New York City traffic is often busy in the morning and early evening as residents enter or leave the city for work. Well-traveled areas like Times Square, Midtown, or Greenwich Village may also be congested with tourists and commuters. This can make it difficult to park for work or events. Here is how to navigate parking in a busy area:
Use Caution
Busy areas often have high levels of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, creating potential hazards for drivers looking to park. Drive slowly when looking for a spot, whether on a street, in a lot, or a garage. Use your turn signals to notify other drivers that you are maneuvering into a spot. This is also helpful when parallel parking because you must pass the spot before backing in. Alerting the driver behind you keeps them from blocking your movement.
If street parking is full, avoid waiting in the driving lane for a spot to open. This can stall traffic and may cause other drivers to respond aggressively. Circling the block and taking the next available space helps save time and reduce congestion. Reserving a space in our garages allows you to avoid potential traffic hazards and park your car quickly and safely.
Drive With the Flow of Traffic
Parking lots and garages may use one- or two-way traffic patterns. White arrows on the pavement indicate which way to drive. Following the marked routes helps prevent blocked traffic or collisions, especially in narrow lanes with limited maneuverability. Arrows for traffic flow often align with angled parking spots, so driving in the correct direction makes placing your vehicle between the lines easier. On the street, cars must park facing the direction of traffic flow.
Understand Parking Restrictions
New York City enforces rules for street parking and places signs to inform drivers of the regulations. These signs clarify parking duration and location restrictions. Some of these regulations include:
- Double parking: In NYC, it is illegal to park alongside a car that is already parked at the curb. When posted, commercial vehicles may double park for pickups or deliveries.
- Parking by fire hydrants and standpipes: Vehicles cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Standpipes in front of mid- and high-rise buildings are not fire hydrants and can be blocked by a parked car.
- Parking duration: Vehicles cannot be parked in the same spot for more than seven consecutive days. The maximum time for metered spaces often varies by location and vehicle type. Limits are posted on the street signage.
- Alternate side parking (ASP): ASP regulations clear streets of parked vehicles for cleaning. You cannot park on the side of the street scheduled for cleaning, even if the sweeper has already passed.
New York’s Department of Transportation supports a Parking Sign Locator that allows you to view parking regulations for each block. Exceptions to posted rules may occur on Sundays or major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Reviewing these rules in advance helps you plan the length of your visits and find alternate locations to park.
Book Spots in Advance
Metered spots in NYC can be paid for at on-street meters or through the ParkNYC app. Payments may be made up to one hour before meter regulations are scheduled to begin. If metered parking starts at 8 a.m., passes may be purchased at 7 a.m. for 8 a.m. onward. You only pay for the time when regulations are in effect.
With City Parking, you can reserve garage spots in advance to access New York City’s top sites. We have garages near Carnegie Hall, Central Park, Broadway Theatre, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Many of our garages are indoor or underground, protecting your vehicle from the elements. You can reserve spots on our website by the hour, day, or month.
Find NYC Parking
Many parking spots are available in NYC lots, garages, and streets. Prepare for congested areas by reviewing regulations in advance and using caution when searching for a spot. Reserving garage space with City Parking can also help you make the most of your NYC visit by eliminating time spent looking for a spot. Our garages also shorten walking commutes by allowing you to park near your workplace or event venue. Book a spot with us today for your next trip to the city.