Parking tickets are one of the most common unplanned costs of having a car in New York City, and the total climbs quickly with late penalties or a tow. The fines below come from the NYC Department of Finance's official schedule and include the $15 New York State surcharge. Add your tickets to the calculator to see what you owe.
NYC parking fines by violation (2026)
| Violation | Manhattan, 96th St and below | Everywhere else |
|---|---|---|
| Fire hydrant (within 15 ft) | $115 | $115 |
| Double parking | $115 | $115 |
| No standing, bus stop | $115 | $115 |
| Blocking a crosswalk | $115 | $115 |
| Bus lane (ticket by an agent) | $115 | $115 |
| Expired meter / no meter receipt | $65 | $35 |
| Street cleaning (alternate side) | $65 | $65 |
| No parking, day/time limits | $65 | $60 |
| Expired registration or inspection, missing plate | $65 | $65 |
Camera-enforced bus lane violations work differently: they rise with repeat offenses within 12 months, from $50 to $100, $150, $200 and then $250.
Late penalties, towing and booting
| If you… | Typical added cost |
|---|---|
| Pay or dispute within 30 days | $0 |
| Pay after 30 days | +$10 |
| Pay after 60 days | +$20 more ($30 total) |
| Pay after 90 days | +$30 more ($60 total), then judgment with interest |
| Get towed | $185 tow + $20 per night |
| Get booted (over $350 in judgment tickets) | $185 boot fee + $80 marshal fee + 5% poundage |
How to avoid NYC parking tickets
- Check alternate side parking status on NYC 311 or the city's social accounts. It's suspended on many holidays and during some snow events.
- Use the ParkNYC app to pay meters and extend time from your phone.
- Read every sign on the block, including commercial-vehicle and rush-hour restrictions.
- Keep your registration and inspection current. Those $65 tickets are entirely avoidable.
- Consider a garage for long stays. Our driving cost calculator compares garage rates with tolls and congestion pricing.
Disputing a ticket
You can dispute a ticket online, by mail or in person through the Department of Finance. Do it within 30 days so penalties don't build up while you wait. Useful evidence includes photos of missing or confusing signs, your meter or ParkNYC receipt, and proof the car wasn't where the ticket says. If a ticket has a wrong plate, state or make, include photos of that too.
Driving in from an airport? Compare a rental car with taxis and trains using the airport to Manhattan calculator, or see the full cost of car ownership with our NYC car insurance calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fire hydrant ticket in NYC?
$115 anywhere in the city. You may not park within 15 feet of a hydrant. Between sunrise and sunset, a passenger car may stand alongside a hydrant only if a driver stays behind the wheel, ready to move.
How much is an alternate side parking (street cleaning) ticket in NYC?
$65 in all five boroughs, according to the NYC Department of Finance's fine schedule.
How much is a double parking ticket in NYC?
$115 everywhere in the city.
What happens if I don't pay a NYC parking ticket?
Penalties are added if a ticket isn't paid or disputed within 30 days, typically $10, then $20 more at 60 days and $30 more at 90 days. After about 100 days the ticket goes into judgment and interest accrues. With more than $350 in judgment tickets, your car can be booted or towed.
How much does it cost to get a towed car back in NYC?
NYC Finance lists a $185 tow fee for a regular vehicle plus $20 for each night it's held, and you must also pay any judgment tickets. Some official pages show different amounts, so confirm with the tow pound.
How do I dispute a NYC parking ticket?
Online, by mail or in person through the NYC Department of Finance, within 30 days of the ticket to avoid penalties. Photos of signs, meter receipts or your car's position help.
Sources & methodology
Prices are compiled from published provider price lists, government fee schedules and quotes, then adjusted for 2026. See how we price.