NYC Snow Emergency
Parking Rules
When the city declares a snow emergency, the parking rules change overnight: plows need the streets, ASP usually pauses, and tow trucks start rolling. Here's what actually happens — and how to stay ahead of it.
What changes when a snow emergency is declared
Snow emergencies are declared by NYC DOT in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Here's what the declaration means for your parked car:
Avoid standing or parking on designated snow emergency streets so plows can clear them. A car blocking a plow route is first in line for a tow.
Street cleaning is usually paused citywide during the emergency — check the live status rather than assuming, and note that parking meters usually stay in effect.
The city's Winter Weather Emergency Plan authorizes towing: vehicles obstructing traffic or illegally parked during a declared emergency can be removed.
Where declarations are announced
- Notify NYC emergency alerts (sign up before winter)
- nyc.gov/dot announcements
- The NYC311 app and website, or 311 by phone
- Mayoral Emergency Executive Orders
Don't rely on social media rumors — a declaration is only real through these official channels.
Before the storm hits
- Move your car off snow emergency streets before the declaration when possible
- Don't park at hydrants or in bus lanes — plows and emergency vehicles need every inch
- Leave room around your car; plows bury tight rows
- After the storm, ASP often resumes before streets look clear — check the live status
Spotto sends storm parking alerts
Snow emergencies are announced with little lead time, often overnight. Spotto pushes ASP suspension alerts the moment the status changes — so you know before the plows (and the tow trucks) roll, not after.
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Posted Alternate Side Parking schedules, 15ft hydrant proximity warnings, NYC DOT street signs, and peer-to-peer spot holds.