Nibby's Guide to Parking in NYC

"Nibby" (nibby68) 12/17/2015 at 10:06 • Filed to: None

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Hi folks! Hope y’all are doing well. If you find yourself with a car in New York City, I’ve written this guide to help you out. I’ve been driving in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens for 5+ years now (though most of my driving is where I live, Long Island). I’ve gotten ticketed 3 times... one was expired registration (check that before you plan your trip) and the other two were muni meter violations (more on that later). Any other people who have experience driving and parking in large cities and NYC, you are more than welcome to chime in.

Things you should NEVER do

1 - NEVER block a driveway or entrance to a garage or park in front of a sign that says “NO PARKING.” The last thing you want is to get your car towed or booted. And don’t even think about parking in those Zip Car parking lots or apartment building ones where people usually pay a lot per month for that spot.

2 - Don’t park in front of a fire hydrant. The rule is 15 feet away... sometimes you can get away with a little bit less, but it is a bit risky. If you feel too close, don’t do it.

3 - Don’t mess with bus stops. Forget parking there, don’t even *idle* or stand there. It creates a complete mess and everyone, from bus drivers to taxis to other drivers will get annoyed at you for the blockage when a bus comes to stop or pickup passengers.

4 - Don’t park at a time the street parking sign says not to. And don’t interfere with street cleaning. Oh and park close to the curb. You don’t want to get ticketed for parking too far from the curb.

Street Parking Signs:

That means free parking! You can leave your car there from Tuesday 11AM until next Tuesday 8AM. Just don’t violate those 3 rules and DOUBLE, no, TRIPLE check your spot every time!

*ALWAYS READ THESE SIGNS... EVEN IF YOU GOTTA WALK A BIT TO FIND THEM*

I know most of you probably look back at your car to stare at it for a little bit after you park anyways, so just be safe and ensure you’re legally parked and good to go. If you’re unsure, ask someone (especially those hotel/apartment doormen they are very helpful) or a nearby police officer... they’ll almost always help you.

One more thing, check the radio (CBS 880 AM is my go to for traffic and such) to see if NYC Alternate Street Parking rules are in effect. There are days where the rules are suspended (usually holidays). They also have a handy Twitter account that tells you if the rules are in effect. There was a time I was able to leave my car there for 3 weeks straight due to holidays.

https://twitter.com/NYCASP

Muni-meter ... that’s the system NYC uses to pay for parking. You’ll often see these signs, especially on avenues and busier streets. They accept coins and credit cars... prices vary by location. So what you do is park and then buy a ticket from the muni meter, then place the printed receipt on your car’s dashboard. MAKE SURE YOUR RECEIPT IS FACING UP AND IS CLEARLY VISIBLE!

Another thing, sometimes you will encounter signs like this:

Free street parking behind the sign (Camry and behind). If you park between the Camry and the end of that street, you will need to pay for Muni Meter parking. As you can see, I got pretty lucky that day.

Remember those two muni-meter violations I mentioned in the opening paragraph?

Yeah. Make sure your receipt is facing upwards and is clearly visible. I contested both tickets and included a picture of the receipt (it’s pretty easy to contest online, NYC makes your life a bit easier that way). I won both times.

Parking tickets look like this. You’ll see a scary Halloween orange envelope on your front windshield wiper. Don’t remove it until you’re ready to leave.

Parking Garages

If you are having issues finding street parking or are in a hurry, there are numerous parking garages. Their prices vary tremendously. I recommend the app BestParking for iOS and Android to find the cheapest parking garage near you. Also, try not to drive trucks, vans or fullsize SUVs to parking garages. Most will charge an oversize vehicle fee. Trust me, I am speaking from experience...

Parallel Parking

If you aren’t good at parallel parking, the best way to get better is to practice it. This little infographic may be of use

Make sure you have some space in front and behind you so when you leave you can pull out. Sometimes people are dicks and just give you NO space at all. In September, I came back to my car only to find, you guessed it, a BMW 3 series parked so close to my front bumper I couldn’t even squeeze my body through (and I am a skinny guy). I had some space behind me and I was able to get out, but it was a royal PITA. My friend was with me and she didn’t think we would make it! If your car has parking sensors or a rearview camera, they are extremely useful to get every inch. Just don’t depend on them.

Also helps to know the dimensions of your car. If you drive a Ford Crown Victoria and you see a Civic in a tight spot leave, chances are, you probably can’t squeeze in there.

Hope this was helpful. Enjoy!

Sam > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 10:12

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Best parking advice: don’t drive in NYC. Just take a subway or an Uber.

Nibby > Sam 12/17/2015 at 10:14

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There are times where those aren’t viable options, such as if you are moving or helping someone move, don’t live in NYC, don’t want to depend on public transportation (LIRR has screwed me in many ways over the years) etc.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 10:16

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Or just not go to New York.

