How to Understand an NYC Parking Sign & Avoid a Parking Fine
Grasping the meaning of an NYC parking sign requires “Babbel” on Steroids.
Knowing the meaning of NYC parking signs is as tricky as figuring out a professional football team’s defensive scheme. For example, a quarterback has 3-4 seconds or fewer to read a defense and deliver a pass to an open receiver.
Likewise, a driver only has a few seconds to decide whether it’s safe to park. If they guess wrong, there is a parking fine to pay.
Meanwhile, if you take the time to learn the meaning of the parking signs, your hard-earned dough will stay safely in your wallet–where it belongs.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
NYC Parking checklist
The three-headed monster on the gotcha pole
It takes five years for a pro quarterback to master his trade. Likewise, It takes about the same time for the driving public to understand the rules displayed by three signs on one pole.
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!
21 NYC Parking Ticket Tips & Resources you may have Missed
Here’s an ambush
I wrote a blog post about the baffling truck loading-only sign, and I suggest checking it out to learn the meaning of this new sign. The bottom line is that when a sign does not display the days and hours, the rule affects all days and all hours.
The Redesigned Truck Loading Only Sign Can Ambush your Car
My question is, “Can a passenger vehicle park during the days and hours the red no standing sign is in effect? How about a commercial vehicle? Does this combination of a red no-standing sign and a truck loading-only sign mean that neither a commercial vehicle nor a passenger vehicle can park during the days and hours the red no-standing sign is in effect?
FAQ
The rule is in effect all days and all times
The rule regulates the curb space in both directions
You have to obey the stricter rules.
Commentary
Larry’s Update: As we all know by now, the Evil Empire has completed a significant project by replacing all the old, totally confusing signs with new, redesigned signs that are just plain confusing. We don’t have to interpret the “double except,” but the single except still applies (No standing, except Sundays).
I think the redesigned signs are easier to understand than the old signs. However, parking safely is a significant challenge when multiple rules appear on gotcha poles. As you drive by the pole, you must read the signs, process the rules, and decide whether or not to park there. If you stop too long, you’ll lose the space or get a parking ticket.
Here’s a link to the DOT NYC Parking Regulations Map.
NYC Parking Signs Locator
Have you ever been charged with a parking violation when you couldn’t see the sign? You may wish to read one of our hidden sign defense success stories.
A Hidden Parking Sign is a Winning Defense
You may check out the redesigned sign guide below to compare total confusion with plain confusion.
I’m rooting for all of us.
Can you please answer the following question: If the sign says “One Hour Metered Parking” does that mean (1) you can continue to park in the same place once the hour has expired as long as you continue to “feed the meter” or (2) after the hour has expired, you are required to move your vehicle ? Thanks for your help.
Hi, Owen,
Good afternoon.
Great question.
The parking zone is limited to one-hour metered parking. You cannot “feed the meter” beyond the one-hour limit.
Regards,
Larry
Wrong.
You can continue to park in the same place once the hour has expired as long as you continue to “feed the meter”!!!
You do not have to move the car to a different location! Just feed the meter on time, before the hour expires.
Hi Ovi,
Are you suggesting that if you park in an area that limits parking to 1 hour, you can stay in your space as long as keep paying?
If so, you and I disagree.
If that’s not what you’re suggesting, will you please clarify what you mean?
Thanks for sharing your opinion, Ovi.
Regards,
Larry
it has no signs of limitations or meter all it has is no parking between 7-830 am and 1 pm ppl get ticketed i don’t understand
Hi Natalie,
Good afternoon.
Sorry to learn about the painful parking.
I’m happy to take a look at the ticket to see if I can solve your conundrum.
Feel free to take a photo of the ticket and email it to me. Or, send me your plate number or 10-digit summons number to:
[email protected]
Regards,
Larry
Sure you can continue to park on a limited 1 hour meter as long as you continue to feed the meter. I do it all the time and have been for years.
Hi, Jim,
Thanks for sharing your comment with the community!
You are riding a lengthy lucky streak. I would head for Las Vegas or Atlantic City immediately!
Technically, you are only permitted to park up to the time limit on the sign. For example, you can park for 1-hour when a parking sign limits the time limit to 1-hour.
