Parking smart and safe on New Year’s Eve
On New Year's Eve, streets and parking lots are busier than usual. Smart and safe parking practices help prevent accidents, keep emergency routes clear, protect your vehicle and ensure everyone enjoys the celebrations safely and responsibly.
Here are some key parking safety and compliance practices to make the celebrations smooth, stress-free and memorable for all the right reasons.
Remember safe winter parking practices
Parking in winter comes with its own set of challenges. Follow these tips to park safely:
- Avoid snow piles: Never park on or near snowbanks. Although they may seem convenient, they can block visibility and create hazards for other drivers and pedestrians.
- Clear your vehicle: Before leaving your car, make sure it's fully visible. Brush off snow from all windows, mirrors and lights so others can see it.
- Stay visible: Park in well-lit areas. This deters theft and keeps you safer when returning to your car later.
Follow parking regulations
New Year's Eve events often come with temporary parking restrictions. Be sure to:
- Respect No-Parking Zones: Look for signs indicating restricted areas and avoid parking too close to intersections, fire hydrants or bus stops. Vehicles parked in these zones may be ticketed or towed to the Municipal Impound Lot.
- Obey Time Limits: Time-restricted parking zones are enforced to ensure fair access for everyone. A dedicated parking lane will be available on the south side of Memorial Drive (eastbound) between 10 Street N.W. and 4A Street N.W. from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., allowing you to park close to the festivities. Vehicles not cleared after 1 a.m. will be ticketed and towed.
Be considerate of your community
Parking isn't just about your convenience; it's about respecting the spaces shared by everyone.
- Avoid blocking driveways: Make sure your car isn't blocking residential or business entrances.
- Stay clear of sidewalks: Blocking sidewalks makes it hard for pedestrians to navigate, especially those using mobility aids or pushing strollers.
- Keep accessibility in mind: Leave accessible parking spots for those who need them. Misusing these spaces can lead to fines and inconvenience for others.
Understand what to do with parking tickets and fines
If required, pay for parking. If you receive a parking ticket, stay calm, read the ticket and understand why it was issued.
- Act promptly: Early payments can save you money when you pay within 30 days. Find out more about our early payment incentive.
- Know your options: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, appeal your ticket.
After the fireworks and celebrations, people often leave at the same time, creating bottlenecks in parking lots. Think about your exit strategy and make your exit easier by giving yourself extra time to leave, especially in busy areas.
Drive safely, park smart and enjoy every moment as the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Categories: Community, Safety
