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Epic New Traffic Rule for Parking in NYC

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Last Updated on April 8, 2023 by Lawrence Berezin

The sign is indicating that the road is only to be used for traffic loading. Full Text: New Traffic Loading Only Rule Dedicated Use Sign

New traffic rule

The DOT will install a new traffic sign on the congested curbs of NYC, with an effective date of April 20, 2023.

Therefore, Larry (that’s me) will start a new continuing parking sign education class without delay. [See traffic rules 4-08(a)(3)(i), which is found on page 20].

Are you ready? Let’s begin.

Table of Contents

Dedicated use traffic sign

What is the purpose of the new rule?

The purpose of the new rule is to update section 4-08 of the Traffic Rules for the purpose of establishing “Loading Only” dedicated use signage. Likewise, the signage would make clear to the public that the purpose of a “Loading Only” zone is for the expeditious pick-up and drop-off of goods and passengers from commercial vehicles, for-hire vehicles, and personal vehicles.

The signage would also include a set time limit for the vehicle to utilize the space.

However, the rule prohibits vehicles displaying agency-authorized or single-use permits from utilizing the dedicated space.

Keep reading

Section 1. Subparagraph (i) of Paragraph (3) of Subdivision (a) of Section 4-08 of Chapter 4 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended to read as follows:

(i) Dedicated use signs. Standing is prohibited when a dedicated use is specified by a sign, including but not limited to the following curb regulations:

That is to say, Commercial Vehicles Only, Truck Loading Only, Taxi Stand, Taxi Relief Stand, Authorized Vehicles Only, NYP License Plates Only, Doctor License Plates Only, For-Hire Vehicles Only, Ambulance Only, Ambulette Only, Medical Facility Only, Bus Layover Only, NYS Road Test Only, Flea Market Loading Only, Farmers Market Only, Waiting Line, Carshare Parking Only, Electric Vehicle Charging Only, Loading Only, or Parking Permitted.

§ 2. Subdivision (c) of Section 4-08 of Chapter 4 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended by adding a new paragraph (10) to read as follows:

(10) Loading only zone. During the time specified on the posted authorized sign, no person shall stand or park a vehicle in such zone except for the purpose of expeditiously receiving or discharging passengers or actively engaging in loading or unloading goods for the purpose of making pickups or deliveries to or from the curb.

Continue reading

§ 3. Subparagraph (ii) of Paragraph (3) of Subdivision (o) of Section 4-08 of Chapter 4 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended to read as follows:

(ii) Parking not permitted. Parking with and display of agency-authorized permits in the windshield of a vehicle or, where applicable, a permit affixed to the vehicle by the department or any agency authorized by the department is not permitted at:

(A) “No Standing” areas
(B) “No Stopping” areas
(C) Fire hydrants
(D) Bus stops
(E) Areas on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped, standing, or parked at the curb (i.e.,)
Double parking).
(F) Driveways.
(G) Bridges and highways.
(H) Areas where a traffic hazard would be created.
(I)  Carshare parking space(s).
(J)  Loading Only zones.


§ 4. Subparagraph (iii) of Paragraph (4) of Subdivision (o) of Section 4-08 of Chapter 4 of Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended to read as follows:


(iii)Parking not permitted. Parking with single-issue permits is not permitted at:
(A) “No Standing” areas,
(B) “No Stopping” areas,
(C) Fire hydrants,
(D) Bus stops,
(E). Double parking,
(F) Driveways,
(G). On bridges and highways,
(H) In carshare parking space(s), [and]
(I) Areas where a traffic hazard would be created, and
Loading Only zones.

How does a proposed rule become an adopted rule?

The commissioners of the various NYC agencies are invested in rule-making authority. However, there is a legal path from a proposed rule to an adopted rule.

In other words, the DOT must give notice of a public hearing and the opportunity to comment. Here’s an example of the contents of a notice of hearing for the “Loading Only” Rule.

What are we proposing? The New York City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) is proposing an amendment to Section 4-08 of the Traffic Rules to establish loading zone regulations.

When and where is the Hearing? In other words, DOT will hold a public online hearing on the proposed rule. Likewise, public members may access and participate in this hearing online or by telephone. The public hearing will occur on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 10 am.

Join through the Internet

  • To join the hearing via your browser, click the following URL link or copy and paste it into your browser’s address bar.
  • Join Zoom Meeting using the following information: https://zoom.us/j/95721394822?pwd=M21rZTM2aHRtNy9LcXYvUmtkbWVFdz09
  • Meeting ID: 957 2139 4822 Password: 649782
  • Then follow the prompts. 
  • If you have low bandwidth or an inconsistent Internet connection, we suggest you use the phone option below for the hearing.

To join the hearing only by phone, use the following information to connect: Phone: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 957 2139 4822 Password: 649782

How do I comment on the proposed rules?

