Roadway Cafe — Located in Prohibited Zone (Bus Lane, Bike Lane, Travel Lane)

A roadway cafe may only be located in parking spaces, commercial parking, and certain no-parking zones. It is prohibited from being located in: part-time or full-time travel lanes, bicycle lanes, bus lanes, No Standing/No Stopping zones, bus stops, or spaces reserved for specified vehicles.

• roadway dining setup placed within a marked bicycle lane
• outdoor dining barriers or furniture in an active traffic or turning lane
• roadway cafe located at or within a bus stop zone with MTA bus stop signage nearby
• dining setup in a No Standing or No Stopping zone (visible signage overhead)
• roadway cafe blocking a painted bike lane

1. Photograph the obstruction from sidewalk level showing clear path width.
2. Capture any posted DOT dining license or permit if visible.
3. File via 311 under Sidewalk Café / Outdoor Dining, or use SidewalkSnitch dining analysis.
4. Describe how pedestrians are forced into the street or bike lane.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT.

DOT may issue notices of violation to licensed cafés; unlicensed setups can face removal orders and fines. Repeat violations can affect license renewal.

DOT Sidewalk Café Inspection responds to encroachment complaints. Licensed sites are measured against permit bounds; unlicensed structures may be tagged for removal.

• Outdoor dining violations