If you stay in the same parking space after the expiration of the time limit, you are eligible for a “feeding the meter”
See, 4-08(m)(6):
(6) Time limits. Where signs are erected specifying time limits on standing or parking, no person
shall stand or park any vehicle in excess of the time so prescribed.
May your good fortune continue, Jim.
Regards,
Larry
I am going to agree with Larry on this one. Because you have been feeding the meter does not make it right. If they wanted you to stay more than an hour, they would offer parking time for 4 or 5 hours. I think Larry is saying, according to the law, you should not do it. The others are saying, it can be done, but it is not legal.
Well said, Nav!
Regards,
Larr
On holidays are Midnights rules 12:00 am to 3:00am suspended also when alternate side is suspended for holiday?
Hi, Milton,
Good afternoon.
Holidays begin at midnight on the day of the holiday, so ASP Rules are suspended beginning Midnight, 12 am the day of the holiday.
Park safely.
Regards,
Larry
What does a sign saying no parking except for fire mean ? Does that mean fdny vehicle or just fdny fire fighters ?
Hi, Barbie,
Good morning. Great question.
I’m stumped (but your guess sounds good to me).
Regards,
Larry
I recieved a 115 dollar ticket for no standing sign howerver only a small section of trunk was in no standing zone most of the car was in legal parking can i dispute this ticket and win???
Hi, Kenyon,
Good morning.
I’m afraid it doesn’t matter how small.
You’re in.
I would carefully examine the front of the ticket for mistakes. If you find one or more omitted, misdescribed, or illegible required elements, you win upon presenting the proper proof, properly.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Are Commercial Vehicles Only (mon-Friday 8-6) signs suspended on Memorial Day. Is parking there on Monday Memorial Day 8-6 ok?
Hi, Lee,
Good morning.
Yes. Memorial Day is a Major Legal Holiday.
-ASP suspended
-You don’t have to pay the muni-meters
-You don’t have to obey parking signs unless they’re in effect all days and all times
Park safely.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Lawrence, my name is karma n I’m from queens. I know you are expert in helping people regarding City parking violations and I know you are one of the best lawyer representing.
I have a question here is it a legal to stay inside the vechile with engine on on no parking sign with time mentioned saying no parking 8am-6pm and driver remain inside infront of vechile?
Please help me to solve this .
Thanks
Karma
Hi, Karma,
Good morning. Great question.
You cannot stop, stand or park in a no parking zone, even if you are seated behind the wheel with the motor running.
But, if you get a ticket while you are seated behind the wheel, a Cop or Warrior must enter your name on the ticket.
If not, you are eligible to apply for a dismissal of the ticket (and present the proper proof).
Good luck, Karma.
Regards,
Larry
I received a $95 ticket on my block. I parked today on Memorial Day. The sign said “Truck loading only 7am-7pm except Sunday. Isn’t Memorial Day a major legal holiday. Am I in the right?
Hi, Pedro,
Good morning.
Good catch.
I guess the Warrior didn’t attend the major legal holiday class.
Yes. You’re absolutely correct.
Good luck fighting the good (winning) fight.
Regards,
Larry
I received a ticket for parking on the street where is says no parking standing from 2am to 7am. The time I received the ticket was at 1:13pm can I fight this ticket in court.
Hi, Kera,
Good morning.
Great catch.
Were there any other signs regulating your parking space that prohibited parking at 1:13 pm? If not, you are a winner.
Good luck fighting the good fight!
Regards,
Larry
So, you’re saying if a sign says “no standing, commercial vehicles only, 9am – 6pm, Monday – Saturday” I can park there after 6pm any day and all day Sunday?
Yes sir!
Regards,
Larry
Hi,
I live in Queens and my question is about poles that that have multiple signs. One of the signs says no standing school days 7am- 4pm and the other sign says street cleaning on Tuesdays from
11am -12:30pm. My question – is this still valid during summer since school is not in , or am I allowed to park there?
Thanks in advance!
Hi, Dani,
Good afternoon.
Sorry for the delay!
You found a two-headed gotcha pole.
Both signs are in effect on the days and hours the rule on the sign is in effect.
For example, a school day can happen during the summer when summer school is in session or teachers are meeting, or any other activity at the school.
