The NYC Traffic Rules guide contains regulations for motorists and vehicles on New York City streets, highways, and parkways.

The guide includes rules on:

  • Traffic signals
  • Speed limits
  • Parking
  • Other information

You can get a copy of the traffic rules online.

Download the NYC Traffic Rules.

It is illegal to double park passenger vehicles at all times. Commercial vehicles may double park to make quick pick-ups, deliveries or service calls during posted hours only. While on some streets it may be common practice to double park during street cleaning, double parking is still illegal and you may get a ticket.

For more details, review NYC Traffic Rules in Chapter 4, Section 4-08, subdivision (f), paragraph (1) of the Rules of the City of New York.

You can contact the police precinct for questions about enforcement. To find a precinct, go to the Police Precincts and PSAs page.

When traffic or pedestrian signals or stop signs aren’t in place or aren’t working at a crosswalk, vehicles and bicycles must stop for pedestrians crossing the roadway. They must stop completely and remain stopped until the pedestrian crosses.

Learn more about the rule.

Parking is allowed in school zones when school is in recess. However, you should be aware that specific schools may be open on holidays and during summer vacations. Parking restrictions would remain in effect.

Parking restrictions remain in effect while schools are doing remote learning.

Also, when schools are open for summer sessions, teacher meetings, or similar activities, the parking regulations apply on such days, even if students aren't attending.

You should contact the specific school to verify that it's in recess.

To look up information for a public school, go to the School Finder page.

A school bus is defined as a motor vehicle, regardless of seating capacity, that is used to transport students, teachers, or other persons acting in a supervisory role, to or from school or school activities.

It can be:

  • Owned and operated by a public or government agency
  • Owned and operated by a private school
  • Privately owned and operated on a regular basis for compensation

School buses can only park on City streets at authorized locations identified by a parking regulation signs. Also, school buses can park at any time, including overnight, at a parking spot in front of and within the building lines of a public or private school.

Taxi and for-hire vehicle relief stands allow taxi and for-hire drivers to park and leave their vehicles for up to one hour to take care of personal needs.

Get a list of taxi and for-hire vehicle relief stand locations.

The New York City Traffic Rules' definition of commercial vehicles and trucks determines how you can operate your vehicle on City roadways.

Truck

Any vehicle or combination of vehicles designed to transport property that has 2 axles and 6 tires or 3 or more axles. At least one of the vehicles has commercial plates.

Commercial Vehicle

Any vehicle with commercial plates that has been permanently altered so it can transport property. The vehicle must have the registrant's name on the door or side panels.

Learn more about traffic rules for trucks and commercial vehicles.

Electric scooters and electric bicycles are allowed in New York City bike lanes and on streets where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less.

Learn more about electric scooters and electric bikes.

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