Alternate Side of the Street Parking in NYC

Alternate side of the street parking is the stuff of Hollywood comedy and New York City night mares. Designed to allow street cleaning or snow removal, the law in New York City requires drivers who parallel park on the street, to move their cars daily. Obviously, with limited street parking spaces and the inability to “save” a desirable spot, alternate side of the street parking is a huge inconvenience for drivers.

Signs are posted on each street that give the street cleaning schedule. Cars that are left on the “wrong” side of the street will get hefty tickets and can be towed. Many people avoid tickets by parking in parking garages (which is expensive) but if you set your alarm (most moving times are early) you can avoid the charges and park on the street.

originally posted August 26, 2006