Loading Zones: Los Angeles vs New York
How do loading zones rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?
Los Angeles and New York have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Yellow curbs in Los Angeles mark commercial loading zones reserved for vehicles actively loading or unloading goods, typically 7am-6pm Monday through Saturday. Passenger cars may not park there during posted hours. LAMC §80.73 and §88.13 set the rules and time limits.
View full Los Angeles rules →New York, NY
New York County
NYC Administrative Code section 19-163 and 34 RCNY section 4-08(c) establish commercial loading zones marked by yellow curbs and signs, where only vehicles with commercial license plates may stop to actively load or unload goods, typically for up to 30 minutes.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Curb color | Yellow | Yellow with sign |
| Default hours | 7am-6pm Mon-Sat | - |
| Eligible vehicles | Commercial plates, actively loading | NY commercial plates |
| Typical time limit | 20 minutes loading | - |
| Authority | LADOT installs and enforces | - |
| Time limit | - | 30 minutes typical |
| Statute | - | 34 RCNY 4-08(c) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I park in a yellow zone after 6pm?
Usually yes, unless the posted sign extends restricted hours. Always read the sign — some downtown and corridor zones run later or operate Sundays.
Do I need commercial plates to use a yellow zone?
Yes during posted hours. LAMC §80.73 limits yellow zones to vehicles with commercial plates actively loading or unloading goods, not passenger pickups.
New York FAQ
Can I quickly run into a store from a yellow loading zone?
No. 34 RCNY section 4-08(c) restricts yellow loading zones to vehicles with NY commercial plates actively loading or unloading goods. Personal errands by passenger cars violate the rule even for a few seconds.
Does an Uber Eats car count as a commercial vehicle?
No. NYC requires actual commercial registration plates issued by the DMV, not just a delivery service decal. Most rideshare and food-delivery vehicles run on passenger plates and cannot legally use yellow loading zones.
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