Avoid wrong-way street parking in New Jersey
Wrong-way street parking in New Jersey can lead to a ticket even when the curb looks open and no painted arrow is visible. Parking against the direction of travel on a two-way roadway places the driver’s door toward moving traffic and can create a hazard when entering or leaving the space. The rule is part of New Jersey’s broader parking restrictions, and understanding how posted signs, available clearance, vehicle dimensions, maneuvering space, and local rules interact helps drivers avoid a preventable citation.
Essential answer
In New Jersey, parking wrong way on a street generally means stopping or standing with the right-hand wheels against the left curb, so the vehicle faces opposing traffic. State traffic law treats this as a parking violation because the driver must cross the travel lane to pull in and out, and the vehicle’s reflectors or tail lamps face approaching cars instead of the visible front position expected by other road users.
Local rules can add nuance, especially where a municipality permits angle parking or designates one-way streets. On a one-way road, the legal parking side is determined by the direction of travel and any posted signs. Even without a sign, a driver should look at how other vehicles are aligned and consider available clearance and vehicle dimensions. A long pickup or van needs more maneuvering space than a compact car, making a wrong-side position harder to exit safely.