The New York City Department of Transportation has municipal parking lots in every borough. You can park in them during the day and only during their hours of operation. If you remain parked too long, you risk getting a ticket and lose the safety of any security the facility offers.

Municipal parking lots also offer parking reservations every month through the Parking Reservation System (PRS). This system allows the average person fair access to municipal parking spaces around the City. Reservations are available through PRS beginning five days before the beginning of the month and are offered on a first come, first served basis. Only one permit can be issued to a driver per parking lot and they have limited spaces available, so be quick!

Once you are granted a reservation, you’re not out of the woods yet, because the parking permit is not guaranteed. Once you obtain the reservation, make sure to visit the parking garage to get the actual permit.

You can learn more about municipal parking lot locations, rates, and capacity here.