Bill Swerski Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I was wondering if any of you legal experts could give me some insight here... I live in a quiet residential neighborhood in a relatively nice section of town. There's a truck driver who comes and visits somebody a couple doors away (his daughter, I'm assuming) maybe a few times a month and, not that I have anything against truck drivers, but I have a problem with them parking their semi cabs on my street. I can get past the fact that they look tacky, but I don't like to listen to their loud engines warm up for 30+ minutes at 7 am. This guy was warming up his cab again this morning and he happened to be getting into the truck as I was walking to my car. So I walked up to him and asked nicely if he could please not run his engine for a half hour early in the morning. He immediately beame defensive, pointing out that I don't know anything about semis and that the engines need to warm up for at least 15 minutes (and condescendingly called me "pardner" several times.) I said that's nice, but his engine is making a lot of noise and is disturbing the peace. He then told me that I can go across the street and have a "bitch-fest" with the lady who was bitching to him earlier (so I'm not the only one who has a problem with it). I then reminded him that this is a residential neighborhood and not a truck stop, and didn't stick around to hear what this ignorant piece of white trash had to say next. So, since this guy decided to be such a prick to me this morning, I've decided to make his life as miserable as (legally) possible the next time that he parks his semi on my street. If I were to call the police, would I have a legitimate claim for disturbing the peace? And I'm not sure what my local laws say, but I'm not sure that semis are even allowed on my street for anything more than pickup or delivery. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 dunno bout the local laws there but in nyc you cant park commercial vehicles in the public street so I would call the police and ask. If he parks it IN the driveway of a PRIVATE house then its legal (here). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo mama Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 (edited) This is something that will most likely be addressed by a local ordinance (as opposed to state law). Go to your city's municipal website and check what the ordinances say regarding noise, nuisance, and stuff like that. Its pretty standard that a certain decible limit is set as "acceptable" for day time hours, and a lesser threshold is set for "nighttime" hours. Many ordinances actually specifiy what kind of device must be used to measure the decibles. Long story short, even if you go buy yourself one of these gadgets and bother to record the noise violation, then you'd have to go file a complaint with the cops. File enought complaints and you'd likley have grounds for something like an injunction/restraining order, which would probably require an attorney's services to obtain. The other way to look at this is: who does this guy work for? If he's independent, you're pretty much stuck with what I outlined above. But if he works for a specific company, then you want your criminal complaint with the police to also name the company because they'll likely get fined. It shouldn't take more than one or two of those fines before the company this guy works for straightens him out, or fires him. Edited May 29, 2007 by yo mama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tford Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 This is something that will most likely be addressed by a local ordinance (as opposed to state law). Go to your city's municipal website and check what the ordinances say regarding noise, nuisance, and stuff like that. Its pretty standard that a certain decible limit is set as "acceptable" for day time hours, and a lesser threshold is set for "nighttime" hours. Many ordinances actually specifiy what kind of device must be used to measure the decibles. Long story short, even if you go buy yourself one of these gadgets and bother to record the noise violation, then you'd have to go file a complaint with the cops. File enought complaints and you'd likley have grounds for something like an injunction/restraining order, which would probably require an attorney's services to obtain. The other way to look at this is: who does this guy work for? If he's independent, you're pretty much stuck with what I outlined above. But if he works for a specific company, then you want your criminal complaint with the police to also name the company because they'll likely get fined. It shouldn't take more than one or two of those fines before the company this guy works for straightens him out, or fires him. Absolutely spot on. Also, check if he has one of those "HOW AM I DRIVING?" numbers. Constantly, call it complaining of reckless driving near your street. Not only will he get reprimanded by his company. After so many, he'll be fired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brewer Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Start with your municipal offices. Many cities/towns have ordinances prohibiting the parking of vehicles over a certain length on some streets. For example, the two local boroughs here have ordinances which prohibit the overnight parking of vehicles over 24 feet in length on all boro streets. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted May 29, 2007 Author Share Posted May 29, 2007 Thanks for the replies. I took a quick look at my online city code and here's what we have... Disturbing the peace has no decible limit, but instead uses the term "reasonable" and loosely defines it as something that can be clearly heard off of the premesis. Unfortunately, that law is only in effect from 10 pm-7 am. And I see nothing in the city code about parking commercial vehicles long-term on residential streets. I found that somewhat surprising, but perhaps it's a county or state law? I might do more searching later on. I also saw no obvious company markings on phone numbers on this guy's cab (it's basically all white), but I'll check more closely when the redneck prick returns. If I see a company phone number, they'll be getting a phone call from me. If I have no real legal recourse, I might just call the police and complain next time for the hell of it. They can choose if they want to do something about it or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furd Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 What yo momma said. If a city ordinance doesn't address the situation, you're probably out of luck. Going to court will most likely be a waste of time and money. Even though you reviewed the ordinances online, I'd make a call to the city ordinance officer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexgaddis Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Why do you hate Truckdrivers, and therefore America? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonorator Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 reminds me of that a-hole that is up early on the weekends mowing his grass ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 (edited) I take it your not part of a home owners association? Mine just passed a new ordiance that you cannot park any company truck, van etc outside anywhere. Stupid stupid stupid, now I dont drive one of these but I dont feel the pool guy and the HVAC guy down the street are just white trash cause they work hard for a living. Edited May 29, 2007 by Hat Trick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Just go out there with a bat in hand and talk reasonably Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grits and Shins Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 The city I live in has an ordinance prohibiting home owners from parking recreational vehicles on the street or in the driveway. However, I live close to a lake so that is likely why we have that ordinance. I still would not be surprised to find that some where in the city code is an ordinance that prohibits commercial traffic in neighborhoods or parking of commercial vehicles on a residential street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Why does everyone hate their neighbors? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted May 29, 2007 Author Share Posted May 29, 2007 now I dont drive one of these but I dont feel the pool guy and the HVAC guy down the street are just white trash cause they work hard for a living. I don't think that this guy is white trash because he drives a truck for a living. I think that he's white trash because of the way that spoke to me this morning and his general lack of respect for people who live in my neighborhood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Holliday Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I was wondering if any of you legal experts could give me some insight here... I live in a quiet residential neighborhood in a relatively nice section of town. There's a truck driver who comes and visits somebody a couple doors away (his daughter, I'm assuming) maybe a few times a month and, not that I have anything against truck drivers, but I have a problem with them parking their semi cabs on my street. I can get past the fact that they look tacky, but I don't like to listen to their loud engines warm up for 30+ minutes at 7 am. This guy was warming up his cab again this morning and he happened to be getting into the truck as I was walking to my car. So I walked up to him and asked nicely if he could please not run his engine for a half hour early in the morning. He immediately beame defensive, pointing out that I don't know anything about semis and that the engines need to warm up for at least 15 minutes (and condescendingly called me "pardner" several times.) I said that's nice, but his engine is making a lot of noise and is disturbing the peace. He then told me that I can go across the street and have a "bitch-fest" with the lady who was bitching to him earlier (so I'm not the only one who has a problem with it). I then reminded him that this is a residential neighborhood and not a truck stop, and didn't stick around to hear what this ignorant piece of white trash had to say next. So, since this guy decided to be such a prick to me this morning, I've decided to make his life as miserable as (legally) possible the next time that he parks his semi on my street. If I were to call the police, would I have a legitimate claim for disturbing the peace? And I'm not sure what my local laws say, but I'm not sure that semis are even allowed on my street for anything more than pickup or delivery. Any thoughts? You seem like a whiny prick to me. No offense of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Oven Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Does your neighborhood have protective covenants? If so, I'd take a look at them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dogs Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Thanks for the replies. I took a quick look at my online city code and here's what we have... Disturbing the peace has no decible limit, but instead uses the term "reasonable" and loosely defines it as something that can be clearly heard off of the premesis. Unfortunately, that law is only in effect from 10 pm-7 am. And I see nothing in the city code about parking commercial vehicles long-term on residential streets. I found that somewhat surprising, but perhaps it's a county or state law? I might do more searching later on. I also saw no obvious company markings on phone numbers on this guy's cab (it's basically all white), but I'll check more closely when the redneck prick returns. If I see a company phone number, they'll be getting a phone call from me. If I have no real legal recourse, I might just call the police and complain next time for the hell of it. They can choose if they want to do something about it or not. I take it your not part of a home owners association? Mine just passed a new ordiance that you cannot park any company truck, van etc outside anywhere. Stupid stupid stupid, now I dont drive one of these but I dont feel the pool guy and the HVAC guy down the street are just white trash cause they work hard for a living. I was going to mention the same thing as HT. Not sure if you have a HOA, but if you do, most don't allow commercial vehicles to be parked on the street. I know that is the case in our neighborhood, and various people have gotten "letters" telling them to move campers, boats, larger oversized work vehicles (box trucks). Granted, the letter won't go to your friendly neighborhood truck driver, it'll go to his daughters house, but, it might be a way to help keep him outta the neighborhood since his daughter is the one who needs to live there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godtomsatan Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 You seem like a whiny prick to me. No offense of course. Now THAT is condescending! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarc117 Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 in my parents hood, you cant park a commercial truck on the street or drive-way overnight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caveman_Nick Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I don't think that this guy is white trash because he drives a truck for a living. I think that he's white trash because of the way that spoke to me this morning and his general lack of respect for people who live in my neighborhood. If it were me, I would consider regrouping and talking to the neighbor that he is visiting. They may just be amiable to working something out where the truck can be parked somewhere that will not disturb the neighborhood (like in a nearby lot...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caveman_Nick Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 reminds me of that a-hole that is up early on the weekends mowing his grass ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I don't think that this guy is white trash because he drives a truck for a living. I think that he's white trash because of the way that spoke to me this morning and his general lack of respect for people who live in my neighborhood. yeah i know, was stating why my neighborhood assoc might have went in this direction, which is stupid and very untrue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil_gop_liars Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I wish my life was so simple, that the only thing I had to worry about was some dude starting his rig up in the morning and then researching all day long on how to make this guys life a living hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarc117 Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 i cant wait for the thread about a mack truck doing donuts on your front lawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Holliday Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 i cant wait for the thread about a mack truck doing donuts on your front lawn Yeah. what Swerski needs to do is post a sign in his neighborhood saying what time it would be appropriate to get up and get ready for work in the morn so he can sleep past 7 without noone interupting him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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