on many occasions being an ass can or will get you a citation(s) from a cop. Many of them (LEO) won't accept even if wrong and some write up s### that isn't in code or anything. I've actually seen and heard about some making s### up or trying to use things that are in other states/ city codes. That's something I have had to learn after working in law enforcement in multiple states over years, as a M.P. in 6 states at least and as civ cop in 2 states. A comment on experience is In my first 15 years of military in infantry most units required integrity and accountability. That definitely wasn't what I found in the M.P. side for 10 years. On Civ side. . . I'll not go there right now.

Well, I actually do back into spots many times, "depending". Some parking lots or events, it's nearly impossible to get out otherwise.
As far as LEOs writing up for codes that don't exist - that's simple - they must put down the code violated. If they do not, you have them and it's really easy to show there was no violation.
I love a good fight like that. Show in a court there is no such law, a strike against the officer.

 

[AstroZombie]

I worked for AT&T and we were required to back into every parking spot. If you couldn't then you didn't park there. Just kind of stuck so i back into just about every spot i can. Sometimes it easier with the JT too. Plus i never overtake the sidewalk.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I worked for AT&T and we were required to back into every parking spot. If you couldn't then you didn't park there. Just kind of stuck so i back into just about every spot i can. Sometimes it easier with the JT too. Plus i never overtake the sidewalk.

With the cameras in modern vehicles, there's no excuse for parking with any part of your rig on a sidewalk. I even use the front cam now and then when things are really tight.
Good not just for trails......

 

[Zachanadandy]

With the cameras in modern vehicles, there's no excuse for parking with any part of your rig on a sidewalk. I even use the front cam now and then when things are really tight.
Good not just for trails......

It seems like it's always the full sized truck with 4' of overhang that's backed all the way tires to curb blocking 80% of the sidewalk. On the bright side he's also got a triple ball adjustable height mega hitch sticking another foot out where everyone has to walk.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I either back in or pull through every time I park. As an LEO you never park head in. If you have to respond to a call the safest way of starting that journey is by facing forward. I’ve chewed my fair share of Lance Coolies that decided to park head in because they were never taught any better. Now it just makes life easier. You never know what you’re going to walk out to after going into a store or whatever. Just safer all around to give yourself the best possible chance to leave.

As far as being over the sidewalk I back until my camera tells me I’m about even. I have a hitch skid so I’m cognizant that it could injure mind numb idiots pretty easily who don’t pay attention to where they’re walking. I’m in SoCal so they’re pretty much the majority.

 

[Rusty PW]

When I worked at the power plant. You had to back in. Where I'm at now. You have to back in. Every place that I have to visit on the job. This is the gas field in Pa, WV, Oh. You have to back in.

 

[Rusty PW]

I either back in or pull through every time I park. As an LEO you never park head in. If you have to respond to a call the safest way of starting that journey is by facing forward. I’ve chewed my fair share of Lance Coolies that decided to park head in because they were never taught any better. Now it just makes life easier. You never know what you’re going to walk out to after going into a store or whatever. Just safer all around to give yourself the best possible chance to leave.

As far as being over the sidewalk I back until my camera tells me I’m about even. I have a hitch skid so I’m cognizant that it could injure mind numb idiots pretty easily who don’t pay attention to where they’re walking. I’m in SoCal so they’re pretty much the majority.

I just keep backing up until it sounds expensive. Then I stop.


One of the guys I used to work with use to say that. He has removed the rear fenders on a couple of duallies by backing up.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I either back in or pull through every time I park. As an LEO you never park head in. If you have to respond to a call the safest way of starting that journey is by facing forward. I’ve chewed my fair share of Lance Coolies that decided to park head in because they were never taught any better. Now it just makes life easier. You never know what you’re going to walk out to after going into a store or whatever. Just safer all around to give yourself the best possible chance to leave.

As far as being over the sidewalk I back until my camera tells me I’m about even. I have a hitch skid so I’m cognizant that it could injure mind numb idiots pretty easily who don’t pay attention to where they’re walking. I’m in SoCal so they’re pretty much the majority.

I get the idea of some tactical advantage, but it's probably never going to happen. Of course if the crazy situation arises where I have to plow my way out of a spot you're far better off pulled in forward. It's almost like there's a reason that demolition derbys happen in reverse? Be it a crowd or a vehicle blocking you in you can drive through them in reverse and have a 99% chance of driving away. Backed in? Even the people on foot are likely breaking the windshield killing visibility, possibly headlights which would really suck at night, and maybe even the radiator if it's a large group. If it's a vehicle the radiator is nearly guaranteed, steering could even be smoked. In reverse I could ram nearly anything out of the way. Who cares if my taillights work at that point? Even if it's a massive vehicle and I have to hit it a few times, worst case I get into the spare tire? But it feels more tacticool to back in.

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