Street check
See the last DSNY visit
Search PlowNYC for the latest recorded plow or spreader pass near an address.
Open PlowNYCNew York City, NY winter guide
New York City snow plow and parking guide.
New York City salts first and begins plowing when snow reaches about two inches. PlowNYC shows when sanitation equipment last visited a street, while NYC311 handles eligible snow and ice reports.
Reviewed September 1, 2026New York City Department of Sanitation
PLOWING STARTSAbout 2 inches
STREET NETWORK19,000 lane miles
SIDEWALK PATHAt least 4 feet
Start with the official answer
Three useful ways to check New York City
These links go directly to the city tools residents need during a storm.
Storm rules
Read the snow response
Check current city instructions, collection changes, and what a serviced street should look like.
Read DSNY snow guidanceReport a problem
Use NYC311 after the wait
NYC311 accepts eligible reports for uncleared streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and other snow conditions.
Open NYC311How the response unfolds
What happens before your street is finished
New York City follows a local sequence. Knowing the phase explains why one road can be clear while another is still waiting.
- 1Before snow
Brine and prepare
Crews may pre-treat early-freeze locations and position salt spreaders before accumulation begins.
- 2Snow begins
Salt the route network
Spreaders treat assigned routes first so emergency traffic and buses can keep moving.
- 3Near two inches
Plows join the response
Plows begin repeated route passes. A serviced street can still have packed snow while the storm continues.
Before leaving the car
New York City parking rules that matter
- Follow temporary city notices and all posted signs before leaving a vehicle during a storm.
- Check whether alternate-side parking or sanitation collection has been suspended before moving the car or placing material out.
- Never block a crosswalk, hydrant, bus stop, or route needed by sanitation equipment.
Resident checklist
What to do during the storm
- 1
Clear a path at least four feet wide on the sidewalk where possible.
- 2
Clear the corner and pedestrian ramp if the property is on an intersection.
- 3
Do not push snow into the street, crosswalk, or bike lane.
- 4
Give DSNY repeated passes before assuming a public street was missed.
Service boundaries
Who clears what in New York City
The city plow department is not responsible for every road, sidewalk, driveway, alley, or parking area.
DSNY
Salts and plows all New York City public streets on assigned snow routes.
Property owners and occupants
Clear sidewalks adjoining the property and keep snow out of streets and crossings.
Other operators
Private lots, driveways, and some non-city property remain the responsibility of their owner or operator.
If the street looks missed
Check the map before filing a snow report
Wait until the relevant DSNY route work or the city’s stated reporting window has passed. Equipment may need several visits during continuing snowfall.
- 1Search the address in PlowNYC.
- 2Confirm the location is a city-maintained street or required sidewalk.
- 3Choose the matching snow or ice issue in NYC311 and include the exact location.
Local questions answered
New York City snow plow FAQ
Short answers for the questions residents usually have during an active storm.
Why does a recently visited street still have snow?
Plows make repeated passes, and active snowfall, wind, parked vehicles, and traffic can cover or pack a street again. A PlowNYC timestamp records a visit, not bare pavement.
Does DSNY plow every public street?
Yes. Every public street is assigned to a DSNY snow route, but route timing and conditions vary during the storm.
Can trash collection change during a storm?
Yes. The sanitation workforce and equipment support snow operations, so collection may be delayed or suspended. Check the current DSNY notice before setting material out.
Verify the answer
Official New York City sources
Storm conditions and emergency rules change. These are the public-agency pages used for this guide.
More official guides