Alternate Side Parking (ASP) in New York City can be a source of confusion and frustration for drivers. While ASP rules are suspended on certain days, it’s crucial to understand that this suspension doesn’t mean all parking rules are off the table. Even when ASP is not in effect, you must still adhere to other posted parking regulations. This guide will clarify what you need to know about parking in NYC when ASP is suspended, ensuring you avoid tickets and navigate city streets with confidence.
Understanding Parking Rules When ASP is Suspended
Many drivers mistakenly believe that a suspension of Alternate Side Parking means free rein to park anywhere. This is not the case. NYC311 clearly states that even when ASP is suspended for holidays or other reasons, all other parking rules and regulations remain in effect. This includes posted time limits and restrictions indicated on parking signs throughout the city.
Key Takeaway: ASP suspension only removes the requirement to move your vehicle for street cleaning. All other parking rules, as indicated by signage, are still enforceable.
Deciphering Parking Signs: A Block-by-Block Necessity
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasizes that drivers must be vigilant and read parking signs carefully every time they park. NYC Traffic Rules mandate only one sign per block to be legally sufficient, meaning you need to check the entire block face to ensure you are parking legally. Don’t assume that because one part of the block has no restrictions, the entire block is restriction-free.
Before leaving your vehicle, walk the length of the block and meticulously read all posted signs. Look for regulations regarding:
- Time limits: Are there hourly parking restrictions?
- Days of the week: Are the rules only in effect on certain days?
- Specific hours: What times are the restrictions active?
- No Standing/No Parking/No Stopping zones: Are there areas where parking is prohibited at all times or during specific periods?
Failing to heed these signs, even when ASP is suspended, can result in parking violations.
ASP Suspension Timing and the Grace Period
It’s important to understand the timeframe of an ASP suspension. According to official NYC guidelines, when Alternate Side Parking is suspended, the suspension is in effect from midnight the day before the suspension until midnight on the day of the suspension.
NYC law does offer a slight reprieve with a 5-minute grace period in ASP zones. This means that you are legally allowed an extra five minutes beyond the time indicated on the ASP sign. Parking enforcement officers cannot issue tickets during this grace period. However, this grace period applies specifically to ASP zones and does not extend to other parking violations.
Holiday Parking and “No Stopping” Zones
Major legal holidays in NYC bring about a further relaxation of some parking rules. On these holidays, in addition to ASP being suspended, you are permitted to park at signs that say “No Stopping,” “No Standing,” or “No Parking” if those rules are not normally in effect seven days a week or “Anytime.”
The designated major legal holidays are:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Important Note: If a “No Stopping,” “No Standing,” or “No Parking” sign indicates that the rule is in effect “Anytime” or “7 Days a Week,” then these restrictions still apply even on major legal holidays.
The Persistent Illegality of Double Parking
Double parking in NYC remains illegal at all times, without exception. This rule is steadfast, regardless of whether street cleaning is in progress, the location, the reason for double parking, or the duration. The NYC Department of Transportation is clear: double parking creates safety hazards and contributes to traffic congestion, whether the vehicle is occupied or not.
While double parking might be a common sight during street cleaning or in congested areas, it is still a violation, and you are liable to receive a parking ticket.
Commercial vehicles are granted a limited exception, allowing them to double park briefly for pickups, deliveries, or service calls, but only during posted hours.
For a comprehensive understanding of parking regulations, refer to the official NYC Traffic Rules, specifically Chapter 4, Section 4-08, subdivision (f), paragraph (1) of the Rules of the City of New York.
Parking on Open Streets During ASP
NYC’s Open Streets program temporarily converts streets into car-free public spaces. When ASP is in effect on an Open Street, vehicles are expected to leave the street for the duration of the ASP period and can return once ASP is over. If barriers are used to delineate the Open Street, they are designed to allow vehicles to navigate around them. When driving onto or off of an Open Street, exercise extreme caution for pedestrians and maintain a speed of no more than 5 MPH.
Further Parking Information
To delve deeper into the comprehensive parking rules and regulations in New York City, the Parking Signs and Rules page offers detailed information and resources. For immediate concerns about parking enforcement in a specific area, contact your local police precinct. You can locate precinct contact information on the Police Precincts and PSAs page.
By understanding these nuances of NYC parking regulations, especially in relation to Alternate Side Parking suspensions, you can navigate the city streets more effectively and minimize the risk of parking tickets. Always prioritize reading and understanding posted signs, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution to ensure legal and responsible parking.
