New York, NY Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- 34 RCNY § 4-12(k)
- Trigger
- DOT Commissioner declares emergency
- Parking
- Banned on posted snow streets
- Driving
- Snow tires or chains required
- Enforcement
- Ticketed and towed
Summary
When New York City's Transportation Commissioner declares a snow emergency, standing and parking are banned on every street posted as a snow street until the emergency is lifted, and vehicles driven on those routes must carry snow tires or skid chains.
When the Commissioner declares a state of snow emergency, no person shall stand or park a vehicle upon a street designated by signs as a snow street... set forth in 34 RCNY § 4-07(i), except in such areas and for such purposes as shall be designated by the Commissioner... no person shall operate a vehicle upon a street designated by signs as a snow street... unless the drive, traction or powered wheels of said vehicle are equipped with skid chains or snow tires, until the Commissioner declares the state of snow emergency terminated.
Full Breakdown
The rule lives in 34 RCNY § 4-12(k). Once the DOT Commissioner declares a snow emergency, no one may stand or park on any street signed as a snow street, or on the shoulders, entrances and exits of the expressways, parkways, bridges and tunnels listed in § 4-07(i), until the Commissioner declares the prohibition terminated. During the same emergency you cannot even operate a vehicle on those snow routes unless the drive, traction or powered wheels are equipped with skid chains or snow tires. Sanitation plows the routes; Traffic Enforcement ticket-and-tows violators, and the declaration is paired with citywide alternate-side suspension.
Violations & Fines
Parking on a posted snow street during a declared emergency draws a parking ticket and immediate towing; driving a snow route without snow tires or skid chains is a separate operating violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my street is a snow emergency route?
Can I drive on a snow route during a snow emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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