New York vs Philadelphia
How do dibs & space saving rules compare between New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia has fewer restrictions than New York.
New York, NY
New York County
NYC does not allow the practice of 'dibs' or saving public parking spaces with personal items. The city enforces alternate side parking rules and public streets are first-come, first-served. Items left in the roadway to reserve spaces may be removed by DSNY.
View full New York rules →Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia officially bans saving shoveled-out parking spots with chairs, cones, or other objects — the city is firmly '#nosavesies.' Police routinely remove space-saving objects, though the practice persists culturally after heavy snowfall.
View full Philadelphia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New York | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Dibs Practice | Not legally permitted | - |
| Street Spaces | First-come, first-served | - |
| Enforcement | DSNY removal of items | Police remove objects |
| Code | Admin Code §16-120 | - |
| Snow Rules | Snow Emergency Routes only | - |
| Official Position | - | Banned (#nosavesies) |
| Snow Emergency | - | Chapter 12-2500 |
| Local Term | - | Savesies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New York FAQ
Can I save a parking spot after shoveling in NYC?
No. NYC does not permit space-saving or 'dibs.' Public parking is first-come, first-served. Items placed in the roadway to reserve a spot can be removed by DSNY and may result in a littering fine.
What happens during snow emergencies?
NYC activates Snow Emergency Rules that restrict parking on designated arterial routes to facilitate plowing. Even during snow emergencies, saving shoveled spaces is not sanctioned.
Is there any informal tolerance of space-saving?
Some outer-borough neighborhoods have informal community norms around saving shoveled spots, but there is no legal basis for this. Enforcement discretion may apply, but officially the practice is prohibited.
Philadelphia FAQ
Can I save a shoveled-out parking spot in Philadelphia?
No. Philadelphia officially bans the practice of saving parking spots with chairs, cones, or other objects. Police routinely remove space-saving items, though the practice persists culturally.
What happens during a snow emergency in Philadelphia?
The PPA relaxes meter enforcement and offers $5 garage rates. Snow emergency routes must be kept clear for plowing. But there is no legal right to reserve on-street parking even after shoveling.
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