It’s that familiar dance for New York City drivers: the ever-present need to move your car for alternate side parking (ASP). You know the drill – those white signs with red lettering are a constant reminder that street cleaning is a serious business here. And while most of us have learned to live with it, or at least accept the occasional $65 ticket as part of the urban experience, there's always that question: what happens on holidays?
This year, as we approach Veterans Day, many drivers might be wondering if the usual ASP rules are suspended. It's a common point of confusion, especially since the city has a long list of holidays where street cleaning takes a backseat. For instance, we saw suspensions for major holidays like Idul-Adha and the Feast of the Assumption earlier in the year, and the list goes on, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day.
So, what about Veterans Day? Looking at the city's official calendar, Veterans Day is indeed a day when alternate side parking rules are typically suspended. This means you generally don't need to worry about moving your car for street cleaning on November 11th. It’s a small reprieve, a chance to keep your vehicle parked without the usual morning scramble.
It’s worth remembering that this suspension is a citywide courtesy, allowing residents and visitors alike to observe the holiday without the added stress of parking regulations. The city’s Department of Sanitation (DSNY) usually announces these suspensions, and it’s always a good idea to double-check their official website or the NYC Notify alert system if you're ever unsure. After all, while the fines are a common annoyance, nobody wants to get a ticket on a day meant for reflection and remembrance.
This practice of suspending ASP for holidays is part of a broader effort to make city life a little smoother. Even before the pandemic, the city would pause street cleaning for various observances. The pandemic did bring about some temporary simplifications, like reducing street cleaning to once a week, which many drivers appreciated given the difficulty of finding parking. However, as the city has moved past the peak of the pandemic, many of these simplified rules have been rolled back, with the full ASP schedule largely reinstated since July 2022.
So, as Veterans Day arrives, take a moment to appreciate the break from the ASP routine. It’s a small but significant acknowledgment of the day's importance, allowing everyone to focus on honoring our veterans. Just remember to get back into the swing of things the following day, as the street sweepers will be back on their regular schedule.
