Following posted rules and regulations in a parking facility helps prevent towing, fines, and accidents. At City Parking, we manage many different garages across New York City, and each location may have its own parking and enforcement guidelines. Here is more information about navigating parking garage regulations:
Entry Requirements
Garages may follow different operational procedures for entrances. Some places are self-service and allow you to use a ticket machine to purchase a permit, while others have parking attendants or license plate recognition technology. If you have used an app to buy a pass, you may be required to scan a code.
When entering a parking garage, follow lane regulations. Some locations may have different entrance lanes for monthly pass holders. Garages that are not equipped for oversized vehicles sometimes use height or width restrictions to prevent them from entering the facility. Using the correct lane to enter the garage prevents traffic backups and the need for redirection.
Research garages near your location to find addresses and learn about their entrance requirements. Some management companies post information about their garages on their website, so first-time users can prepare in advance. City Parking also posts instructions outside of our entrances for additional convenience. Having the appropriate payment method ready also simplifies the entrance process, minimizing idle time and backups.
Traffic Rules and Flow
Garages can offer one-way or two-way traffic, and some post arrows or striping to guide motorists. These include white arrows that show the correct direction. City Parking utilizes clear signage for our parking garages. When inside the garage, follow the directional signs and marked routes to maintain traffic flow and prevent blockages. Traffic arrows may align with angled parking stalls, and following them simplifies the process of parking in these spots.
Drivers are responsible for following stop and yield signs as well as speed limits within the garage. Following signs and giving pedestrians the right of way helps make garages safer, and it can lower the risk of collisions. As with standard parking, do not take up multiple spaces and stay within the lines. This allows other drivers to use nearby parking spots and prevents minor damage to other cars when passengers open their doors. Double parking is illegal, even if the driver is still inside the vehicle.
Time Limits and Garage Hours
Depending on the garage, your permit may be restricted to specific times, such as hourly parking. Following the time limit helps prevent parking tickets, and it allows other drivers to access the spot they have reserved. At City Parking, you can use our site to reserve a parking space in advance and choose the duration you need.
Some garages have different operational hours. These include staggered entrance hours, overnight hours, or designated schedules for monthly pass holders. Monthly parking passes allow you to reserve a parking spot for repeated use. Looking up the hours ahead of time enables you to find a garage that meets your needs. Choosing a garage with 24-hour access may be appropriate for professionals who work early or evening shifts.
Parking Restrictions
Motorists are required to follow standard parking restrictions in a garage. Parking in restricted sections blocks access to authorized vehicles, and it can make it harder to navigate the garage safely. Possible restricted areas include:
- Fire lanes
- Pedestrian access paths
- Reserved areas
- Loading zones
- Valet-only sections
Garages that are attached to offices or employee buildings may have areas reserved for tenants, employees, contractors, or delivery drivers. Other restricted areas include those designed for accessibility, such as extra-wide parking spaces. Parking in the appropriate location helps prevent your vehicle from being towed.
Some areas may be designated for oversized vehicles, such as trucks or buses. These garages often have higher clearance, and they include wider or longer spaces for easier parking. When entering the garage, follow signage and overhead clearance restrictions to find the appropriate parking area for your vehicle size.
Find Your Ideal Parking Garage
Following garage regulations simplifies the parking process, allowing you to safely leave your vehicle while shopping or going to work. City Parking provides 10% discounts on daily parking through our loyalty program. Monthly pass holders also have access to automatic payment options to prevent cancellation. Contact us today to learn more about our parking options and garage regulations.