My good Samaritan

This week, I got a parking ticket courtesy of the lovely City of Chicago. Most certainly not a good thing. I was parked at a broken meter, which to me means free parking. I've done this many times before, but this week, I got a ticket.

Fortunately, a good Samaritan stepped in. Under the ticket he left a note, saying that he took pictures of the car with the broken meter and that I should not be charged for the ticket. I emailed my good Samaritan, and he sent back five pictures for evidence, great advice on how to contest the ticket, and the section of the Chicago municipal code that states: It is not a violation of this section to park a vehicle at a zone or space served by a meter that does not function properly, provided that the meter is inoperable or malfunctioning through no fault of the vehicle’s operator.

The ticket stinks, but with these photos, I will contest the ticket.

I am so amazed and grateful about this situation. A complete stranger took the time out of his day to photograph the situation, write me a note, and send me a tutorial on how to fight the ticket. Here's to Chicagoans looking out for one another, and a HUGE thanks to Jim O.! May your kindness be repaid 1000 times over.