How to Read NYC Parking Signs and Avoid Parking Fines
A question about the meaning of “Except” in NYC parking signs
The meaning of life is straightforward. But what about the meaning of those mysterious NYC parking signs?
For example, Joe, a super member of the NYC driving community, posed a question about the word “Except” in those old, misbegotten parking signs, and here’s the answer.
No standing “Except” commercial vehicles metered parking 3-hour limit 7 am – 7 pm “Except” Sunday
Meanwhile, the old double “except” whammy. A double negative (“except except”) equals a positive. So, parking is PERMITTED on Sundays! Who can blame Joe for being a little confused?
In the same vein, how about the first, “Except.” Read the sign as NO STANDING 7 am – 7 pm. Here’s the trick…ignore it unless you’re driving a commercial vehicle.
In summary:
- Passenger vehicles are prohibited from standing Monday – Saturday between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm.
- On the other hand, passenger vehicles are permitted to stand all day on Sunday.
- On the other hand, commercial vehicles are permitted to stand Monday – Saturday between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm but must pay the meter.
- Commercial vehicles are permitted to stand all day on Sunday
- All vehicles are allowed to stand before 7 am and after 7 pm on Monday – Saturday
No standing except for trucks loading & unloading from 7 am to 7 pm except Sunday
To clarify, this sign has two “Excepts.” Simply read the parking sign as No standing 7 am to P.M. Monday-Saturday (because no specific days are mentioned and the second “Except” means you can park on Sunday).
Breaking News: Out with the old NYC parking signs, in with the new
What happened to “Except?” You won’t find “Except” in the re-designed parking signs because the word has been eliminated from the parking sign vocabulary. Likewise, the new sign language authors have sought clarity by adding positivity and eliminating negativity. Is it working?
FREE Download
Larry’s Guide to Redesigned Parking Signs
True or False? The redesigned parking signs make parking a breeze. Likewise, I understand every sign and have zero questions about its meaning. If your answer is True, then you don’t need this guide. (False for most of us!)
On the other hand, if the redesigned signs are still confusing, you might benefit from some tips about understanding them and parking safely.
Just click the pretty button below. You’ll be glad you did!
Can you park here?
The following refer to the image below;
-Top parking sign – on Tuesday at 8 pm? [Yes]
-Left Corner- Do you have to obey this piece of paper? [Yes]
-Center – Are you talking to me?
-Lower Right – On Wednesday, if you don’t own the property abutting the driveway? [No]
Meanwhile, if you guess wrong and get a parking ticket, here are some evidence suggestions from the Evil Empire.
Commentary
P.S. I love Monty Python (if you haven’t guessed by now)
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