Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Lawrence Berezin
Alternate Side Parking Rules for 2024 (colder months Jan- March)
Finding a parking spot in New York City (NYC) has just become worse given that there are more than 2.2 million registered vehicles in the city than parking spaces available in addition to the people that drive into the metropolis every day from elsewhere. Snagging a parking spot is a daily struggle, and people cannot afford the prohibitive costs of private garages. Alternate side parking (ASP) rules also make it harder for anyone to keep tabs on what’s going on in the city’s streets. Hence, even if one is lucky enough to find a spot after hours of searching, drivers must be vigilant of ASP rules or risk hefty fines or even tows. The past year alone saw the police issuing 8.4 million tickets for violations, one of the highest on record, according to the New York Times.
What are Alternate Side Parking Rules?
Urban areas or cities with crowded streets commonly implement alternate side parking to facilitate street cleaning, snow removal, and other maintenance activities. Just like a business that must keep the workplace and its employees safe from risks and hazards, the city government must also look after the streets so that they are clean and free from encumbrances that can harm pedestrians, commuters, and drivers.
Under ASP rules, on certain days of the week, vehicles must be moved from one side of the street to the other to grant access to machines and workers for cleaning tasks and other scheduled municipal works. Hence, drivers must pay attention to posted signs indicating the specific days and times when ASP regulations are in effect. Parking signs are marked with a ‘P crossed by a broom.’ Some may also specify times. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to parking tickets or, at worse, towing off of vehicles.
NYC’s ASP Rules for 2024
The alternate side parking rules are in effect starting January 2, 2024. However, the city suspends ASP rules on legal and religious holidays. During the cold months from January to March, the rules are not enforced, including New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, which fall on January 1 and January 15, respectively. In February, five days are affected: Lunar New Year’s Eve (February 9) and Lunar New Year (February 10). In addition, Lincoln’s birthday is on February 12, Ash Wednesday is on February 14, and Washington’s birthday is on February 19, rounding up the list.
March will see the rules suspended on the 24th for Purim and the 28th and the 29th for Holy Thursday and Good Friday, respectively. Parking meters remain in effect except Sundays. Drivers must also follow parking time limits.
The DOT may suspend ASP Rules given inclement weather, snow, or other emergencies.
To do this, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Sanitation judiciously refer to weather reports before and during snowfalls to see whether a suspension is needed. Given that weather conditions change quickly, the decision to suspend the rules can be made late in the day. After a snowfall, ASP regulations are enforced again so that snow and ice removal can begin immediately. Moreover, plowing snow also helps restore street cleaning operations to normal.
The DOT permits stopping, standing, and parking on ‘major legal holidays.’ But not in areas where stopping, standing, and parking rules are in effect every day. For example, a sign that says, ‘No Standing Anytime’ or ‘No Stopping Anytime’ qualifies under this rule. Warriors and Cops do not enforce parking meters on these days. Major legal holidays in NYC include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. And don’t forget to avoid parking cars within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
How to Find Out About Current Enforcement
There are several ways to know if alternate side parking suspensions are in effect. One way is to sign up for email alerts from the NYC DOT on the NYC government web page. Follow the Twitter page @NYCASP (NYC Alt Side Parking) for live updates. They post twice daily, including emergency suspensions. Lastly, dial 311 for the current status of alternate side parking rules. Teletype writers (TTY) who are deaf can call 212-504-4115 for information.
NYC alternate side parking rules can become tricky during the cold months. Knowing the regulations and suspensions is critical. Likewise, signing up for alerts can reduce the likelihood of costly parking fines and tows.
Nina Garry
Freelance Writer
“A valued and regular contributor to our community.”–Larry
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