Last Updated on February 28, 2018 by Lawrence Berezin
Leave your motorcycle or bicycle unattended on the streets of New York City and guilt will surely engulf you.
How would you feel if you found a stranger sitting and messing with your motorcycle? Or, a car driving past your bicycle and knocking it over because it wasn’t parked properly? Worse yet, what if someone stole your motorcycle or bicycle because you didn’t safeguard it correctly? Very alarming.
If you are new to biking or motorcycling, you have a lot of things to learn before parking in New York City. NYC parking rules vary according to the location and parking signs (including the long-term parking of motorcycles). Overnight parking in NYC is very risky. Leave your bike on the highways and byways of NYC for long hours, and it will be damaged by vandals or stolen by thieves.
5 crucial tactics for parking your motorcycle in NYC:
- Get a good lock to secure your motorcycle to safeguard it against thieves
- Find a cover, preferably something that is worn or old, to throw thieves off the look of a new motorcycle
- Try to lock your bike to something heavy and big like fences and buildings.
- Get an alarm
- Try to park it with other bikes and make sure it’s at a place where the police or other people can see it. The crowd may serve as a deterrent against the bad guys
You must be aware of the parking laws and regulations before deciding where and how to park
For the parking ticket warriors and police officers, there is only one legal way to park a scooter or a motorcycle in the five boroughs – it’s on the street. The only way to keep the parking legit is to park your motorcycle on the street. However, parking in metered areas is fuzzy because you will be responsible for paying for the right to park and not for the right to a specific place. As a result, most motorcyclist park “between spaces” where there is a little risk in getting a ticket.
Before you leave your motorcycle, think of the best place where you can park it. The best place for parking is at the end spot between the last parked cars and the intersection. Put it where the vehicle is facing the intersection. In that way, you are guaranteed that the owner of the parked car cannot claim that they did not see your bike as they leave the parking space
Here are 7 essential tips for parking your motorcycle:
- Avoid parking behind vehicles.
- Do not park it between two cars where space is limited.
- Choose an area where parking spaces have a low turnover rate
- Make sure that you parked the motorcycle at an angle to the curb allowing it to be easily pulled in the traffic. The tire must be against the curb. (about a 35-degree angle to the curb).
- Put your bike in the middle of the lane when parking in a public parking lot so motorists can see you when they attempt to park there.
- Knowledge is power. Learn the local parking rules to avoid parking tickets and fines.
- Finally, be familiar with the area where you are going to park your motorcycle.
Parking violations and fines
In New York City and New York state, parking on sidewalks may result in a fine of $50.00. Riding a bike with an obscured or expired license plate will result in a fine of $35.00. There are two things that you must remember before parking your motorcycles:
- Do not remove your license plate to avoid being ticketed and
- Park your motorcycle in the right place. Parking ticket warriors and cops are very keen in observing your actions.
About The author
New York Parking Ticket is privileged to have a member of the NYC driving community who is totally passionate about all things involving motorcycle/biking safety, and safeguarding your treasured possession. Here’s a brief bio, and a link to Jafrum’s website. Check it out! You’ll be glad you did:
“Ensuring one’s protection and safety during the competition can be achieved if the rider has everything that he needs. Motorcycle laws in the U.S are geared to ensure safety and safety which begins with; training, wearing a DOT approved helmet, the proper apparel, and accessories. In this case, Jafrum International Inc., one of the fastest growing motorcycle gear outlets has decided to give access to quality gears at the best price in the motor racing equipment which will cater the daily riders and racers, as well as beginners and experienced bikers.”
[Larry’s note: New York Parking Ticket LLC has not been offered nor accepted anything of value for publishing this great guest blog post, except Jafrum’s desire to share his passion and expertise with members of the NYC driving public].
I just got a ticket on my motorcycle that for 7 years has been locked to a grate in front of the brownstone I live in, without ticket. Today I got one: “2sheels on sidewalk / 2ft from curb.” – $115.00
This cant be right, can it?
