Parking in New York City can be a daily challenge. Between alternate side parking (ASP), street cleaning schedules, and a maze of regulations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Understanding the street cleaning schedule and associated parking rules is crucial to avoid tickets and keep city streets clean. This guide clarifies how street cleaning affects your parking and what rules you need to follow, even when ASP is suspended.
Understanding Alternate Side Parking (ASP) and Street Cleaning
Alternate Side Parking (ASP) is a system designed to allow street cleaning vehicles to access and clean both sides of residential streets. While the exact Street Cleaning Schedule Today for your location isn’t provided by NYC311 directly, it’s typically indicated on parking signs posted on each block. These signs will specify the days and times ASP is in effect, usually indicated by “P” symbol crossed out.
When ASP is suspended, it means that specific street cleaning for that day is not happening, and you do not need to move your car for the sole purpose of street cleaning. However, ASP suspension does not mean all parking rules are suspended.
Key points to remember about ASP suspension:
- Suspension lasts from midnight the day before until midnight the day of the suspension.
- Always check parking signs for time limits and other regulations still in effect.
- NYC311 cannot provide interpretations of parking rules for specific situations – always refer to posted signs and the official NYC Traffic Rules.
Deciphering NYC Parking Signs and Rules
NYC parking rules are governed by posted signs, and it’s your responsibility to understand them. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) only needs to post one sign per block, so always check the entire block before parking. Read all signs carefully, paying attention to time restrictions and specific regulations.
Grace Period:
NYC law provides a 5-minute grace period in ASP zones. This means you have an extra 5 minutes beyond the time listed on the ASP sign before a parking ticket can be legally issued.
“No Stopping, No Standing, No Parking” Rules on Holidays:
Even when ASP is suspended, other parking restrictions might still be in place. However, on major legal holidays, there’s a slight exception:
On major legal holidays, you can park at a “No Stopping,” “No Standing,” or “No Parking” sign only if that rule is not normally in effect seven days a week. For example, if a sign says “No Standing Anytime,” this rule still applies even on holidays.
Major Legal Holidays when this exception may apply:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Double Parking: Always Illegal
It’s crucial to understand that double parking is illegal at all times in NYC, including during street cleaning, regardless of location, purpose, or how long you plan to park. Even if it seems common practice on some streets during cleaning, you can still receive a ticket.
Double-parked vehicles, whether occupied or unoccupied, create safety hazards and traffic congestion.
Commercial Vehicle Exception:
Commercial vehicles have a limited exception. They may double park briefly for quick pickups, deliveries, or service calls, but only during posted hours. For complete details, consult the NYC Traffic Rules, Chapter 4, Section 4-08, subdivision (f), paragraph (1).
Open Streets and ASP
If street cleaning (ASP) is in effect on an Open Street, you must still move your vehicle during the scheduled ASP time. Vehicles should leave the street and can return after street cleaning is finished. If barriers are present for the Open Street program, they should be positioned to allow cars to drive around them. When entering or exiting Open Streets, drive slowly (5 MPH) and watch out for pedestrians.
Need More Parking Rule Information?
For comprehensive information on all parking rules and regulations, visit the Parking Signs and Rules page.
If you have questions about parking enforcement in a specific area, contact your local police precinct. You can find precinct contact information on the Police Precincts and PSAs page.
By understanding these rules, especially how street cleaning schedules today and ASP suspensions interact with other parking regulations, you can navigate NYC parking more confidently and avoid unnecessary fines. Always prioritize reading and understanding posted parking signs on each block.