Anyone can comment on the proposed rules by:

  • Email. You can email comments to rules@dot.nyc.gov.
  • Website. You can submit comments to DOT through the NYC rules Web site at HTTP://rules.cityofnewyork.us.
  • Mail. You can mail comments to Charles Ukegbu, Assistant Commissioner of Regional & Strategic Planning, New York City Department of Transportation, 55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10041.
  • Fax. You can fax comments to 212-839-7188.
  • By Speaking at the Hearing. Anyone who wants to comment on the proposed rule at the public hearing must sign up to speak. You can sign up before the hearing by emailing rules@dot.nyc.gov or calling 212-839-6500 by February 6, 2023, including your name and affiliation. While there will be an opportunity during the hearing to indicate that you would like to provide comments, we prefer that you sign up in advance. You can speak for up to three minutes.

Is there a deadline to submit written comments?

Yes, the deadline for written comments is 5 pm on February 7, 2023.

Do you need assistance to participate in the hearing? You must tell the DOT Office of the General Counsel if you need a reasonable accommodation of a disability at the hearing.

-Likewise, tell us if you need a sign language interpreter.

-Further, you can mail us at the address above.

-You may also tell us by emailing at rules@dot.nyc.gov or calling 212-839-6500 by January 31, 2023.

Can I review the comments made on the proposed rules? You can check the comments on the proposed rules online by going to the website at http://rules.cityofnewyork.us/. Meanwhile, the public may request copies of the audio file of the hearing and written comments through the DOT Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Office at https://a860-openrecords.nyc.gov/ or 55 Water Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10041.

What authorizes DOT to make this rule? Sections 1043 and 2903(a) of the New York City Charter (City Charter) allow DOT to make this proposed rule. The DOT included this proposed rule in its regulatory agenda.

Where can I find DOT’s rules? DOT’s rules are in Title 34 of the Rules of the City of New York.

What rules govern the rulemaking process? DOT must meet the requirements of Section 1043 of the City Charter when creating or changing rules. Consequently, Section 1043 of the City Charter mandates this notice.

Public comments

BR 

We need more loading zones wherever possible. We also need to ensure that they are reserved for those that need them so that UPS, FedEx, moving, and commercial trucks can utilize them. 

They are especially important in places that have bike lanes since that is where the deliveries will resort to parking if no loading zone is available. 

Comment added February 6, 2023, 7:53 am.

A second public comment

JG 

Hello, and thanks for considering this rule change.
Loading zones are badly needed across all five boroughs and all types of neighborhoods. Everyone in this city gets mail and needs food delivered to stores that serve them. Almost everyone takes a taxi once in a while or gets an e-commerce package delivery.


Loading zones reduce the cost of doing business and prioritize curb space for essential work rather than car storage. They reduce double parking and speed road travel. They reduce bike and bus lane blocking as well as hydrant blocking.

NYC should adopt loading zones fully and on a massive scale and adapt whatever rules are necessary to support this evolution.
Thanks, JG 11237 

Comment added February 6, 2023, 8:47 am 

6/14 

Another public comment

LB 

I agree with this rule. Streets get clogged, and double parking makes it dangerous for real New Yorkers who often are walking or taking transit. Buses get blocked, and cars will swerve around others without regard for people walking. We need more dedicated space for deliveries that keep our streets safe from those who would clog them with parked cars. 

People who work as public servants in the city should not get free parking benefits and should endeavor to commute into the city via transit. They should be a part of our community and not just drive in, take up space, and then drive out.


I would argue that it does not go far enough- people who abuse their placards often do not get ticketed or towed. There should be an enforcement mechanism that allows for these vehicles to be moved away from illegal spots. 

Comment added February 6, 2023, 10:43 am 

8/14 

All Public Comments

NYC-Adopted-Rule-Comments-1Download

 

Commentary

Does this rule have a familiar ring to it? That is to say; you may want to check out neighborhood loading zones.

I’ve spent 16 years fighting parking tickets while trying to educate myself and NYC drivers about the rhymes and reasons for 99 restrictions related to on-street parking. However, there are too many rhymes without enough good reasons for many parking rules. Likewise, don’t get me started on the erratic enforcement and inconsistent decisions of our warriors and rogue trial judges.

Moreover, I find it unacceptable that the appeal panels can render decisions without explanations—I want answers. I am entitled to answers.

FREE Download

NYC parking signs are confusing

But they don’t have to confuse you. Meanwhile, if you’d like help figuring out these mystifying parking rules posted anywhere and everywhere on an NYC block, check out Larry’s Ultimate Guide to the Redesigned NYC Parking Signs.

Most importantly, don’t park in NYC without it.

Larry, please demystify these parking signs for me

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Larry says:

 

I have retired and will not be answering comments or questions.

Thank you!

 

7 Comments

CLAUDIA DAVIS •

I’m still a bit confused. Is parking still permitted in on-street parking spaces where the DOT sign states something like “Commercial Vehicles Only. M-F 8am- 7PM” but you display a Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD) on the drivers side dash and it is within the day/ timeframe posted on the sign?

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Lawrence Berezin •

Hi Claudia,

Good afternoon.
Sorry for the delay and replying to your excellent question.
Any time a traffic sign restricts parking to “commercial vehicles, curb space is limited to commercial vehicles. However, the new rule allows a passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, or for-hire vehicle to stop temporarily while actively engaged in dropping off or picking up people or packages. After the activity is completed, the vehicle must leave the curb space immediately. Meanwhile, the sign will display “Loading Only.”

I hope this clarifies your confusion.
Regards,
Larry

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