Thanks
Dear Hans,
It is amazing that you had a 7 year lucky streak of parking on the sidewalk without getting a parking ticket. I am sorry to learn that the longest winning streak has come to a painful end.
I don’t mean to overstate the obvious but, it is a violation to park a motorcycle on the sidewalk in NYC. Quite frankly, I would argue that after 7 years of permitting you to park your motorcycle on the sidewalk, the Evil Empire has waived and should be estopped from enforcing a parking violation for that conduct. The problem with the argument is that it’s parking ticket court, and the court probably will not honor the theory of estoppel.
You may wish to check for omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements on the front of the parking ticket. If you find one or more, you are entitled to a dismissal upon application.
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/nyc-parking-ticket-required-elements-redux/
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
Parked in a space between 2 vehicles in the city. was ticketed for failure to disp. municipal receipt. I thought since a Motorcycle did not take up the space it was unnecessary. But in the event that it does, where are you supposed to display it without the wind or someone walking up and taking it for themselves?
Dear Frank,
Good morning.
You are absolutely correct…A motorcycle parks for free when parking between two vehicles.
The challenge is to present the proper proof properly to win. What proof do you have to prove that there were one vehicle on each side of your bike at the time the parking ticket was issued?
What do you think?
Best,
Larry
I guess next time I’ll have to get a newspaper, a clock and take a picture of the bike the 2 vehicles and the time stamp. lol sounds like a lot of work.
Thanks for the reply
Frank,
This stuff makes me furious!
It’s sad to say that sometimes “free” is expensive.
Best,
Larry
We got tickets for both our bikes that were parked in the street in front of our house that were covered with motorcycle covers. Tickets read obsecured license plates. Is that legal to take the cover off and give us tickets and put covers back on
Thank you
Dear Pauline,
Good morning.
I’m sorry about your parking ticket pain.
You pose a very interesting question…
The relevant rule provides:
“Vehicle covers prohibited. No person shall stand or park a vehicle having a cover on it that obscures the make, color, VIN, license plates and/or registration and inspection stickers, and/or restricts entry to the vehicle, if such vehicle is standing or parked in violation of posted rules.”
My first question is, did you violate a posted rule?
If not, you are permitted to park your bike with a cover.
Did you violate a parking rule?
Best,
Larry
Not true, I didn’t violate parking rule, parked in front of my apt Richmond Hill and I got a ticket for covered plate. Judge didn’t agree with me that I have to protect my bike and there is no covers with plate window on the market.
No, we were parked in front of our house in the street, the motorcycle was on an angle and there is no alternate side of the street parking on our block or any other signs. We did not violate any posted rules. So now do we have to go to court to fight the tickets?
Thank you.
Pauline
Dear Pauline,
You have 3 options:
1. In person
2. By Mail
3. Online
We fight most of our parking tickets by mail.
Let us know how you do.
Good luck.
Best,
Larry
i live in queens NY
Larry, I don’t think you answered the question, which was whether the police can lift the cover to see the plate. I think the issue is whether this is an illegal search, one that would require a warrant. I believe that police can enter property without a warrant if they believe there is imminent danger. The same would seem to be true for the motorcycle, the police would need to claim imminent danger? I know there have been suits over, for instance, the police reaching into an open car window to move papers covering the registration sticker. The motorcycle cover issue must have been litigated at some point, I’m guessing there has been some legal decision saying it’s ok for the police to lift the cover, otherwise everyone would just cover their plate. But theoretically it seems they would need a warrant. Do you know the answer?
Hey Joe,
Sorry, I don’t know the answer to your excellent question.
Best,
Larry
can i park my motorcycle in my back yard?
Kyriakos,
Good morning.
You’re o.k. with the warriors, but if it were me, I’d check the zoning laws about parking a motorcycle in a backyard in Queens.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Several motorcycles in my neighborhood park horizontal to the sidewalk and purposely block two parking spaces. It is obvious that they are holding a spot for someone. This is very annoying and inconsiderate as I drive around the block several times looking for a parking space for my car. It happens all the time. Is this legal? Is there anything I can do about it? I live in Queens.
