Drivers who ignore alternate side parking rules could soon find large enforcement stickers on their car windows again as New York City revives a controversial sanitation enforcement program.
NEW YORK — New York City is reinstating a controversial enforcement tactic that allows the Department of Sanitation to place large stickers on vehicles violating Alternate Side Parking rules, reversing a ban that had been in place since 2011. This new law has an impact on New Jersey commuters in the city from as far south as the Jersey Shore who drive into the city each day for work.
The change comes after the New York City Council approved Intro 92, restoring the Department of Sanitation’s authority to place highly visible stickers—measuring up to 8.5 by 11 inches—on vehicles that remain parked during scheduled street sweeping.
City says stickers will help keep streets clean
The Department of Sanitation announced the change on social media, touting the return of the enforcement program.
“We’ve got TWO huge pieces of legislative news, NYC!” the agency posted. “First up? We’re sticking it to ASP violators. That’s right, ASP stickers are coming back.”
The agency said the goal is straightforward: encourage drivers to move their vehicles so street sweepers can properly clean city streets.
“If you don’t move your car, your street doesn’t get cleaned,” the post continued. “Move your car → avoid the sticker (and the fine!) → help us.”
The stickers are intended to serve as both a warning and an enforcement tool by making violations immediately visible while prompting motorists to relocate their vehicles.
Former councilman calls program a due process concern
Not everyone supports bringing the stickers back.
Former New York City Council member David G. Greenfield, who sponsored the 2011 legislation banning the practice, criticized the decision.
“Say it ain’t so!” Greenfield wrote on X.
“I banned these 14 years ago because stickering someone’s car is a blatant violation of due process.”
Greenfield added, “But everyone hates car owners, so behold, they’re back!”
How the program works
Under the reinstated program, sanitation workers may place a large sticker on the window of any vehicle that remains parked during posted Alternate Side Parking hours.
Drivers who violate Alternate Side Parking rules may still receive the standard parking citation, which generally carries a $65 fine, depending on the location. The sticker is designed to encourage motorists to move their vehicles so street sweepers can access the curb and remove debris.
For years before the 2011 ban, the stickers were commonly used as a highly visible deterrent. Critics argued they were difficult to remove and unnecessarily damaged vehicles, while supporters maintained they improved compliance with street-cleaning regulations.
What drivers should know
City officials remind motorists that Alternate Side Parking regulations remain in effect unless officially suspended for holidays, severe weather, or other emergency conditions.
Drivers can verify whether Alternate Side Parking has been suspended by checking the NYC311 website or mobile app before parking.
The return of the sticker program marks one of the most significant changes to New York City’s street-cleaning enforcement policy in more than a decade.
Key Points
- New York City has restored the Department of Sanitation’s authority to place large Alternate Side Parking stickers on violating vehicles.
- The practice returns after being banned by the City Council in 2011 over due process concerns.
- City officials say the stickers will improve street cleaning by encouraging motorists to move their vehicles during scheduled sweeping.
Related: New York City, Department of Sanitation, Alternate Side Parking, David G. Greenfield, New York City Council, NYC311