A Closer Look: The Rise and Downfalls of Street Parking
In New York City, street parking (and overnight parking in particular) hasn’t always been as common as it is today – in fact, NYC used to be geared more towards movement and pedestrians. Bans on permanent parking were in effect as early as the 1800s, and today, it is still illegal to park a car in the same spot for more than seven days in a row.
Decoding NYC’s Street Parking Signs
A Guide to Avoiding Tickets Parking in New York City is serious business even for locals. Parking regulations can change and figuring out what all the signs mean can feel overwhelming at first. We’re breaking down the most common street parking signs to help you avoid pesky tickets and the dreaded tow! Here’s what you need to know about NYC parking signs and what they mean: 1. Alternate Side Parking These signs indicate when parking is prohibited for street cleaning. You might see, “No Parking Tuesday & Friday, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM”. This means cars must be moved during those hours to allow street sweepers to pass. Alternate-side rules are also suspended on major and some religious holidays, so check out our X account for updates or download the NYC Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Alt Side Parking Calendar. 2. No Standing Anytime This sign means you cannot stop or park your car in a particular area at any time, even briefly. These zones are typically found near fire hydrants, bus stops, and major intersections. 3. No Parking Anytime While you can’t park or leave your car unattended in these zones, you can stop briefly to pick up or drop
Congestion Pricing in NYC: What It Means for Traffic, Parking, and Commuters in 2025
New York City is introducing congestion pricing this year to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and fund public transit. As the first policy of its kind in the U.S., it will change how drivers, businesses, and commuters navigate Manhattan’s busiest areas. What Is Congestion Pricing? Congestion pricing charges vehicles a fee to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. This is expected to reduce traffic and emissions, and generate funding for MTA subway and bus improvements. Traffic and Parking Changes Fewer cars in the congestion zone could mean faster commutes and less crowded streets, but neighborhoods bordering the zone may see more traffic and parking competition. Suburban commuters might use park-and-ride options near transit hubs. Apps like ParkNYC can help drivers locate and pay for parking efficiently. How to Adapt Commuters can shift to public transit, carpool, or use park-and-ride services to manage costs. Businesses may save by scheduling deliveries during off-peak hours or encouraging transit-friendly commutes for employees. Benefits and Challenges Congestion pricing offers cleaner air, less traffic, and billions in transit funding but may cause spillover traffic in nearby neighborhoods and financial strain for some drivers. This policy aims to encourage sustainable habits like biking, walking, and
Weekend Getaways and Holiday Attractions in New York
There’s no doubt that NYC comes to life during the holidays. From dazzling lights and parades to the thousands of tourists coming to take it all in. If you’re looking for an alternative to the busy buzz of the city this holiday season, we’ve got you covered! Outside of the city, New York is full of charming destinations that are perfect for your end-of-year getaways. Enjoy the warmth of cozy mountain towns and new adventures. Here are a few must-see spots and tips on making your journey seamless with ParkNYC app. 1. Hudson Valley Light Displays Why Visit: Just under two hours from NYC, the Hudson Valley comes alive with enchanting light displays and holiday markets. Must-see events include the “Winter Wonderland” at Dutchess County Fairgrounds and Lyndhurst Mansion’s spectacular holiday lights. Stroll down the residential streets and marvel at the beautiful local displays. Parking Tips: Use ParkNYC app for on-street parking before heading to nearby train stations, like Grand Central, for a scenic ride into the region. 2. Adirondack Winter Adventures Why Visit: The Adirondacks are perfect for adventurous snow lovers. Enjoy everything from skiing, snowboarding, even snowshoeing, and cozy cabin stays. You won’t want to miss the stunning
Five Best Apps for Parking in New York City During the Holiday Season
The holiday season in New York City is magical but chaotic—especially if you’re driving. Between holiday shopping, festive events, and seasonal traffic, finding parking can feel like an impossible task. Luckily, technology can save the day. Here’s a roundup of the best apps to make your NYC parking experience as smooth as possible this holiday season. SpotHero SpotHero is a go-to app for reserving parking spots in advance, making it a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. With SpotHero, you can compare prices and book parking at garages across NYC, often with discounts. For holiday outings, it’s especially useful for securing spots near iconic attractions like Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park, where demand is at its peak. BestParking BestParking is an excellent choice if you’re looking to save money. The app specializes in comparing parking options by location and price, making it easy to find affordable garages and lots. If you’re willing to park on the outskirts of Manhattan, BestParking can help you locate budget-friendly options and pair them with public transit to avoid congestion. ParkMobile ParkMobile is a favorite for those relying on on-street parking, allowing you to pay for metered spaces directly from your phone. One of its
Winter Driving Tips for NYC: Stay Safe and Park Smart This Season
Winter in New York means snow, icy roads, and freezing temperatures—but you can still prepare to drive safely this season. Whether you’re traveling or shopping for the holidays, these winter driving and parking tips will keep you safe and stress-free: Prep Your Car for Winter Ensure your tires are properly inflated since cold weather can lower tire pressure. Consider using winter tires for better traction on icy streets. To prevent freezing, check your windshield wipers and top off washer fluid with a winter-grade solution. Check your battery life since cold weather can reduce efficiency. If it’s more than three years old, consider getting it tested and replaced. Park Safely in Snow and Ice Avoid parking on steep inclines or hills whenever possible, as icy conditions can cause sliding. Aim for flat, well-lit parking spots whenever possible. Use ParkNYC app to find available on-street parking. As snow piles up, you’ll want to be mindful of plowing or street cleaning schedules to avoid getting snowed or blocked in. Track Your Parking Location Snowy weather can make streets look identical, making it harder to remember where you parked. Use the parking history feature in ParkNYC app to keep track of your car’s exact
Holiday Parking Survival Guide: Navigating NYC Traffic During the Season
The holiday season in New York City is approaching! It’s a magical time when the streets light up, window displays dazzle, and car horns blare as everyone fights for the same parking spots. It’s also that time of year when driving through NYC feels like trying to find your way through a maze with your eyes closed. But don’t worry–here are some tips to help you survive the holiday parking madness. 1 – Plan Ahead: Know Where to Park If you’re going to busy shopping areas like Midtown, SoHo, or Williamsburg, check out nearby parking garages before you leave. Trust us, driving around in circles with a trunk full of gifts isn’t a fun way to spend your day. Pro Tip: Use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a parking spot in advance. You can often find discounts, and some apps even show you real-time availability. 2 – Avoid Peak Hours: Get an Early Start If you want to dodge the traffic, try to do your holiday shopping early in the morning or later in the evening. The streets (and garages) are generally less crowded right when stores open or close, giving you a better chance of finding