Seven. 

That's my number. The number of parking tickets I've received in Portland, Maine since I moved here, that is. The number is actually quite low in comparison other Portlanders.

I moved back downtown last spring and received three out of my seven tickets on my own street due to the 1st and 3rd/2nd and 4th Rule. If you don't live in my neighborhood downtown (Munjoy Hill/East End) let me explain this semi-complicated rule. Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday you cannot park on the "odd" side of the street between 10 AM and 2 PM. Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday you cannot park on the "even" side of the street between 10 AM and 2 PM. The rule is intended to allow the city street sweeper (or plow truck in the winter) a clear path.

Sometimes you forget which side of the street you parked on, sometimes you have to leave your car over vacation, and sometimes you just get confused on the calendar and don't know which Tuesday it is. You return to your car to find the dreaded white slip of paper with an envelope, a non-love note from our dutiful city parking division.

This "Sad & Begging Hill Dweller" was responsible for moving their roommate's car while the roommate was on vacation. Unfortunately, the car-mover lost the keys and could not move the car on street sweeping day. This hopeful citizen penned a pleading note to the Parking Enforcement Officer in hopes that they could find it in their heart to forgive the parking mishap. The photo says it all.

Dear Parking Enforcer, 

This is my roommates car. He is out of town and I am supposed to move the car so it is legally parked today but I misplaced his keys. :( Maybe you could find a kind place in your heart and spare him/me a ticket? It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 

- A Sad & Begging Hill Dweller

Next to the note... A parking ticket. No kind place in their heart!

I know you have a job to do, but Portland Maine Parking Officiers, you've got to have the worst reputation for merciless punishment in Maine. Gimme a break! They asked nicely!

Yikes. Do you have any parking ticket horror stories? Share with us!

More From Q97.9