Can I park in a school zone without getting an NYC parking ticket?
Here are the NYC parking rules to know when you park in a school zone:
Parking is allowed in school zones when school is in recess.
However, motorists should be aware that specific schools may be open on holidays and during summer vacations, and parking restrictions would stay in effect.
Parking restrictions remain in effect while schools are doing distance learning.
If schools have summer sessions or are open for teacher meetings or similar activities, even if students are not attending, the parking regulations apply on such days. Individuals should contact specific schools to verify that they are in recess.
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)”
Here’s a great resource to check if you want to safely park 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
All public schools are closed beginning Monday, March 16th and are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 20th.
For more detailed information, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.
Holidays and Key Dates 2019-2020
Severe Weather or Emergencies
Charter and Private Schools
Parking in a School Zone
Parking is allowed in school zones when school is in recess. However, you should be aware that specific schools may be open on holidays and during summer vacations. Parking restrictions would remain in effect.
Also, when schools are open for summer sessions, teacher meetings, or similar activities, the parking regulations apply on such days, even if students aren’t attending.
You should contact the specific school to verify that it’s in recess.
To look up information for a public school, go to the School Finder page.
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 parking in a school zone
is only permitted in a school zone 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 “Streetsblog 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
The anti- double parking camp says a passenger vehicle can never, ever double park. While the other side maintains that double parking is legal under certain circumstances.
I find the article helpful, even though it didn’t put my mind at ease because there’s no way a motorist can tell if teachers meetings are taking place when summer session is on! I would therefore suggest never park in a school zone regardless of the time of year! Thanks!
This is absurd, I am a school teacher, and I need to park my vehicle, why won’t the Department of Transportation unify with the Department of Education and allow teachers to PARK during the school days 7am – 4pm?
James,
I hear your frustration and totally agree. I am surprised that the teacher’s union or another local representative group hasn’t tried to work out a solution with the NYC Council. Good luck. Regards, Larry
A few grammatical errors of your own on this school-oriented website. Sorry. Schools have “personnel” not “personal”. I hope this helps increase your reach and credibility. Best of luck. Terry
Hi, Terry,
Yikes! My high school teacher is rolling over in her grave.
Thanks for the “catch.”
(It’s corrected).
Regards,
Larry
Wanted to see if there’s any confirmation that we’re ok to park in school zones now during COVID-19 break?
Hi, HW,
Good morning. Great question.
There hasn’t been an announcement that it is o.k. to park in school parking lots while school is closed.
However, the school breakfast and lunch program is still operational.
The prohibition about parking in school parking lots/school zones is active as long as there is a school activity going on. School may be closed to students, but if there is a school activity going on the standing/parking restriction still remain in effect.
Regards,
Larry