Joan,
Good morning.
I feel your frustration. Inconsiderate neighbors.
It is “legal” for a motorcycle to parallel park.
I imagine a neighborly chat wouldn’t help?
I’m sorry I don’t have a better solution to offer.
Regards,
Larry
I know how you feel about parking a motorcycle horizontally on the street, taking the space of a car, when on a 90 deg. angle you might only 1/3 of the car space, but I’m a rider and I ued to park on 90 deg. angle to be kind with my neighbours; I stop doing that after the second time my motorcycle was knocked down by unscrupulus car drivers that don’t know how to drive and will hit your motorcycle in the process of parking. Most people believe that motorcycles can park on the sidewalk and park on the street, because they feel like it, but is not true, we do get tickets on the sidewalk and we pay registration and inspection as any car.
Hi, Harry,
Thanks for sharing your helpful information.
Regards,
Larry
I just got a ticket for parking my motorcycle on the sidewalk right next to the wall of my building. It took 27 inches of space into the sidewalk. Isn’t 36 inches considered to be a part of the building property?
Percy,
I am sad to report (after dedicating 6 years, 7-days-per-week, with two months off for my heart attack) that I will no longer be answering questions on Larry’s Blog. You’ll find a treasure trove of information in the 746 Blog Posts and growing, F.A.Q.’s, and comments.
If you need help, you may wish to check out of service offerings. Here’s a link.
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/passenger-vehicles/
I have a motorcycle with registered plates and insurance. Is it legal to park my motorcycle on the street parallel to the side walk taking up a parking spot? I usually place cones around my bike when I park it on the street and I am wondering can I be ticketed for such use? Also can I use a cover on my bike and park it on the street?
Dear Bob,
I am sad to report (after dedicating 6 years, 7-days-per-week, with two months off for my heart attack) that I will no longer be answering questions on Larry’s Blog. You’ll find a treasure trove of information in the 746 Blog Posts and growing, F.A.Q.’s, and comments.
If you need help, you may wish to check out of service offerings. Here’s a link.
https://newyorkparkingticket.com/passenger-vehicles/
I just received a parking ticket that stated obstruction of license plate. It isn’t a frame that is so thin that it doesn’t obstruct any of the New York, numbers or the registration tag. Another motorcyclist told me he thinks the reason why is because it was in a frame even if there was no instruction of the license plate, and that it needed to be attached just with screws or bolts no frame. Is this true?
Hi Gary,
Sorry to hear about your parking pain. Here’s the Rule:
4-08(j)(2) Valid plates must be properly displayed. No person shall stand or park a vehicle unless it properly displays the current plate or plates issued to it. For the purposes of this paragraph (j)(2), New York plates shall not be deemed properly displayed unless they are conspicuously displayed, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle, each securely fastened so as to prevent the same from swinging and placed, whenever reasonably possible, not higher than 48 inches and not lower than 12 inches from the ground, and they are kept clean and in a condition so as to be readable and shall not be covered by glass or any plastic material, and the view thereof shall not be obstructed by any part of the vehicle or by anything carried thereon. New York dealer or transporter plates issued pursuant to §415 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law shall be deemed properly displayed if the one plate issued is placed on the rear of the vehicle as described above. New York motorcycle plates and plates from other states shall be deemed properly displayed if at least one plate is fastened on the rear of the vehicle”
In my humble opinion, a thin frame that that doesn’t obstruct the plate does not violate this rule. I’ve fought this ticket and won by arguing that the rule doesn’t apply to a license plate frame. I enclosed a photograph of the plate attached to the car and a close up of the plate.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry, I hope you’re in good health and I was hoping to hire an attorney to argue a cell phone violation that I received in the last month. I scheduled a hearing in early September. A police officer in their vehicle saw that I had my cell phone in hand while driving. It was not in use and simply in my hand, but they deemed this as a cell phone violation. I am a Florida resident and visiting family for the summer and was not aware of this rule. Do I have a case?
Hi Jeff,
Good morning.