Brickman > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 12/17/2015 at 10:18

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Exactly :)

CalzoneGolem > Sam 12/17/2015 at 10:19

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Driving in NYC is the most fun I have had in a car with my pants on.

pjhusa > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 10:49

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It's okay. I can feel your pain.

Nibby > pjhusa 12/17/2015 at 10:51

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At this point I’m immune to it

DrScientist > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 10:56

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instead of listening to the radio for alt side parking...

http://isalternatesideparkingineffect.com/

i’ll have other comments too.

DrScientist > Sam 12/17/2015 at 10:58

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i’m totally on board for this.

don’t drive in to the city. please leave the few parking spots here for those of us that DO live in the city.

wiffleballtony > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 11:01

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I’m sure it’s a wonderful place, but yikes what a cluster.

Rico > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 11:14

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Also please note many buses are equipped with cameras on the front that take pictures of your license plate as well as cameras being positioned on poles near bus lanes that will also take a picture if you enter the lane and don’t exit within a few seconds or feet.

Ed, for the old good times > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 12:08

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Could not resist.

DasWauto > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 12:51

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I parked on a street in a semi-industrial area in Queens very close to the hostel when I visited the city in October. We used the Subway for the duration of our atay and I had no problems with the car or where it was parked for 3 days. I didn’t find driving in the city to be too bad, just busy, but that’s true for the bigger cities around me (Toronto) and that I’ve visited by car (Montreal) as well. RIP, my clutch.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > wiffleballtony 12/17/2015 at 13:20

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No kidding. I have almost zero desire to ever visit there.

Stevo777 > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 15:45

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on the SUPER RARE occasions I drive into the city i usually park on a less busy street and walk. I’m usually never parked for more than a half hour, 45 minutes. I have parked in garage things/ parking lots and that seems to be alright.

(pic for reference, I parked closer to the curb lol)

sorry for the potato pics but they’re the only ones I have of my car in the city :)

Excellent tips though, I’ll remember these for next time.

Nibby > Stevo777 12/17/2015 at 15:56

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Thanks! How do you like your 5? Their interiors are vastly improved from the E60s

PS9 > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 17:32

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All of that sounds aneurysm inducing. I don’t think I’ll ever visit NYC, despite having been born in the state.

Nibby > PS9 12/17/2015 at 17:35

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VISIT ME

I don’t even live in NYC!

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 17:36

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BREADwagon > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 17:36

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Step 1: Get an NYPD/FDNY laminated card thingy and put it on your dash.

Step 2: Park wherever the fuck you want.

Nibby > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 12/17/2015 at 17:38

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Somewhat accurate. Actually driving in the city isn’t that scary IMO.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 17:53

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So where do you plug in?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 17:53

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I think its easier to just not have a car if you live in NYC.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 17:54

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I miss my Forester when I have to park in the city. I could put that thing ANYwhere.

Nibby > Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius 12/17/2015 at 17:55

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Oh god, yes! We had a couple of Foresters and those were the easiest things to park, dat turning radius

Nibby > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 12/17/2015 at 17:56

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Some areas of NYC, it’s a royal PITA to get around without a car. Like Queens, parts of Brooklyn, etc.

AM3R shamefully returns > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 18:12

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Where's a good place in NYC to park if I'm spending the whole day in the city?

Nibby > AM3R shamefully returns 12/17/2015 at 18:13

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My go to place is a bit south east of Union Square around 3rd avenue and 4-14th street. You can find free street parking there and it is really easy to access by subway since Union Square has a bunch there and the L to go crosstown.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 18:24

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I take the train and subway to my girlfriends place in brooklyn...use to drive but I want to not go grey

Stevo777 > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 18:31

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Love it! Personally I like everything about it, looks, performance and comfort. It’s basically the best of most worlds!

scoob > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 18:43

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Dayum, I need to find spot this Rapide and get me some nice pictures.

scoob > PS9 12/17/2015 at 18:47

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VISIT ME

I’LL SERVE YOU WATER

MADE FROM YOUR TEARS

Brian Silvestro > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 18:49

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Also if your car isn’t up to date on registration or whatever, or you don’t have a front license plate, they can and will write you a ticket.

short story: My family utilizes a monthly garage spot. Yesterday I went to the city with the box, arrive at around 1:30pm. They tell me to fuck off there’s no more spots

word !

basically had to bribe my way into a spot by getting several cars moved

JDMatt > Nibby 12/17/2015 at 20:01

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As somebody who drives in San Francisco, I feel like I can drive in New york worry free...unless it’s snowing

Nibby > Stevo777 12/18/2015 at 23:24

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Good stuff!

That's gonna leave a mark! > Sam 12/21/2015 at 09:43

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If you must drive in, don’t waste time hunting for free parking spots, akin to unicorn hunting unless you have nothing to do and a tank full of gas. Your going to pay one way or another, it’s just a matter of how much. If saving that much money is that important to you, perhaps you should’t be driving in the city at all. Just find the closest garage/lot via the BestParking app or other apps. The game is rigged against you tighter than the dollar slots at Vegas. A game for suckers.