NYC Alternate Side Parking, Explained

Confused by all those pesky parking rules and signs? You’ve come to the right place.

A hallmark of city life for car owners, alternate side parking rules can be confusing and at times, unnecessarily elaborate. Until you have them memorized, you might find yourself regretting even owning a car in a city like New York. But don’t fret, once you’ve got it down, it’s like reading the back of your hand.

So what is alternate side parking all about anyway? Well, in order to keep those streets sparkly clean (although it may only last a few hours) it requires some street sweeping every once in a while- either one or two times per week, depending on your neighborhood. In order for those massive machines to make their way through the street, the Department of Sanitation and Department of Transportation work together to pass those giant street-sweepers all over New York City’s beautiful asphalt.

Then of course there are all those signs. Be sure to really pay attention to them because some read ANYTIME, while others just indicate a specific time and day. You’ve got your no stopping (no stopping, no waiting no nothing), no standing (you can stop to let passengers off but not for an extended period to unload packages or luggage), and no parking (you can stop, you can unload, but you can’t leave your vehicle there). These mean different things- obey them or face a mean ticket or even your car being towed.

According to the Department of Transportation, “on major legal holidays, stopping, standing and parking are permitted except in areas where stopping, standing and parking rules are in effect seven days a week (e.g., “No Standing Anytime”). Parking meter regulations are also suspended on major legal holidays. The major legal holidays are New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. On all other holidays, only street cleaning rules are suspended, and other regulations remain in effect.”

Take a look at the 2019 alternate side suspension calendar below:

Looking for more information? Take a look at all the alternate side parking rules for 2019 here.