Street cleaning rule is in effect all year on Tuesdays, between 11 am and 12:30 pm.
Park safely.
Regards,
Larry
Larry,
What do the arrows designate under a No parking M, F 11-1:30 sign? Some have a double arrow pointing right and left and some arrows only point to the right.
Hi, DE,
Good morning.
The arrow(s) designate the portion of the curb regulated by the rule posted on the sign. For example, if the arrow points to the right, it regulates the curb from the sign in the direction of the arrow until either the next parking sign or the end of the block.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
I have a handicap sticker / Placard. Can I park ” No Parking anytime ?
Also can I park at a meter and not pay..
Hi, Laverne,
Good afternoon.
Is it an NYC handicap sticker? If not, I’m sorry to say, the answer is no.
If yes, the answer is yes!
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
I received a ticket for parking where no parking sign board was few metres away from my car without any arrow signs and the board was hidden under a tree. Is it possible to plead no guilty for this ticket?
Thanks
Hi, Jasmine,
Sorry to hear about your parking pain.
I’m afraid if there are no arrows on a parking sign, it means that the rule displayed on the sign regulates curbside parking in both directions.
The hidden sign defense requires that the parking sign is not visible even when you are standing in front of it (not just from your parking space.)
Great photos of the block showing all the visible signs front and back and include the location of the “invisible” sign.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hi, I would like your interpretation of the following parking sign, specifically with respect to parking at 7:30am on Saturday morning. I got a ticket (and boot) at this time, and would like to know if I have a case for contesting this. The parking sign seems at best ambiguous to me, if not deliberately misleading:
NO STANDING
Monday – Friday
7am – 10am
4pm – 7pm
Except Sunday
(There are other signs below this, but not applicable to the time of the ticket).
Appreciate your input on this. In particular, I find the ‘Monday-Friday’ at the top of the sign at odds with ‘Except Sunday’ at the bottom of the sign. The only way I can think of that both could possibly be meaningful is if the time noted at top (7am – 10am) were applicable Monday to Friday and time below (4pm – 7pm) were applicable all days except Sunday. This would imply parking on Saturday morning is fine. Barring this, I find the sign self-contradictory.
Hi, Mani,
Good morning.
I totally agree with your interpretation.
The sign does not prohibit standing on Saturdays. And, as you correctly stated, at best, “Except Sunday” makes the sign confusing.
I would certainly fight this ticket.
Let me know the outcome.
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
Hi. So happy to find this site and your help. Sign in question says: “in red” No Parking 7:30 am to 8 am Except Sunday (this is for street cleaning). And then lower on the sign and not in red: 2 hour metered parking 8 am to 7 pm Except Sunday.
My question is threefold: Can I legally park and also can I successfully not feed the meter during the hours of 7 pm and 7:30 am on Monday through Saturday? And also am I correct that I can park all day for free on Sundays? Thank you.
Hi, Aphrodite,
Good morning.
You earned an A+. You are correct on all three questions
Regards,
Larry
This is a simple one, I am just nervous. Sign is 3 hour metered parking Commercial Vehicles only M-F 8:00 am – 6:00pm
So “normal” parking is ok and free after 6?
Hi, Tim,
Correctamundo!
Park safely.
Regards,
Larry
a truck loading zone during covid-19 when business is closed
is it ok to park there ?
Hi Mg
Good morning.
I’m afraid not. Sadly, it’s not a defense.
You can’t ignore the parking signs even during a pandemic.
Be safe,
Larry
Good morning. No Asp rules today due to Covid. No major legal holiday. Today Wednesday 2pm. There’s a sign that says “No parking 7am to 4 pm Monday-Friday”. Are these signs valid when asp rules not in effect?
Hi Bolivar,
Good afternoon.
Yes. Absolutely. You have to obey that sign.
ASP Rules prohibit parking during certain hours on certain days. You gotta obey them.
But, you still have to obey all the parking signs during the days/hours posted on the signs. In your example, the rule is in effect Monday-Friday 7 am to 4 pm. You gotta obey this sign and all other signs regardless of whether street cleaning rules are in effect. In other words, This sign and other signs days and hours of operation have nothing, nada, zero to do with street cleaning signs.
