• Limousineside of limo. image by Empath from Fotolia.com
  
  Limos in New York City as a hired car service are allowed some privileges that a passenger car may not be allowed. This is to facilitate the business of the car service as well as to assist in the continuous flow of traffic. New York City allows limo drivers to maintain different parking regulations than other car services such as taxis.
  
  

Loading Zones

• Limos are allowed to park in a loading zone for a short amount of time without being fined. The only time that a limo may use this privilege is when picking up or dropping off a client. Otherwise a limo may only use a loading zone temporarily for the loading or unloading of passengers while the limo is attended by the driver without receiving a fine.
  
  

Fire/Emergency Lanes

• Fire/Emergency lanes are red-marked lanes that are to be used for emergency personnel only. Car parking is not allowed in these areas at any time, even for the loading and unloading of passengers. A limo must adhere to this regulation and is not allowed to park in a fire lane even if the car is constantly attended by the driver while parked.
  
  

Diplomatic Flags

• Diplomats visiting the United States are allowed certain leniency. A limousine that is used to carry a diplomat must display the flag of the diplomat's country on both sides of the front of the car in order to take advantage of diplomatic immunity when driving and parking. These limos are allowed to park in any space, including restricted zones as long as the flags are properly displayed on the car. Diplomats are granted immunity while in New York City which also extends to their car services as long as the regulations concerning proper identification of the diplomatic car are observed.