NYC parking violation code
Code 04: Bus Lane (camera-issued)
Code 04 — Bus Lane Violation, Camera-Issued. NYC Parking Ticket Ninja provides a curated appeal guide for this code, with the relevant statute citations and a question set targeted to the elements the City must prove.
Camera-issued.This violation is enforced by an automated camera under NYC Admin Code § 19-176.4. Appeals go to NYC OATH Hearings Division, not the Parking Violations Bureau. Owner liability applies — defenses based on driver presence don't.
Typical fine
$50–$250
Appeal deadline
30 days
From the issue date on the ticket
Adjudicated by
NYC OATH Hearings Division
Build an appeal for code 04
The guided interview asks only the questions relevant to code 04, ranks the viable defenses based on your answers, and produces a PDF appeal letter you can file online, by mail, or in person.
Start guided appeal for code 04Governing law
- NYC Administrative Code § 19-176.4 (Bus rapid transit / bus lane camera enforcement)
- NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1180-c (Bus lane camera owner liability)
- NYC Traffic Rules § 4-12(m) (Bus lane prohibitions)
What the City must show
To sustain a code 04 citation, the City has to establish each of the following on the record:
- A camera-imaging system certified under § 19-176.4(d) recorded the cited vehicle in a designated bus lane during restricted hours.
- The image clearly shows the cited license plate and vehicle.
- A notice of liability was served on the registered owner within 14 business days of the alleged violation, as required by § 19-176.4(e).
- No statutory exception (emergency response, mechanical breakdown, lawful turn, authorized vehicle) applies.
Common defenses
Camera evidence does not establish the violation
The photographic evidence required by NYC Admin Code § 19-176.4 does not unambiguously show the cited vehicle committing the violation.
Mistaken identity / wrong vehicle
The plate, vehicle description, or other identifying information on the ticket does not match the vehicle, so the citation cannot be enforced against this owner.
Bona fide emergency
The vehicle was stopped at the cited location because of a true emergency that left no reasonable alternative.
Valid permit was displayed
A current and authorized permit (disability, official, press, etc.) was visible in the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation.
Defective ticket — missing or illegible required information
The ticket fails to record the information required by NYC Admin Code § 19-203, depriving the operator of fair notice.
Notes
Camera-issued under NYC Admin Code § 19-176.4; owner liability applies regardless of who was driving. Adjudication is at NYC OATH Hearings Division (not the Parking Violations Bureau). Driver-presence defenses do not apply — argue plate misread, image does not show the violation, statutory exception (turn, pickup, breakdown), or authorized-vehicle status.
Frequently asked questions
What is NYC parking violation code 04?
Code 04 is the NYC Department of Finance designation for "Bus Lane (camera-issued)". It is issued when a vehicle is parked, standing, or stopped in violation of the cited rule.
How much is the fine for NYC parking code 04?
The typical fine for code 04 is $50–$250. Late-payment penalties can roughly double the amount if the ticket is not paid or contested within the appeal window.
What's the deadline to appeal a code 04 ticket?
NYC requires parking-ticket appeals within 30 days of the issue date. Appeals filed after the 30-day window may be accepted only on a showing of good cause.
Where do I file an appeal for code 04?
Appeals are submitted to NYC OATH Hearings Division (camera-issued violations are heard at OATH, not the Parking Violations Bureau). For camera-issued bus-lane violations, the appeal goes through nyc.gov/oath rather than nyc.gov/payparking. The 30-day deadline applies regardless of forum.
What defenses work best for a code 04 ticket?
For code 04, our engine considers: Camera evidence does not establish the violation, Mistaken identity / wrong vehicle, Bona fide emergency, Valid permit was displayed. The strongest defense depends on the facts — start the guided interview to see which apply to your situation.