The common mistake is to think that if street cleaning rules are not in effect, you can stop stand or park. You have to obey all the other parking signs.
Please don’t make this costly mistake of parking on a Monday at 11 am in an area regulated by the sign you referred to.
Be safe, Bolivar.
Regards,
Larry
This sign has me confused, mostly because of what my neighbors telling me.
NO STANDING MONDAY-FRIDAY 7AM-1PM 3HMP COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ONLY MONDAY-FRIDAY 1PM-7PM 2HMP MONDAY-FRIDAY 7PM-10PM SATURDAY 9AM-10PM
Does this mean that I cannot park here until 7pm, and I have to pay the meter until 10pm? Paying by app seems to let me extend the 2HMP to 3.
My neighbors and doormen all insist, “parking is free after 7pm” under this sign.
Thank you for keeping up this site, even after the signage reform this is very confusing to me, long time resident but first time city car owner.
Hi James,
You are very welcome.
Believe me, the redesigned parking signs are still confusing to all of us.
This is one of the confusing, commercial meter parking signs. What a mouthful!
I”m afraid that I’ll need to see the sign to give you the correct answer. Can you take a photo and email it to me? If so, my address is, [email protected]
Looking forward to breaking the code.
Regards,
Larry
I have a question I parked in 48 st between 10 and 11 Avenue in new york where there’s street cleaning 8:30 Am to 10Am . I drive a commercial vehicle and got tickets overnight, but the sign does not say “no commercial parking,” is it legal for me to park a commercial car there or no ?
My wife and I, my dog and cat are moving to Seattle.
I won’t be able to reply to comments until after October 1, 2020.
Sorry!
Regards,
Larry
Larry,
Just got a parking ticket and was a bit confused.
There’s the traditional street cleaning sign (no parking 8 AM – 8:30 AM). Underneath there is a blue 2-hour metered parking (8:30 AM to 10 PM) with the arrow going both ways. However to the left of this sign there’s another sign saying “No parking Anytime,” and pointing leftward. How should I interpret this?
The arrow for 2-hour metered parking is both ways, but the there’s the random standalone sign just saying “no parking.”
My wife and I, my dog and cat are moving to Seattle.
I won’t be able to reply to comments until after October 1, 2020.
Sorry!
Regards,
Larry
Hi Lawrence. I salute you and thank you for the answers you provide.
To really understand something regarding the “Don’t forget the arrows” part.
If one of those signs is at the beginning of the block (NYC block) with the arrow pointing to the remaining of the block and there’s only one single sign and you park totally at the far end of the same block and same side that sign is with no other sign in between. It’s still illegal to park? Even when you’re about one thousand feet away from that sign?
Hi Fernando,
You are very welcome!
You posed a great question that we all have a difficult time getting out brains around.
Sadly, yes.
-There only has to be one parking sign on a block, and
-The silly sign can be on the total opposite end of your parking space, and
-The one silly sign controls your parking space at the other end of the block
For example, if there is a no-standing sign at the corner with an arrow that points to the other end of the block. And, you park on the corner at the other end of the block, you will get a parking ticket for no standing. Amazing, but true.
Be safe, Fernando.
Regards,
Larry
I got a ticket on Tuesday. Tuesday was a religious holiday. Alternate side parking was suspended. But meters rules apply Only. The sign states no Parking Monday thru Friday 8 am to 6 pm
Can I fight this ticket. It was a religious holiday and the only thing is that the meters were still active only .
Hi Victor,
Good morning.
Sorry about the parking pain.
I trust you were referring to Idul-Adha (Eid Al-Adha)? The Evil Empire recognizes this holiday as a legal parking holiday from July 19-21, Monday-Wednesday. This means that alternate side parking rules are suspended. But, drivers must still pay for parking and obey all parking signs.
I’m afraid if the evil ticket was issued during the effective days and hours of the no parking sign, it’s a valid ticket. Unless there were omitted, misdescribed. or illegible required elements on the face of the ticket, I don’t see a winning defense to this ticket.
Sorry, Victor.
Regards,
Larry
Hi Larry,
Am I allowed to park on a sunday if a sign reads
————————————
Doctor License Plate only
Monday-Friday
7am-7pm
————————————
Thank you
Hi Nathaniel,
Good afternoon.
