Alternate Side Parking (ASP) is a set of traffic rules in New York City that you need to understand to avoid parking tickets. Even when ASP is suspended, other parking regulations are still in effect. This guide clarifies the key aspects of ASP and parking rules in NYC.
ASP Suspension: What It Means
When Alternate Side Parking is suspended in NYC, it means street cleaning is not taking place, and therefore, the parking restrictions associated with street cleaning are temporarily lifted.
Suspension Timing
An ASP suspension is active from midnight the day before the suspension until midnight on the day of the suspension.
Important Note on Other Parking Rules
It’s crucial to remember that even when ASP is suspended, you must still obey all other posted parking signs and regulations. NYC311 cannot provide guidance on specific parking situations. Always read and understand all parking signs on the block where you intend to park. Remember, NYC traffic rules require only one sign per block, so check the entire block carefully.
Grace Period for ASP Zones
NYC law provides a 5-minute grace period in ASP zones. This means you have an extra 5 minutes beyond the time indicated on the ASP sign before a parking ticket can be legally issued.
Parking at “No Stopping, No Standing, No Parking” Signs During Holidays
On major legal holidays in NYC, there’s an exception for parking at “No Stopping, No Standing, or No Parking” signs, but with conditions. You are allowed to park at these signs only if the restriction is not normally in effect seven days a week. For example, if a sign says “No Standing Anytime,” this exception does not apply, and you cannot park there, even on a major holiday.
The major legal holidays in NYC are:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Double Parking: Always Illegal
Double parking of passenger vehicles is illegal at all times in New York City. This rule applies regardless of whether street cleaning is in progress, location, purpose, or duration. Even if it’s common practice on some streets to double park during street cleaning, it remains illegal and can result in a parking ticket.
Commercial vehicles have a limited exception. They are permitted to double park briefly for pickups, deliveries, or service calls, but only during posted hours. For detailed regulations, refer to Chapter 4, Section 4-08, subdivision (f), paragraph (1) of the Rules of the City of New York.
For enforcement questions, contact your local police precinct. You can find precinct information on the Police Precincts and PSAs page.
ASP and Open Streets
On designated Open Streets where ASP is in effect, vehicles should leave the street during the ASP period. You can return your vehicle after ASP hours are over. If barriers are used for Open Streets, they should be positioned to allow vehicles to drive around them. When entering or exiting Open Streets, be mindful of pedestrians and drive at a maximum speed of 5 MPH.
Further Parking Regulations
To understand all parking rules and regulations in NYC, visit the Parking Signs and Rules page for comprehensive information.
By understanding these rules, especially concerning alternate side street parking in New York City, you can navigate parking regulations more effectively and avoid unnecessary fines. Always prioritize reading parking signs and staying informed about any ASP suspensions.
