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Even long-time residents look askance at the task of finding a place to park in New York City. Manhattan, the densest of the five boroughs, is the most challenging. So what are some things to look for - good or not so good - in attempting to locate street parking in Manhattan? We're going to look over a few here and welcome comments from natives and visitors alike. The more we learn, the fewer tickets we pay. Sorry, Mike, you'll have to find that extra money somewhere else!
Paid Garage ParkingTo pay or not to pay for garage parking, is always the question for the unfortunate multitude that do not have driveways or garages. And that is by far the vast majority.Pay-to-park garages are plentiful but picky and expensive. If you have an over-sized SUV or a truck you may be denied entrance to crowded underground lots. Some lots will decline to let expensive cars in because they fear liability if the body is scratched or dented. Be prepared to fork out a good deal of money, usually attendants demand cash, and to tip when you drop off and pick up. Be sure to get a card with the phone number of the lot so that you can call ahead to tell them that you're going to pick up at a designated time. Most of the lots bury cars several deep and you may have a long wait if they don't know your arrival time.It is a good idea to give your car a quick inspection before you accept it from the attendant, just to make sure that you don't drive away with dents and nicks that you didn't have before you dropped it off.
Tips
Use commercial parking as a last resort
Have cash to tip - in and out - and to pay
Get the phone number of the lot before you leave
Call ahead to pick up your car
Inspect your car - dropping off and picking up
Alternate Side ParkingLots of stuff gets dumped onto Manhattan streets - trash, cigarette and cigar butts, dog poop, human poop, garbage, used lottery tickets, and other flotsam and jetsam of life in the Big Apple. Add falling leaves, blowing dirt, and other natural litter and the streets get messy quickly.Ever vigilant, the New York Sanitation Department is determined to keep those streets clean - and to keep those civil servants working hard. And they do! The aggressiveness with which Sanitation workers take on dirty streets is a ballet of motion, efficiency, and intensity. You just want to make certain that your car does not get in their way when they come through. It will cost them efficiency and you big bucks. The parking ticket mavens are out for blood and totally without mercy. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday streets are cleaned in New York. One side of the street on Monday and Thursday, the other on Tuesday and Friday. This gives rise to the expression "alternate side parking." As in "alternate side parking rules are in effect." You'll hear that announcement over the morning radio shows, from apartment doormen, or the concierges at hotels. It means that if you're parked on the side that is scheduled for cleaning that day, you'd better move your vehicle.On bad snow days - almost whenever the white stuff blankets streets - alternate side parking may be suspended. You can also expect that on some holidays rules of street cleaning may be relaxed. But double-check before you assume anything. Parking tickets in Manhattan are more than $150 and towing companies are rapacious. Manhattan has been accurately described as "one big tow-away zone" and you don't want to test authorities' willingness to tow your car.On Wednesday the Sanitation Department rests. Or goes and does other cleaning tasks. So on Wednesdays are a "free" day for parkers. The trick to reducing your stress is to minimize the number of times you have to move your vehicle.
Tips
Check the signs for days and times of street cleaning
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays are free of street cleaning
Occasionally alternate side parking is suspended - double check
Parking tickets are expensive!
How to Work Alternate Side Parking to Your Advantage
There is a car kabuki that occurs four times weekly as Manhattanites juggle for position that will mean minimal movement. If done properly you can get away with moving the car only twice weekly. Here's how it looks. Street cleaning hours are posted in each neighborhood. Usually they last about an hour and a half in duration. The trick is to move your car into a side of the street that has just been cleaned. Then you won't have to move it for a few days.Example. The north side of the street is scheduled for cleaning today. You move your car - if it is the designated lane - before the sweepers come through. Then double-park until the period for cleaning is complete (many motorists will move into position after the sweeper passes, but will wisely stay in the cars with engines running until the elapsed time has passed. Otherwise, you risk an expensive ticket.)Once you have the new place you are locked in for three or even four days if a weekend is coming up.
Tips
By carefully following the rules you can minimize moving your car
Stay in your car until restricted times pass, even if the cleaners have gone through!
Avoid Late Sunday ParkingWeekends are as big a deal for Manhattanites as for the rest of the county. Many flee the city for Long Island or Upstate hang-outs. In summer it may be the sunny beaches or the cooler Catskills. In winter ski buffs head for slopes in Upstate, Pennsylvania, and New England.They all plan to return to the City late on Sunday.Trying to find a place to park on Sunday when you're worn out from driving can be daunting. Make it a rule to schedule your arrival no later than 4:00 pm or risk endless circling. Or be prepared to deal with the aggravation and expense of pay-to-park garages.
