Even when Alternate Side Parking (ASP) is suspended in New York City, drivers must still be vigilant and adhere to all other posted parking regulations. It’s crucial to remember that ASP suspension doesn’t mean a free-for-all on The Streets; other time limits and parking rules remain in full effect.
NYC311, while a helpful resource, cannot provide guidance on specific parking scenarios. As a driver, your responsibility is to carefully observe and understand the parking signs posted on each block. The Department of Transportation’s NYC Traffic Rules stipulate that only one sign per block is required, so a thorough check of the entire block is essential before you park your vehicle on the street.
Understanding ASP Suspension Timing on the Street
When Alternate Side Parking is suspended, this suspension period is in effect from midnight on the day preceding the suspension until midnight on the day of the suspension itself. This twenty-four hour window provides clarity on when the suspension is active, allowing for easier planning of street parking.
The Five-Minute Grace Period on the Street
For those parking in ASP zones, there is a helpful 5-minute grace period. This legally mandated grace period allows drivers an extra five minutes beyond the time indicated on the ASP sign before a parking ticket can be issued. This small window can be particularly useful when navigating the busy streets and finding a suitable parking spot.
“No Stopping, No Standing, No Parking” Rules on Legal Holidays on the Street
In addition to ASP suspensions, major legal holidays bring a further nuance to parking regulations on the street. On these holidays, you are permitted to park at locations with “No Stopping,” “No Standing,” or “No Parking” signs, but only if these rules are not normally in effect seven days a week. For instance, a sign that reads “No Standing Anytime” remains in effect, even on major holidays.
The designated major legal holidays are:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
The Constant Prohibition of Double Parking on the Street
It is vital to understand that double parking of passenger vehicles is illegal at all times in NYC. This rule applies regardless of whether street cleaning is in progress, the location, the reason for double parking, or the duration. Even if it’s a common practice on some streets to double park during street cleaning, it remains illegal and can result in a parking ticket. An occupied vehicle illegally parked creates the same hazards and traffic congestion as an unoccupied one.
Commercial vehicles, however, have a limited exception. They may double park briefly for quick pickups, deliveries, or service calls, but only during posted hours where such activity is permitted. For comprehensive details, refer to the NYC Traffic Rules, Chapter 4, Section 4-08, subdivision (f), paragraph (1).
For inquiries regarding parking enforcement on the street, you can contact your local police precinct. Precinct contact information can be found on the Police Precincts and PSAs page.
Open Streets Regulations and Parking on the Street
When ASP coincides with Open Streets initiatives, vehicles need to be moved off the street during ASP hours but can return once ASP is over. If barriers are in place for Open Streets, they are designed to allow vehicles to navigate around them. When driving on Open Streets, always be mindful of pedestrians and maintain a speed of 5 MPH or less.
Navigating All Parking Rules and Regulations on the Street
To fully understand the complexities of parking on the street in NYC, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with all parking regulations. Detailed information can be found on the Parking Signs and Rules page, providing a complete guide to legal parking practices throughout the city. Always prioritize checking signage and understanding the specific rules for each street to avoid violations and ensure smooth navigation.
