Most drivers don’t know the difference between no parking, no parking, and no parking. Many people confuse “No Parking” signs with “No Standing” and “No Parking” signs. So, whether you’re a novice or just need a little refresher, here are the basics between these three oft-misunderstood signs of the difference.
Table of Contents
No Parking Signs
“No Parking” means no parking or waiting for others, but you can stop to load or unload the property and get people out of our cars. Think of it as the “get off” or “keep on” rule, where you have to keep the car moving. Many people stopped temporarily in front of no-stop signs to load or unload passengers or groceries. The New York Department of Transportation allows you to park on the curb to load and unload packages or merchandise, as well as a stop at this sign to quickly drop off or pick up passengers. But please keep the vehicle moving as this sign does not allow the driver to leave the vehicle unattended for just a few minutes.
No Standing Signs
“No standing” means you can stop to let people out, or pick up someone already in the car, but don’t wait for someone else or load or unload property. Remember “people only”. The no-standing sign applies only to stevedores, not merchandise. New York law allows you to drop off or pick up passengers quickly at this sign but does not allow you to wait for passengers to arrive or load or unload goods at the curb. The important thing to remember about no standing signs is that they are “persons only” signs, and if you don’t follow this rule, you may get a ticket.
No Stopping Signs
Of the three signs discussed here, the no-stop sign is the most restrictive. No parking signs mean you can’t park for any reason – to get off or pick up passengers, wait for people to arrive, or load or unload merchandise. Any violation of this logo will be punished by law. The only time you should stop in front of one of these signs is if it’s a real emergency, or if the police instruct you to stop. However, you should, as usual, obey all traffic signals around no-stop signs.
Other No Parking Signs
Of course, there are many other parking restriction signs around the city, many of which are even more confusing and conditional. For example, one sign reads: “No Standing People Except Commercial Vehicles, Paid Parking, 3-Hour Limit, 10 AM-4 PM, Except Sundays.” There are many signs like this, and it may take some reading through Fully understand specific date and time restrictions.
Generally, when you see a sign on the street, it applies anywhere on that block unless there is another sign identifying the duty-free zone. In New York, parking rates vary across all five boroughs, with parking times ranging from 1 to 12 hours. Be sure to check the stop signs carefully before leaving the car, and remember, no meter bills are required on Sundays!
Conclusion
For drivers, it is very important to distinguish between “No Parking“ & ”No Standing” & “No Stopping“ signs, which can help you reduce the number of tickets you receive. From now on, pay close attention to these three different signs.
