Although it might sound like a title for a new dance craze, this is actually a reference to a serious parking problem that can result in a parking citation for offenders. 

Most people realize the City has a variety of zones in where the parking is subject to a time limit, usually ranging from one to two hours. The purpose of these zones is to ensure that parking is available for customers close to businesses.

What many don't realize is that the law prohibits "shuffling" their vehicle a few spaces away within the same maximum period of time. The ability to simply move a vehicle a few feet every hour or two to beat the clock thwarts the basic intent of the parking management plan. The effect would be a lack of parking for customers.

What the law requires is that vehicles be moved at least 150 feet away during the allotted time period. As a rule of thumb, this is about eight parallel spaces on a street. The bottom line is that, in a time zone, the vehicle has to move at least 8 spaces (150 feet) from where it was originally parked before the time period expires. This allows someone else to have a shot at a parking space.

One common method of enforcement is the "chalking" of tires and it should be noted that it is illegal to remove or wipe the chalk mark off the tire. Again, the law requires the vehicle to actually move.

If you have any questions about this or any other City ordinance, please call the City Attorney's office at 646.3915.  If you have any parking questions, please call 646.3953.

Return to top