Great question.
Yes. You are permitted to park there on a Sunday.
Be safe.
Regards,
Larry
If there is a 2 hour metered parking sign posted only on one side of the street does it only apply to that side?
Hi Luka,
Good afternoon.
Yes. One sign, one side.
The sign only applies to the side of the street on which it was installed. And, it regulates the curb space in the direction of the arrow(s) until the next parking sign, or if none, the end of the block. If there are no arrows on the sign, then it regulates the curb space in both directions until the next parking sign or end of the block.
Be safe.
Regards,
Larry
Hi. The sign says 3hmp commercial vehicles only 6am-7pm. In a regular car (not commercial) am I allowed to stand during those times in that spot? Thanks!
Hi Chaya,
Good afternoon.
No, I’m afraid not. The parking spaces regulated by that sign are reserved for commercial vehicles between 6 AM and 7 PM. You can park there in your passenger vehicle before 6 AM and after 7 PM.
But, your passenger car will turn into a $115 pumpkin if you stand in the space during the restricted hours.
Be safe.
Regards,
Larry
Hi! I’ve been trying to figure out if a sign that says no parking Tuesday-Thursday Midnight -3am means Midnight at the start of Tuesday or at the end of Tuesday going into Wednesday morning? There’s quite a big difference! ????
Hi Logan,
Good afternoon.
My interpretation is the no-parking rule goes in effect on Tuesday from Midnight to 3 am, on Wednesday from Midnight to 3 am, and on Thursday from midnight to 3 am.
Signs are confusing!
Good luck.
Regards,
Larry
OK, here’s a good one for you. Construction has removed the sign for metered parking and taken a few spaces away from one end of the block, but two parking spaces still remain. Therefore this block has no regulations, unless of course the officer can refer to the signs posted up or down the street on other blocks. What would the default parking regulations be on a curb with no sign? None? Can I park for free for less than 7 days which is the maximum allowed? Thanks
Hi Seth,
Good afternoon.
You’re right, it is a good one. Likewise, I love that you’re thinking about the rules and how they are applied in “novel” circumstances.
Meanwhile, drivers have shared many parking tricks they’ve found in construction zone. I would avoid trying to snare a free parking space because:
-Warriors and Cops may enforce the “real” sign even though it was taken down by the construction people.
-I would check all the writing on the parking meter itself.
-I would check for another sign for metered parking anywhere on the block.
-I would check for the signs that regulate those parking signs, like no standing or temporary construction rules.
My advice is not to try to park for free because you’ll get one or more tickets for violating the parking rule covering the space.
Regards,
Larry
I got a ticket in Elmhurst NY on a crosswalk that is vonfusing to explain, the crosswalk lines are clearly marked except the first 2, these are only halfway, can i park in the spacecreated by those 2 half lines? Is it illusory to park there?
Hi Fernando,
Good afternoon.
Great question.
I wouldn’t park in that space and risk a costly parking ticket.
Here’s a blog post where I talked about this missing line crosswalk challenge.
Regards,
Larry
Am I in the wrong if the car’s tire fits before the pole with the “hotel loading and unloading” sign in the spot allowed for parking but the car’s body sticks slightly out into the area not allowed for parking?
Hi Luba,
Good afternoon.
Great question.
However, I’m afraid I still don’t know the correct answer.
Did you get a parking ticket? Did you take photos? Did you dispute the ticket yet?
Meanwhile, if your answer is Yes, Yes, and No, I’m happy to fight the ticket for you at no charge. I’d love to get the Evil Empire’s answer.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Lary
Hi Luba,
If you’d like me to fight the evil ticket, please send me the Yes, Yes.
[email protected]
Regards,
Larry
Yes, yes. Please, and if it’s not too much of a trouble.
Great. Please send me a copy of the ticket and photos.
Hi Larry, Are No Parking Monday – Friday 8AM-6pm rules in effect on holidays, specifically MLK day?
Yes.
TY
I see that you have retired Larry but I am hoping someone can resolve this issue. I received a ticket in the middle of the night Sunday. The sign said no parking midnight to 3am Monday. Is that the time between Sunday and Monday 12-3am or the time between Monday and Tuesday 12-3 am.