My limited expertise is limited to parking tickets. Moving violations, at my age, make me dizzy.
Sorry, Jeff.
Here’s a link to a wonderful business colleague and friend who specializes in moving violations.
Regards,
Larry
can i parked my motorcycle front wheel in first vs the curb
Yes
Hey there. Was just wondering if the rules still apply for motorcycles parallel parking against the sidewalk. I get a bit of angry chatter, mostly because people want the parking spot I’ve occupied. I used to park politely to make room for other motorists, but after multiple costly repairs associated with getting my bike knocked over I have decided that parallel parking would make more sense for me in the long run. Is parallel parking still legal for a motorcycle, and would you mind directing me to the regulation on that as well?
Hi, C!
Good morning.
Great question.
Yes, motorcycles can parallel park (even if doing so angers other “parkers”).
There is no provision in the NYC traffic Rules that prohibits a motorcycle from parallel parking. As a matter of face, there is a provision that gives a motorcycle the option to park at an angle with one wheel touching the curb. You’ll find the rule at 4-08(m)(3):
(3) Angle parking of motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds. A person shall be permitted to park a motorcycle, motor scooter or moped at an angle to the curb at times and at places when
and where parking is permitted but only in such manner that at least one wheel shall touch the curb. In no event shall any portion of the motorcycle, motor scooter or moped be more than 6 feet from the curb
A highly respected expert and ex-traffic commissioner, Gridlock Sam Schwartz, stated in his book, Traffic Conundrums that motorcycles can parallel park as long as the driver pays for parking.
With that said, you’ll find people who write on the Internet saying that a motorcycle cannot parallel park, but must always park with one wheel touching the curb. That’s a myth. it’s not true.
You may not be the most popular guy on the roadway, but you are within your rights to parallel park your motorcycle and pay for the curb space.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Why don’t you
M/C riders do what I do. I just get the muni ticket, take a photo of the receipt on my bike and bingo, you have proof
A tenant is parking his motorcycle in the hallway of our apartment building. The fumes are unbearable. The building is in Bayside, Queens. Is this legal?
Hi, James,
Good afternoon.
I’m afraid my limited parking expertise relates to parking on the mean streets of NYC.
I can’t imagine that it’s legal, but I’m not sure what law would cover this silly behavior.
I am sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Regards,
Larry
Two nights ago my son parked his motorcycle entirely legally on a street in Soho and walked to a nearby restaurant with his girl. A little while later,friends told him that traffic police were attempting to lift his cycle into a large city-owned truck filled with other cycles. When he arrived at the site, he got the police to put his back bike down on the street. But they gave him a peculiar-looking “ticket” that he had to sign agreeing to pay a $100 “fee” (not fine) relating to their having attempted to remove his bike. (He can contest it, but apparently not in front of a court of any kind, e.g. a traffic court.) They acknowledged that he was parking legally but, they said, they were carrying out a ” De’Blasio initiative to remove as many cycles from NYC streets as possible.” They mentioned that theirs was the only truck of its kind in NYC. My questions are: Have you heard of this operation? What do you know about it? If the statements of the traffic police are accurate, they would tend to implicate City Hall in what amounts to multiple acts of grand larceny. But that sounds too crazy to be accurate. So — what’s is going on here? Your input is appreciated.
Hi, Richard,
Good morning.
I apologize for the delay. I’m feeling great. Thanks for asking.
I am unaware of any organized crackdowns on motorcycles by the police or Evil Empire. I searched and found this one article
There is a rule in NYC that allows a tow truck operator who releases a vehicle that was hooked to the truck to obtain a $100 fee from the owner or driver of the motorcycle.
I’ve never contested the imposition of a release fine. I’ve always fought the ticket and if I win a dismissal, the tow fee is returned. I trust your son did not get a ticket. I’m happy to take a look at the release document if you want to email it to me.