Tips
Sunday evenings are like a mini-rush hour
Try to return prior to 4:00 pm if possible
Learn to Parallel ParkParking parallel is usual in Manhattan. When you are trying to park while impatient taxis, trucks, and other drivers are waiting behind you - often honking horns - is probably not the best time to recall all those lost skills from driver's ed class. Practice may not make perfect, but it helps. If you're a visitor to Manhattan and have more experience parking in the mall than on a street, then refresh your skills a bit before tackling the Apple.
Tips
Be patient when you parallel park - even if your fellow drivers are not
If you are worried about your ability to parallel park, practice before you try it for real
Discourage ThievesWhile breaking into parked cars is less common than in the old days, it does happen. The best way to protect your valuables - not to mention the automobile itself - is to keep things out of sight. Removing all signs of valuables - including coins in the change slots found on many cars - is the best way to discourage vandals.Many residents used to post hand-written signs in the window proclaiming "no radio - no valuables" hoping to discourage break-ins. Walking Manhattan streets you will see that these kinds of signs are increasingly rare, a testimony to improved policing and security. If you have a trunk, use it to store things you don't want to carry inside. If you drive a van or an SUV you may learn from experience that it helps to throw a cover - an old blanket or a small tarp will do - over anything you have in the back storage area. There are no guarantees, of course, that this will be effective, but thieves seem to be drawn to tangible items and less inclined to break in if they are uncertain of the reward.You may also want to remove obvious valuables from the car before turning it over to a paid lot. In my experience most attendants have been honest, but there is no reason to tempt anyone.
Tips
Remove or hide all valuable left in your car when you park on the street
Have a handy cover to toss over anything left in the back of a van or SUV
Be diligent about removing coins from a holder that can be seen from outside the vehicle
Car AlarmsFor a while the music of the streets seemed to be endless car alarms blaring. I've seen derelicts walk down a residential street intentionally rocking or bumping cars to set off the alarms, apparently for amusement. An endlessly sounding car alarm - repeated honking or the series of ear-splitting sounds than emulate emergency vehicles - will drive people to frenzy. You may want to check with your insurance company first, but people I know simply have the alarms disconnected in their cars before routinely parking in Manhattan. It was so bad in the days when car alarms were routinely blaring that a mocking bird used to wake me up in my apartment every morning. The bird sat on the ledge by my window and cheerfully sang a series of notes that were distinctly un-birdlike. He was emulating a car alarm!
Tips
At least be aware of your car alarm
Consider disconnecting it
Watch the SignsEvery city has traffic control idiosyncrasies. New York has them all. Some of the signs can be confusing, even to long-time residents. Occasionally you will see a spot vacant that seems to be legal, only to discover later - when you come back to see the orange ticket fluttering from under your wiper blade - that your particular spot was restricted.After your park walk a few yards up and down and look at the signs. Watch out for the ones that are behind leafy trees. Only after you are convinced that you are in a legal spot should you walk away satisfied that you have a legal spot.Be especially alert for fire hydrants. In what can only be viewed as the crassest of motives, the City authorities continue to leave unconnected fire hydrants in place. These are not for use in fire - they are non-functioning - but serve as handy ways to generate additional income to the City coffers. Just because a hydrant is obviously abandoned - and some look like they have been run over by a truck (and may have been!) - does not mean that you can park there with confidence.
Tips
Be aware, very aware of signs that may limit or restrict parking in a particular space
Look hard for signs - up and down the street - that will alert you to an illegal space
Never park next to a fire hydrant regardless of how beat up it looks
Bumping and GrindingParking in Manhattan is a contact sport. Expect that as people try to squeeze vehicles into tight spots that you are going to tap a bumper and your car is going to get nudged around a bit. Every car I've parked in New York City has come away with at least a few dents, scratches, and scrapes over time.Try your best to be a considerate parker. If you have a companion you can use that person as a ground guide to help you squeeze into a small spot. If you're alone, it may be helpful to get out as you get close to the curb to make a visual assessment of available space.Watch your fenders. Most dings occur when the driver is focusing hard on backing the car in and swings the front of his car into the back of one already parked in front of him. Be courteous. If you accidentally do damage to another car, leave contact information for that driver. You may have to pay a deductible on your policy or suffer a slight increase in rates, but that's better than simply ignoring the damage. Do the right thing. You would hope for reciprocal courtesies from others.
Tips
Expect minor (only, we hope!) damage to your car when parking on the street
Exercise care in parking. Use a ground guide - or your visual check - if the space is tight
Watch your fenders!
Do the right thing if you accidentally damage a vehicle.
Contribute to this KnolManhattan parking is an evolving experience. Let readers hear from you in the comments section, or make suggestions for areas that need to be covered here.Look forward to hearing from you.
Paid Garage ParkingTo pay or not to pay for garage parking, is always the question for the unfortunate multitude that do not have driveways or garages. And that is by far the vast majority.Pay-to-park garages are plentiful but picky and expensive. If you have an over-sized SUV or a truck you may be denied entrance to crowded underground lots. Some lots will decline to let expensive cars in because they fear liability if the body is scratched or dented. Be prepared to fork out a good deal of money, usually attendants demand cash, and to tip when you drop off and pick up. Be sure to get a card with the phone number of the lot so that you can call ahead to tell them that you're going to pick up at a designated time. Most of the lots bury cars several deep and you may have a long wait if they don't know your arrival time.It is a good idea to give your car a quick inspection before you accept it from the attendant, just to make sure that you don't drive away with dents and nicks that you didn't have before you dropped it off.
Tips
Use commercial parking as a last resort
Have cash to tip - in and out - and to pay
Get the phone number of the lot before you leave
Call ahead to pick up your car
Inspect your car - dropping off and picking up
Alternate Side ParkingLots of stuff gets dumped onto Manhattan streets - trash, cigarette and cigar butts, dog poop, human poop, garbage, used lottery tickets, and other flotsam and jetsam of life in the Big Apple. Add falling leaves, blowing dirt, and other natural litter and the streets get messy quickly.Ever vigilant, the New York Sanitation Department is determined to keep those streets clean - and to keep those civil servants working hard. And they do! The aggressiveness with which Sanitation workers take on dirty streets is a ballet of motion, efficiency, and intensity. You just want to make certain that your car does not get in their way when they come through. It will cost them efficiency and you big bucks. The parking ticket mavens are out for blood and totally without mercy. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday streets are cleaned in New York. One side of the street on Monday and Thursday, the other on Tuesday and Friday. This gives rise to the expression "alternate side parking." As in "alternate side parking rules are in effect." You'll hear that announcement over the morning radio shows, from apartment doormen, or the concierges at hotels. It means that if you're parked on the side that is scheduled for cleaning that day, you'd better move your vehicle.On bad snow days - almost whenever the white stuff blankets streets - alternate side parking may be suspended. You can also expect that on some holidays rules of street cleaning may be relaxed. But double-check before you assume anything. Parking tickets in Manhattan are more than $150 and towing companies are rapacious. Manhattan has been accurately described as "one big tow-away zone" and you don't want to test authorities' willingness to tow your car.On Wednesday the Sanitation Department rests. Or goes and does other cleaning tasks. So on Wednesdays are a "free" day for parkers. The trick to reducing your stress is to minimize the number of times you have to move your vehicle.
Tips
Check the signs for days and times of street cleaning
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays are free of street cleaning
Occasionally alternate side parking is suspended - double check
Parking tickets are expensive!
How to Work Alternate Side Parking to Your Advantage
There is a car kabuki that occurs four times weekly as Manhattanites juggle for position that will mean minimal movement. If done properly you can get away with moving the car only twice weekly. Here's how it looks. Street cleaning hours are posted in each neighborhood. Usually they last about an hour and a half in duration. The trick is to move your car into a side of the street that has just been cleaned. Then you won't have to move it for a few days.Example. The north side of the street is scheduled for cleaning today. You move your car - if it is the designated lane - before the sweepers come through. Then double-park until the period for cleaning is complete (many motorists will move into position after the sweeper passes, but will wisely stay in the cars with engines running until the elapsed time has passed. Otherwise, you risk an expensive ticket.)Once you have the new place you are locked in for three or even four days if a weekend is coming up.
Tips
By carefully following the rules you can minimize moving your car
Stay in your car until restricted times pass, even if the cleaners have gone through!
Avoid Late Sunday ParkingWeekends are as big a deal for Manhattanites as for the rest of the county. Many flee the city for Long Island or Upstate hang-outs. In summer it may be the sunny beaches or the cooler Catskills. In winter ski buffs head for slopes in Upstate, Pennsylvania, and New England.They all plan to return to the City late on Sunday.Trying to find a place to park on Sunday when you're worn out from driving can be daunting. Make it a rule to schedule your arrival no later than 4:00 pm or risk endless circling. Or be prepared to deal with the aggravation and expense of pay-to-park garages.
Tips
Sunday evenings are like a mini-rush hour
Try to return prior to 4:00 pm if possible
Learn to Parallel ParkParking parallel is usual in Manhattan. When you are trying to park while impatient taxis, trucks, and other drivers are waiting behind you - often honking horns - is probably not the best time to recall all those lost skills from driver's ed class. Practice may not make perfect, but it helps. If you're a visitor to Manhattan and have more experience parking in the mall than on a street, then refresh your skills a bit before tackling the Apple.
Tips
Be patient when you parallel park - even if your fellow drivers are not
If you are worried about your ability to parallel park, practice before you try it for real
Discourage ThievesWhile breaking into parked cars is less common than in the old days, it does happen. The best way to protect your valuables - not to mention the automobile itself - is to keep things out of sight. Removing all signs of valuables - including coins in the change slots found on many cars - is the best way to discourage vandals.Many residents used to post hand-written signs in the window proclaiming "no radio - no valuables" hoping to discourage break-ins. Walking Manhattan streets you will see that these kinds of signs are increasingly rare, a testimony to improved policing and security. If you have a trunk, use it to store things you don't want to carry inside. If you drive a van or an SUV you may learn from experience that it helps to throw a cover - an old blanket or a small tarp will do - over anything you have in the back storage area. There are no guarantees, of course, that this will be effective, but thieves seem to be drawn to tangible items and less inclined to break in if they are uncertain of the reward.You may also want to remove obvious valuables from the car before turning it over to a paid lot. In my experience most attendants have been honest, but there is no reason to tempt anyone.
Tips
Remove or hide all valuable left in your car when you park on the street
Have a handy cover to toss over anything left in the back of a van or SUV
Be diligent about removing coins from a holder that can be seen from outside the vehicle
Car AlarmsFor a while the music of the streets seemed to be endless car alarms blaring. I've seen derelicts walk down a residential street intentionally rocking or bumping cars to set off the alarms, apparently for amusement. An endlessly sounding car alarm - repeated honking or the series of ear-splitting sounds than emulate emergency vehicles - will drive people to frenzy. You may want to check with your insurance company first, but people I know simply have the alarms disconnected in their cars before routinely parking in Manhattan. It was so bad in the days when car alarms were routinely blaring that a mocking bird used to wake me up in my apartment every morning. The bird sat on the ledge by my window and cheerfully sang a series of notes that were distinctly un-birdlike. He was emulating a car alarm!
Tips
At least be aware of your car alarm
Consider disconnecting it
Watch the SignsEvery city has traffic control idiosyncrasies. New York has them all. Some of the signs can be confusing, even to long-time residents. Occasionally you will see a spot vacant that seems to be legal, only to discover later - when you come back to see the orange ticket fluttering from under your wiper blade - that your particular spot was restricted.After your park walk a few yards up and down and look at the signs. Watch out for the ones that are behind leafy trees. Only after you are convinced that you are in a legal spot should you walk away satisfied that you have a legal spot.Be especially alert for fire hydrants. In what can only be viewed as the crassest of motives, the City authorities continue to leave unconnected fire hydrants in place. These are not for use in fire - they are non-functioning - but serve as handy ways to generate additional income to the City coffers. Just because a hydrant is obviously abandoned - and some look like they have been run over by a truck (and may have been!) - does not mean that you can park there with confidence.
Tips
Be aware, very aware of signs that may limit or restrict parking in a particular space
Look hard for signs - up and down the street - that will alert you to an illegal space
Never park next to a fire hydrant regardless of how beat up it looks
Bumping and GrindingParking in Manhattan is a contact sport. Expect that as people try to squeeze vehicles into tight spots that you are going to tap a bumper and your car is going to get nudged around a bit. Every car I've parked in New York City has come away with at least a few dents, scratches, and scrapes over time.Try your best to be a considerate parker. If you have a companion you can use that person as a ground guide to help you squeeze into a small spot. If you're alone, it may be helpful to get out as you get close to the curb to make a visual assessment of available space.Watch your fenders. Most dings occur when the driver is focusing hard on backing the car in and swings the front of his car into the back of one already parked in front of him. Be courteous. If you accidentally do damage to another car, leave contact information for that driver. You may have to pay a deductible on your policy or suffer a slight increase in rates, but that's better than simply ignoring the damage. Do the right thing. You would hope for reciprocal courtesies from others.
Tips
Expect minor (only, we hope!) damage to your car when parking on the street
Exercise care in parking. Use a ground guide - or your visual check - if the space is tight
Watch your fenders!
Do the right thing if you accidentally damage a vehicle.
Contribute to this KnolManhattan parking is an evolving experience. Let readers hear from you in the comments section, or make suggestions for areas that need to be covered here.Look forward to hearing from you.
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