City Restores Use of Neon Warning Stickers for Parking Violators

The New York City Department of Sanitation has officially resumed the use of bright, neon-colored stickers as a tool to address vehicles that block street sweepers during designated cleaning hours. The move marks a return to a practice that was prohibited by local law fifteen years ago.

Under the reinstated policy, sanitation personnel are authorized to place stickers measuring up to 8.5 by 11 inches on the windows of non-compliant vehicles. Officials emphasize that the primary objective of the program is to improve the efficiency of street cleaning efforts by encouraging motorists to relocate their vehicles in accordance with alternate-side parking regulations.

Department of Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson stated that the agency’s goal is to ensure cleaner streets for all residents. He noted that the department prefers to use these visual reminders to prompt compliance rather than relying solely on the issuance of parking summonses.

While the stickers serve as a prominent warning, they do not replace the standard enforcement process. Vehicles found in violation of parking rules during street cleaning hours remain subject to traditional ticketing. The return of the sticker program follows legislative action that overturned the 2011 ban, providing the department with additional tools to manage street-level congestion and sanitation access.