Chalking a tire is the process of using chalk to mark the tires of a car. This is usually done by law enforcement officers as a way to keep track of how long a car has been parked in one spot. Chalking tires is controversial, with some people arguing that it is an invasion of privacy and that it can lead to false tickets being issued.

If you believe that your tires have been chalked without cause, you may want to speak to an attorney. Chalking tires is a controversial practice, and the law is still developing in this area. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

Is Chalking Tires Legal?

In Indiana, chalking tires is not explicitly illegal. However, there have been lawsuits challenging the practice on constitutional grounds. In 2019, a federal appeals court ruled that chalking tires were unconstitutional if it was done without a warrant or probable cause. This means that, unless there is a good reason to believe that a car has been parked illegally, chalking its tires is not allowed.

If your tires have been chalked without cause, you may have a constitutional claim against the person who did it. If you believe that your rights have been violated, you should contact an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

What Should I Do If My Tires Get Chalked by Law Enforcement?

Chalking is simply a way for officers to tell if a vehicle has been parked too long in one spot. They’ll usually do this in areas where there’s a time limit on parking, like two-hour parking zones. If your tires have been chalked, the officer will typically give you a warning or ticket if you have been parked too long.

If you do get a ticket, you can usually contest it by showing that your tires were not parked over the time limit. If you were only parked for an hour and a half, but the officer wrote you up for two hours, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed.

Of course, the best way to avoid getting a ticket is to obey the parking rules in the first place. Pay attention to posted signs, and make sure you don’t park in a spot for longer than the allowed time.

Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been ticketed for parking in a spot where your tires were chalked, you may want to speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can fight for your rights by helping you contest the ticket and can also help you if you believe that the chalking of your tires has violated your constitutional rights.

No two cases are alike, so it’s important to get legal advice that is tailored to your specific situation. An experienced criminal defense attorney can answer your questions and help you understand your options. Call our offices today at (317) 623-4546 to speak with a lawyer.