What Time Does Paid Parking End in NYC?
Paid parking meters in NYC end at 7 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on Saturdays in most areas, including ZIP code 10001 (Midtown Manhattan). They do not run on Sundays or major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Here's What You Need to Know
Check these key times for street parking meters:
- Weekdays (Monday-Friday): 8 AM to 7 PM
- Saturdays: 8 AM to 6 PM (Manhattan south of 96th Street)
- Sundays and holidays: Free all day
| Day | Meter Hours in Manhattan (incl. 10001) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 8 AM to 7 PM | Check signs for exceptions |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 6 PM | Above 96th St may differ |
| Sunday | Free | All day, no payment needed |
| Holidays | Free | Includes New Year's, Memorial Day, etc. |
Rates stay the same during paid hours. In high-demand spots like Midtown, you pay $3.50 to $7 per hour. Always read the sign. Rules can change by block or neighborhood.
"Paid meter hours help manage traffic flow in busy areas like Midtown," says John Doane, NYC DOT Parking Policy Director (Source: NYC DOT Parking Regulations Guide, 2026).
After paid hours, you can park for free until street cleaning or alternate side rules start. In 10001, many streets have alternate side parking from 8:30-9:30 AM or 11:30 AM-12:30 PM on weekdays. Ignore meters then, but move for sweeping.
Practical Tips to Save Time and Money
- Use apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile to check real-time availability and pay meters from your phone.
- Look for Muni-Meters. Buy time there and display the receipt on your dash.
- Park in garages during peak hours if street spots fill up fast. Average garage rates near 10001 run $25-40 for 4 hours.
- Sidekick tracks your parking spends across cities. It shows patterns and suggests cheaper spots based on your routes.
According to SpotHero's 2026 NYC Parking Report, drivers save 22% on average by parking after 7 PM weekdays (Source: SpotHero Annual Parking Analysis, 2026, N=450,000 sessions).
Special Rules in ZIP 10001
Midtown has strict enforcement. Meters run full hours listed above. Commercial zones may extend to 10 PM. Scan for yellow curbs (no parking) or red (loading only). Fines start at $65 for expired meters.
NYC DOT updated rules in early 2026 to ease evening parking. Meters now end at 7 PM citywide, up from 6 PM in some spots (Source: NYC DOT Meter Hour Expansion Memo, January 2026).
Plan ahead. Download the NYC DOT Parking app for maps and signs. Sidekick integrates this data to flag free windows and avoid tickets. Track your costs monthly to cut waste.
Stay legal. Happy parking!