NYC’s most dreaded parking rule is changing on 12 streets—and it could expand citywide

A new NYC pilot will let drivers on 12 Brooklyn streets move their cars just once a week instead of twice as officials test whether less frequent Alternate Side Parking can work.

Sydney Hargrove

– Junior Staff Writer

· August 4, 2026

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If you’ve ever sprinted to your car in your pajamas to avoid an Alternate Side Parking ticket, this news might just make your day.

One Brooklyn neighborhood is about to get a break from one of NYC’s most dreaded parking routines, as the city tests a pilot that lets some drivers move their cars just once a week instead of twice.

The Pilot Program Details

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and City Council Member Crystal Hudson’s office are partnering on a trial in Prospect Heights aimed at reducing the daily headaches of local vehicle owners.

The Timeline: The pilot program runs from August 3 through September 25, 2026.
The Change: Frequency drops from twice per week to once per week.
The Days to Watch: Enforcement will only occur on Thursdays and Fridays.
Cleanliness Testing: DSNY will monitor neighborhood street cleanliness data to decide if once-a-week cleaning can keep streets just as tidy without overburdening residents.

The Catch: Don’t Let the Signs Fool You

Traffic agents will be adhering to the pilot rules, but the metal signs posted on the streets will not be changed.

Even if the sign on your block says street cleaning happens twice a week, enforcement is strictly limited to your street’s designated pilot day (Thursday or Friday). Parked cars left during off-days won’t be ticketed during the test period.

The 12 Streets Included in the Pilot

If you park in Prospect Heights, check if your block made the cut:

Pacific Street (Grand Ave to Vanderbilt Ave)
Dean Street (Vanderbilt Ave to Grand Ave)
Bergen Street (Grand Ave to Vanderbilt Ave)
St. Marks Avenue (Vanderbilt Ave to Grand Ave)
Prospect Place (Grand Ave to Vanderbilt Ave)
Park Place (Vanderbilt Ave to Grand Ave)
Sterling Place (Washington Ave to Vanderbilt Ave)
St. John’s Place (Plaza St East to Washington Ave)
Lincoln Place (Washington Ave to Underhill Ave)
Butler Place (Plaza St East to Sterling Place)
Underhill Avenue (Eastern Pkwy to Atlantic Ave)
Washington Avenue (Prospect Place to Atlantic Ave)

For more information, see NYC City Council’s official website.