GRIDLOCK SAM

Friday, April 2 - Sunday, April 4

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING RULES ARE SUSPENDED FRIDAY FOR GOOD FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FOR PASSOVER

Recreational marijuana has been given the green light by New York State. You’re now allowed to possess up to 3 oz. of cannabis. But beware: it’s still illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence, and the penalties remain the same. Don’t toke and drive!

Today, Friday, a rally in support of Governor Cuomo will be taking place outside the New York Post headquarters. Avoid 6 th Ave. near 4 8 th St.

On Saturday, the Rally to Stop Asian Hate begins at 1 p.m. at Columbus Park; anticipate impacts on Bayard, Baxter, Mulberry, and Worth Sts. At the same time, there will be a demonstration in support of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in Brooklyn; watch for slowdowns on Pitkin Ave. near Christopher Ave.

At 2 p.m., avoid Prospect Park West just off Grand Army Plaza, as there will be a protest for student debt cancellation outside Senator Schumer’s home.

At 3 p.m., a rally in support of better funding for NY Health + Hospitals may cause slowdowns on Fulton St. and Nostrand Ave. in Brooklyn.

Brooklynites, also be on the lookout for daytime paving Friday along Eighth Ave. from Ninth St. to 15th St. and New York Ave. from Fulton St. to Prospect Place. In Queens, there will be work on Beach 73rd St. from Shore Front Pkwy. to Amstel Blvd.

Spring St. — between Hudson St. and

Varick St. — will be shuttered 6 a.m. Saturday through 9 p.m. Sunday. Holland Tunnel-bound traffic on Hudson St. should continue past Spring, turn right on King St., right onto Varick St. straight to the tunnel.

Uptown A trains skip Spring St., 23rd St. and 50th St., Friday at 11 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. At the same time, uptown C trains will skip Spring St. and 23rd St. Uptown E trains will skip all three stations all day Saturday and Sunday.

MAILBAG Dear Gridlock Sam,

I received a ticket for a May 2020 violation for driving up the 14th St. busway. Am I incorrect in thinking that the restrictions were lifted at that time, in the middle of the new pandemic?

Dear C,

Yes, you are incorrect; restrictions were not lifted due to the pandemic. While there were some parking restrictions lifted, and extensions for registrations and inspection, there were no changes regarding moving violations. In fact, that almost never occurs. So, I just don’t see a valid defense for you.