Albany, NY Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Emergency duration
- 48 hours (extendable)
- Commences
- 8:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m.
- Odd side banned
- first 24 hours
- Even side banned
- next 24 hours
- Info line
- 518-476-SNOW
Summary
When Albany declares a snow emergency, parking flips to the odd-numbered side of the street for the first 24 hours, then to the even-numbered side for the next 24, with towing at the owner's expense for violators.
Upon commencement of a snow emergency, all vehicular parking on the odd-numbered side of all City streets is prohibited for a twenty-four-hour period.
(2) After 24 hours from the designated snow emergency commencement, vehicular parking on the even-numbered side of all City streets is prohibited for the succeeding twenty-four-hour period.
(3) In the one-hour period prior to the commencement of the second 24 hours of a snow emergency there shall be a one-hour grace period prior to the commencement of parking restrictions during which vehicular parking may transition to the odd-numbered side of City streets. [Added 5-6-2019 by Ord. No. 7.21.19; amended 12-16-2019 by Ord. No. 47.122.19]
B. After 48 hours have elapsed from the commencement of the snow emergency, the snow emergency will be officially declared ended, unless such emergency is continued as specified in § 359-33C of this article.
C. In addition to the odd/even parking restrictions, the City may restrict parking in designated areas for additional snow removal. Temporary appropriate signage will be posted in such areas which shall constitute public notification.
D. The Department of General Services shall maintain a list of all areas of the City which do not follow an odd/even numbering system. Parking restrictions applicable to these areas shall be distributed to all citizens affected thereby and shall be made available to any member of the public upon request. [Amended 5-20-1996 by Ord. No. 9.51.96]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
The Mayor may declare a snow emergency on the advice of the Police Chief and Commissioner of General Services when snow, ice or sleet threaten to block traffic (§ 359-31). Once declared, notice goes out by radio and TV. The emergency runs 48 hours starting at 8:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m.: parking is banned on the odd-numbered side of every City street for the first 24 hours, then on the even-numbered side for the next 24 (§ 359-33, § 359-34). The City may also post signs restricting parking in specific areas for plowing, and the Department of General Services tracks streets that don't follow the odd/even system.
Violations & Fines
Vehicles left on the wrong side during a snow emergency may be towed by the Police Department at the owner's expense, and the owner is issued a parking ticket under § 359-37 and § 359-38.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a snow emergency is in effect in Albany?
What happens if I don't move my car during an Albany snow emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.