Two hours of sitting in your car going nowhere: New York’s unique parking rules are back

After a pandemic pause, alternate side parking returns to New York City with campaigners hoping it will mean cleaner streets

New York City is known for being one of the most difficult cities in the world to own a car - and a return to pre-pandemic parking restrictions could make it even more discouraging. Starting on Tuesday, drivers who park outside will have to move their cars two or three times a week for street cleaners, up from once a week during the pandemic.

This unique dance is called alternate side parking. Under these rules, drivers are allowed to park on many of New York's streets free of charge, except during marked hours when a sanitation truck drives through to clear debris with a mechanical broom. Each side of a street has different cleaning hours, so that cars can move from one side to the other. Failing to move your car gets you a $65 ticket.