What should drivers know about NYC parking regulations?

Receiving a parking ticket can ruin even a good day. To avoid making a mistake that could land you a violation, you should make sure you understand some general parking rules for the city.

The New York City Department of Transportation explains that parking rules also incorporate rules for stopping in certain areas.

Double parking

Double parking, when you stop your vehicle beside another vehicle, is always banned in the city. You cannot stop, even for a delivery beside another vehicle. Even if you are inside the vehicle, it is not legal.

School zones

You can park in school zones when school is not in session. But you should note that any activities involving school staff or students are considered in session. You should check with the local school to find out the days it is not in session.

Street cleaning

Side streets typically have a cleaning schedule that bans parking on each side on certain days. Always make sure to check the schedule before parking in one of these zones.

Fire hydrants

You cannot park 15 feet from a fire hydrant. This includes all spaces within 15 feet.

Confusing signs

An area with multiple signs can cause confusion. If you come across one, the most restrictive sign is the one to follow. Missing signs are no excuse for parking mistakes. If you see other signs on the street, assume they apply to all parking in that area.

Remember that the city is a tow away zone. This means that if you park illegally, the city can and will tow your vehicle.