By: Richard L. Smith
After getting home early this morning from overnight storm coverage, I pulled up to my block and noticed a public parking spot “reserved” with an ironing board. I calmly moved it aside and parked.
About an hour later, the doorbell started ringing — followed by yelling outside. I rolled over… and went back to sleep.
On second thought, I might want to check on my car now.
On day two of digging ourselves out from yet another winter storm, one thing is becoming abundantly clear: we New Jerseyans will shovel through blizzard after blizzard, but when it comes to saving public parking spaces with lawn chairs, ironing boards, Christmas trees, or any household furniture — the law says “nah, NO dice.”
As residents work tirelessly to clear driveways and streets, some have resorted to claiming parking spots the hard way — literally blocking them with random objects so neighbors (or themselves) can return later.
It might seem like harmless Jersey survival instinct, but in our state public parking spots are just that — public. The moment a vehicle leaves, that space is open to anyone else. You move, you lose — that’s the rule.
It’s not just old-timers’ talk. Under New Jersey law (see N.J.S.A. 39:4-138), municipalities have the authority to regulate where parking is allowed and where it is prohibited.
During snow emergencies, local ordinances across northern New Jersey make it crystal clear that parking on snow-covered streets is prohibited until plows finish their work and the roads are clear for normal traffic.
Vehicles left in violation may be ticketed or towed — and objects left to “reserve” a spot hold no legal weight.
In many communities from Montclair to Middlesex, local ordinances say that no vehicle may remain on snow-covered streets until they are plowed curb to curb. Once the snow emergency is declared or conditions trigger restrictions, all spots fall under standard public-parking rules again.
And YUP, that means evenyour trusty chair or makeshift barricade doesn’t reserve it for you.
This tradition of “parking chairs” might make for humorous photo ops on social media, but the legal and logistical reality is far less playful.
Local police departments and public works officials understand the frustration of digging out in frigid temperatures. 
They know how hard it is to fight the snow and find a spot that was cleared just minutes ago. But from Bergenfield to Hoboken, enforcement is not just about keeping streets clear for snow plows, it’s about ensuring emergency vehicles and neighbors alike can navigate safely while storm conditions persist.
So, what’s a Jersey driver to do? Many municipalities encourage residents to plan ahead, consider rideshare options like Uber or Lyft during peak storm periods, use designated municipal lots when available, or swing by a friend’s driveway with space to spare.
There’s no shame in that — but blocking public parking to “save” a space? That’s just asking for a ticket.
In short, dig hard, dig fast, and when you move your car… accept that someone else just might take that spot. It’s the law. It’s winter in New Jersey. And yes — it’s just part of dealing with the snow.