Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bill de Blasio

NYPD Says Cops Can Block Fire Hydrants With Personal Vehicles, Because They’re Cops

Mayor de Blasio said recently that he's not happy with the way his placard "crackdown" is going.

"I don’t think the city agencies have done a good enough job," de Blasio told WNYC's Brian Lehrer, "and I have again directed the deputy mayor for operations to come up with a much more aggressive plan because there cannot be any sense that placard abuse is acceptable."

If de Blasio is finally getting serious about placard abuse, he has to start with NYPD. Under de Blasio, cops are so accustomed to living above the law that they don't even try to hide it.

When Danny Imperiali notified 311 of a placard abuser blocking a fire hydrant near the 114th Precinct in Astoria, NYPD, via 311, responded that the offense was actually “authorized parking in vicinity of precinct.”

these responses from @nyc311 re: #placardabuse near the @NYPD114Pct keeping changing. today it turns out that blocking bus stops and fire hydrants is ok as long as youre in the "vicinity" a police station @placardabuse 1/2

cc @Costa4NY @Cb1Queens pic.twitter.com/h97HrHcSr3

— Danny Imperiali (@dimpNewYork) August 2, 2018

There's no such thing as authorized illegal parking. That's not how laws work.

Parking rules exist because illegally parked vehicles pose a risk to the public. It doesn't matter who the vehicle belongs to.

The 114th Precinct is where two weeks ago cops blamed cyclist Xellea Samonte for her own death, ignoring evidence to the contrary. Which is another indication that officers only identify with people who get around inside a motor vehicle.

In the world outside the NYPD bubble, laws apply to everyone. Until de Blasio is willing to pop that bubble, all his crackdown rhetoric will continue to be just that.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts