NYC Alternate Side Parking: The Complete Guide (2025)

What is Alternate Side Parking?

Alternate Side Parking (ASP) is a street cleaning regulation implemented by the New York City Department of Sanitation. The program requires drivers to move their vehicles from one side of the street to the other on specific days and times to allow street sweepers to clean the curb.

ASP has been in effect since 1950 and is crucial for maintaining clean streets, preventing rat infestations, and ensuring proper drainage during rain events. The Department of Sanitation cleans approximately 6,000 miles of NYC streets under the ASP program.

How Alternate Side Parking Works in NYC

Standard ASP Schedule

ASP operates on a regular schedule throughout the five boroughs, though specific times vary by location:

• Manhattan: Typically 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
• Brooklyn: Usually 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Queens: Commonly 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
• The Bronx: Generally 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Staten Island: Often 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM or 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Weekly Patterns

Most NYC streets have ASP regulations 2-3 days per week. The pattern typically alternates sides:

• Monday & Thursday: One side of the street
• Tuesday & Friday: Opposite side of the street
• Some areas: Wednesday is also included

How to Read ASP Signs

NYC parking signs can be confusing, but understanding them is critical to avoiding tickets. Here's how to decode ASP signage:

Sign Reading Pro Tips:

• Multiple signs: When multiple signs are posted, ALL regulations apply. Read every sign on the pole.
• Arrows matter: Pay attention to arrow directions - they indicate exactly where restrictions apply.
• Except clauses: Look for "EXCEPT" text which may indicate suspended periods or special exemptions.
• Meter rules: ASP can coexist with meter parking - you may need to pay AND move for street cleaning.

ASP Suspensions and Holidays

One of the most important aspects of ASP is knowing when it's suspended. The NYC Department of Sanitation suspends ASP on legal holidays and certain religious observances.

When is ASP Suspended?

ASP is typically suspended on the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day (Lincoln's Birthday & Washington's Birthday)
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Various religious holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Good Friday, etc.)

Snow Emergency Suspensions

During snow emergencies, ASP may be suspended to facilitate snow removal operations. However, specific snow emergency parking rules take effect, which may be more restrictive than standard ASP. Learn more in our Snow Emergency Parking Guide.

Fines, Penalties, and Consequences

ASP Violation Fines (2025)

The standard fine for an ASP violation in New York City is:

Additional Consequences

• Late payment penalties: Additional fees apply if not paid within 30 days
• Judgment entered: Unpaid tickets become judgments after 100 days
• Booting and towing: Vehicles with multiple unpaid tickets may be booted or towed
• Registration suspension: DMV can suspend registration for unpaid tickets
• Collections: Unpaid judgments go to collections and affect credit scores

Financial Impact Analysis

From a wealth creation perspective, ASP violations represent a significant wealth leak for NYC drivers. Consider this analysis:

Pro Tips for NYC Drivers

Modern Technology Solutions

The evolution of smart city technology has made ASP compliance significantly easier. GPS-enabled street sweepers now provide real-time data on cleaning status, while notification services like ParkPing leverage this data to provide proactive alerts.

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