Parking and traffic rules are listed in "The New York City Traffic Rules and Regulations," which is Chapter 4 of Title 34 of the "Rules of the City of New York." Detailed information about all parking regulations is available online.
Learn about New York City parking regulations.
The following is a partial list of parking rules and regulations:
Double Parking
It is illegal to double park passenger vehicles at all times, including when street cleaning is occurring, regardless of location, purpose or duration.
An occupied illegally parked vehicle causes the same safety hazard and congestion as an unoccupied vehicle.Commercial vehicles may double park to make quick pick-ups, deliveries, or service calls during posted hours only.
More details are in the City's NYC Traffic Rulesin Chapter 4, Section 4-08, subdivision (f), paragraph (1) of the Rules of the City of New York.
Parking by a Fire Hydrant
It is illegal to park within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant. The painted curbs at hydrant locations do not show where a vehicle can park.
Parking by a Standpipe
A standpipe is the two-headed pipe in front of every mid-rise and high-rise building in New York City. It is often red, but could be another color. Standpipes are not considered hydrants. You can park in front of a standpipe.
Parking in the Same Spot for Over Seven Days
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. This rule includes spots in all types of neighborhoods, including residential areas.
Commercial Vehicle Street Storage
Unless posted signs say otherwise, commercial vehicles may not be parked on any street for more than 3 hours.
Commercial Vehicle Overnight Parking
Commercial vehicles may not park on a residential street between 9 PM and 5 AM.
Definition of a Commercial Vehicle or Truck
The City's definition of commercial vehicles and trucks determines how you can park and operate your vehicle on City roadways. Yellow taxis and vehicles with TLC plates are not considered commercial vehicles.
New York City Traffic Rules define trucks and commercial vehicles as:
- Truck: any vehicle or combination of vehicles designed for the transportation of property that has 2 axles and 6 tires, or 3 or more axles. At least one of the vehicles has commercial plates.
- Commercial Vehicle: any vehicle with commercial plates that has been permanently altered to facilitate the transportation of property, and that has the registrant's name on the door or side panels.
School Bus Parking
A school bus is not considered a commercial vehicle. According to the City's Traffic Rules, school buses can park at any time, including overnight, at a parking spot in front of and within the building lines of a public or private school.
Motorcycle, Motor Scooter, andMoped Parking
When you park a motorcycle, motor scooter, or moped, you must follow the same rules that apply to other vehicles. It is illegal to park motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds on the sidewalk.
You may park a motorcycle, motor scooter, or moped at an angle to the curb. If you park at an angle, at least one wheel must touch the curb and no portion of the vehicle may be more than 6 feet from the curb.
RV or Motor Home Parking
If you park an RV or motor home in a metered space, you only need to pay the front meter. Different rules apply if the RV or motor home is registered for commercial use.
