You are reading

Council Backs State Legislation That Would Hike Fines on Trucks Parked Overnight in Residential Areas

Truck parked illegally in Queens (photo: Daniel Sparrow, Council Member Linda Lee’s office)

May 27, 2022 By Christian Murray

The New York City council voted Thursday in support of state legislation sponsored by two Queens legislators that would increase the fines commercial truck owners would have to pay who park their vehicles on residential streets overnight.

The council, with the backing of eastern Queens councilmember Linda Lee, voted to support legislation authored by State Sen. Leroy Comrie and Assemblymember Clyde Vanel, both of central Queens, that would impose a $400 fine for a first violation, with any subsequent violations within a six-month period hiked to $800.

Lee called for her council colleagues to pass the home rule message prior to the vote but noted that there is a lack of truck parking spaces in the city that needs to be addressed.

“I want to encourage my colleagues to support SLR7 [the legislation] which raises the fines on commercial tractor trailers which are illegally parked overnight,” said Lee, who is the co-Chair of the City Council Queens Delegation. “We know that this is a big issue across our city.”

Lee said that the fines alone will not fix the problem of trucks parking in residential areas overnight—and that the city must increase the availability of truck parking in the city.

However, “at the same time we need a real deterrent for bad actors who continue to park in our residential neighborhoods. As it stands it’s cheaper to risk getting a parking ticket each month than to rent one of the few spaces still available in the city.”

Trucking across New York City has increased dramatically in recent years, with trucks transporting approximately 890,000 tons of freight within New York City each day, a number projected to grow by nearly 70 percent by 2045, according to city data.

Federal regulations limit the number of hours a trucker can drive per day, and they must pull off the road when they hit their hours. As a result, without adequate parking facilities in which to rest, drivers often pull to the side of the road to park overnight, resulting in illegal parking in residential neighborhoods.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

4 Comments

Click for Comments 
Dietmar Detering

A big thank you to all the truckers that keep our city alive! The city’s official attitude to trucking is dominated by heavy-handed wishful-thinking legislation like this one. We need the trucks, so let’s offer the truckers decent space for rest. That needs to come first, then legislation to keep trucks out of residential areas. The photo, BTW, seems to be 31st AVE under the BQE or GCT. That might be illegal parking, but it’s not a residential area. Another disconnect: Any truck over 55′ in total length is illegal in NYC outside of truck routes. But there is exactly zero enforcement of this while many trucks are 18-wheelers pulling a 53′ container through our narrow roads and around too-tight turns. Then why bother having this law on the books at all?

5
2
Reply
The free market works!

That means a competitor who doesn’t regularly break the law can offer a more competitive price. So, capitalism working the way it’s intended?

3
1
Reply

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Catch the fall vibe at these western Queens breweries

Sep. 3, 2025 By Jessica Militello

September rings in the start of Oktoberfest from mid-September through October, featuring special brews, fun events and more fall fun. Western Queens is filled with breweries to enjoy seasonal brews, fall flavors and the start of cooler weather as Autumn approaches, making it a perfect time to meet up with friends at these local spaces.

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in.