I would contest the fine and the stupid game they played with your son’s motorcycle, but I would like to read the release.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry,
Some one parked their bike in front of my house totally covered and wrapped like it’s being stored for the winter. No problem if you want to park for a few days, but how many days can some one with a small bike wrapped up like that park legally in a one car spot in front of my place? The plate is not visible as it’s wrapped tight under the bike cover. I’m in Queens with no alternative side & predominantly one car spaces in front of each home with private driveways. Thanks in advance!
Hi MaryM,
Good morning. Great question.
“Unless a posted sign says otherwise, you may not leave a vehicle parked in the same spot for more than seven days in a row.
How long can a car with license plates be parked on the street …”
https://portal.311.nyc.gov
I didn’t really see this answered ,but where do electric mopede or scooter park in NYC if they do not use license plates because they are under 25mph
Hi Tyler,
Good morning.
I am sorry to say but I am far from an expert at parking mopeds or scooters. My clients have always parked their mopeds or scooters on the street.
Here’s what Streetsblog had to say:
Where to Park a Vespa in NYC?
By Glenn McAnanama
Aug 9, 2006
12 COMMENTS
Parked_Vespa.jpg
While the city is awash in places to park cars on the street and there is some provision for cyclists to park on sidewalks in some places, deciding where to park a Vespa is a difficult choice. Leave it on the street (like the photo above) where some automobile drivers will inevitably hit it while trying to parallel park or park it on the sidewalk where it might get a ticket since it’s technically illegal (like the one below). And the city is starting to crack down on sidewalk parking.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry,
I want to buy a motorcycle but I will only do it if I can safely park it. I am a homeowner in Brooklyn and I am thinking about parking in my front yard, in a space that won’t interfere with pedestrians or block any other vehicles from parking in the street.
Is that allowed?
Hi Guillermo,
Good afternoon.
Good luck with your new purchase!
Your excellent question concerns zoning rules rather than parking rules. Here’s a link to essential NYC Zoning Information . I would search the rules about parking and storing for your neighborhood.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Thank you for this feedback Lawrence. If you find anything additional, that would be appreciated!
Hi,
I live on N.Y.C.H.A premises In Queens area. I had cops @3 a.m trying to cut my chain and take my Fly -10 E-bike. It’s been park over 5 months ago there with out any problems. But the cops said I can’t lock it up in public property so my question is where can I lock my bike without having to worry the cops cutting the chain and taking it. Where can I legally chain it up to?
Hi Angela,
Good afternoon.
I’m afraid I don’t have a great answer to your excellent question. But, it sounds like the same challenges faced by my clients who own motorcycles, So, here’s a link to one of my blog posts about parking motorcycles and bicycles.
On the other hand, I found an interesting guide about parking E-bikes. I hope it’s helpful.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
I have traveled to many cities that are SO much friendlier towards motorcycles. For example, Madrid, London and Paris have motorcycle specific parking. In Buenos Aires you just pop your motorcycle on the sidewalk. Even if it’s a crowded sidewalk in downtown Recoleta. It’s absolutely not a problem. In Kyiv Ukraine there is no such thing as a parking ticket. You park cars and bikes as you see fit. NYC could easily allow bikes on many sidewalks. But sue-happy USA always trumps a normal life. NYC is not a pleasant place to live. Everyone who wants a motorcycle should have one. It shouldn’t be a “Well, after I move away from NY I’ll get one” idea.
Hi Stephen,
Good afternoon.
I’m afraid, as you say, it isn’t easy to own or park a mototcycle in NYC. While I understand your anguish, I’m not sure that just popping your motorcycle on the sidewalk would work in NYC. Likewise, “sue-happy” has nothing to do with “parking rule happy.”
Meanwhile, I believe reasonable parking rules that are administered consistenly and fairly throughout the five borooughs is necessary in NYC. Especially when you consider that more than 8 million people live and operate more than 2 million passenger cars in NYC (not counting motorcycles, bikes, buses, taxi-cabs, etc) all vying for parking spaces.
Thanks so much for your interesting comment with a well-traveled perspective.
Be safe.
Regards,
Larry
Hi,
Do you know if the “Alternate side” aplies to m.bikes? I
Hi Rodrigo,
What is an “m.bike?”