If you’ve ever driven around NYC you know that the parking rules there can be almost impossible to understand. There are times when there are so many rules on one sign post that you don’t know what applies to you or when the rules even seem to contradict each other.
If you feel too intimidated to drive around the great city of New York because of the tricky NYC parking rules you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to help you conquer street parking in NYC without stress by providing you with the ultimate guide to understanding NYC parking rules. Read on for more tips and tricks on NYC parking rules.
7 NYC Parking Rules to Remember
1. All of NYC is a designated Tow Away Zone – New York State’s Vehicle and Traffic Law states that any vehicle that is parked or operated illegally or without proper inspection or registration stickers can be towed at any time. Keep this in mind when you think about parking illegally for “just a minute” – you might get towed!
The NYPD even have their own tow trucks – don’t let yourself be a victim
2. Don’t double park! – It is illegal to double park a passenger vehicle at all times, including during street cleaning. It doesn’t matter how long you’re there, where you are, or why you’re doing it – you can’t double park. The NYPD has a right to ticket you in that situation, don’t risk it. If you do find yourself with a ticket, read our guide to paying NYC parking tickets!
3.Beware of fire hydrants – Make sure you don’t park within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant. The curb should be painted to let you know where you can’t park. Although it may be tempting to push the rules a little bit and snag that open space, be aware that you may be ticketed or towed.
4. Check for alternate side parking rules – In order to allow for street cleaning, many areas of NYC have alternate side parking regulations that make sure that cleaners can operate. Look out for alternate side parking signs, which look like a “P” with a broom across it, displayed below.
This alternate side parking sign says you must clear this side of the street for street cleaning from 8:30 to 10am on Tuesdays and Fridays
5. Understand “No Stopping, No Standing and No Parking”– We will describe what each one means below. Make sure you follow the most restrictive sign in each area if there is more than one posted. Make sure you check the entire block for these signs before you park.
- No Stopping: you CANNOT wait, load/unload merchandise or pick up/drop off passengers
- No Standing: you CANNOT wait or load/unload merchandise but you CAN pick up/drop off passengers
- No Parking: you CANNOT wait but you CAN load/unload merchandise or pick up/drop off passengers
6. You can park at some “T” intersections – If a “T” intersection does not have a traffic light, all-way stop signs or crosswalk markings then it is fair game to park all the up until the intersection. Visit the NYC Department of Transportation website for more information about “T” intersections. Take advantage of these extra parking spots!
7. School zone parking rules – Most of the time you cannot park in school zones. However, when school is in recess parking is permitted. Note that just because students are not in school that day, parking may still be restricted due to teacher meetings or specific events. Use the City of New York’s official website to contact individual schools.
Free NYC Parking Rule Resources
- NYC Department of Transportation website – this resource covers a lot of the information discussed above in more detail, and is also a good place to look up other transportation-related issues in NYC
- NYC DOT Sign Searcher – use this tool to interpret parking rules in specific locations in each borough – just search an intersection to figure out what regulations are in place
- NYC Alternate Side Parking Twitter – check this twitter account daily for the official report of whether alternate side parking is in effect
- NYC Parking Calendar – this calendar describes exceptions to normal parking rules on specific days
Book NYC Parking in Advance
If after reading this guide to NYC parking rules you still would rather avoid parking on the street, (hey, it’s understandable!) there are alternatives. SpotHero allows you to search for discounted garage parking in NYC. You can compare parking rates and locations on an easy to use parking map and make a reservation online.
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