When Can I Park in a School Zone without Fear of a Ticket?

Last Updated on September 29, 2021 by Lawrence Berezin

Can I ever park in a school zone without getting an ticket?

Here are the NYC rules to know when you leave your car in a school zone: (This post was updated on March 16, 2020 and on June 30, 2021)

The general rule is that the Evil Empire allows you to park when “school is in recess.”

But, what is the scope of “school is in recess?” Because parking restrictions remain in effect when schools are open on holidays, during summer vacation, teacher meetings, and similar activities.

Most importantly, (COVID-19) Parking restrictions remain in effect while schools are doing distance learning.

To contact an individual school, call 311, and ask for the “Find a School” service; they will give you the school’s telephone number. For TTY Deaf and hearing-impaired dial 212-504-4115. If you are calling from outside the five boroughs, dial 212-NEW-YORK (DOT Website)”

Or check out the “Find a School” Map by clicking on this link.

How about on a Saturday?

Maybe yes, maybe do. If there are no:

• Classes in session
• Teacher’s meetings or
• Other activities

Then it is safe to park.

Here’s a great resource to check if you want to park safely in a school zone

The NYC Public School Calendar lists key dates for parents and students during the school year, including:

• Holiday closures
• Parent-teacher conferences
• Half-days and early dismissals
• Enrollment deadlines
• Public meetings

Get the NYC Public School Calendar.

FAQ

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

All public schools are closed beginning Monday, March 16th

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 NY Times:

“On Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio gave a sense of the dimensions of the problem: He announced that nearly 16 percent of New York City’s 1.1 million students would be asked to attend online summer school for about six weeks — about four times as many as were asked to attend summer school last year.”

For more detailed information, visit the coronavirus (COVID-19) page.

You should contact the specific school to verify that it’s in recess and there are no activities going on.

Here’s a mistake to avoid

A wonderful client of ours received this email from his children’s teacher. He read it, surmised that school was closed, and parked in a space where parking wasn’t permitted on school days. Did he get a parking ticket?

Sure did! Although the school was closed for students, it was not closed for teachers (they had a workshop on that fateful date).

Remember…Make sure that school was closed AND no activities were going on before you park in a parking space that prohibits parking during school days.

Double park at school?

Is only permitted when a parent or caretaker is called to the school on a “medical emergency.” You may fight a parking ticket for double parking by submitting a statement from school personnel that you or a caretaker was called to the school on a medical emergency,

Here’s a link to an article in “Streets blog NYC” reacting to a bill introduced by NYC Councilman Joel Rivera that would allow parents to double park in school zones while picking up their children. What’s your reaction to the proposed legislation? (still pending as of April 14, 2014).

Resource: School Finder

Commentary

To park or not to park is a thorny question. The easy part is to determine that classes are not in session. But, what about all the other stuff? Like teacher’s meetings and sporting events? Is it safe on an evening you have a meeting with your child’s teacher? I don’t think so!

What if you get a frantic call from the school nurse asking you to come to school to pick up your daughter, who hurt herself in a fall? Is it fair that a parent or caretaker may be permitted to double park? How about your child care worker? Is it fair? Would you do it?

I would do it in a heartbeat! How about you?

Be careful. Do your homework about school events scheduled for the day you intend to park. It’s a tough assignment, but a passing grade will save you a costly parking ticket.

Why risk a costly parking ticket when Larry’s Top 10 Tips are free to download?