What is the correct distance in the middle of the block?

July 5, 2010 11:11 AM

Parking regulations (New York State): If there is a crosswalk in the middle of the block, how close you are legally allowed to park your car? Also, definition of "Pedestrian Safety Zone".

The NYS DMV manual explains the parking regulations. The manual only maintains that parking is illegal within "20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection", and that parking is illegal "in a crosswalk".

1) Is my interpretation correct:

- Parking just in front of and after the crosswalk IS legal in the middle of the block, if not anything else indicated.

In practice, this sort of parking would cause scary traps for pedestrians, esp. for kids. Can it be true?

OR

2) The DMV manual also states parking to be illegal "within 30 feet (10 m) of a pedestrian safety zone"

- Is a crosswalk in the middle of the block considered one?

Thanks.

DB

posted by Doggiebreath to Law & Government (3 answers total)

You'll probably need to look at the city or state traffic code for the exact answer. I don't live in NY, but everywhere I've lived had a 20-25ft rule about crosswalks whether they're on the corner or mid-block.
posted by birdherder at 12:37 PM on July 5, 2010

Best answer: As of December 2008, NYC has changed its rules regarding parking in front of curb cuts at certain "T-intersections." These curb cuts, it seems to me, are not technically regarded as crosswalks, thus parking in front of them is legal.
posted by thejoshu at 12:55 PM on July 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Here in Sag Harbor, the crosswalks that are mid-block along Main Street have parking angled pretty much next to the crosswalks.
posted by kidelo at 8:19 PM on July 5, 2010