Photo by Dave Adams

The District’s car owners are supposed to be able to park near their homes thanks to a system of residential parking permit zones. But, too often, it seems that people drive home only to find that there is nowhere to park.

This problem is especially bad in the part of D.C. designated as Zone 6. That area encompasses some of the city’s busiest areas, including Penn Quarter, Capitol Hill, Nationals Park, and the Southwest Waterfront. The Washington Post reports that residents of those neighborhoods most frequently complain that their supposedly residents-only parking spots are being snatched up by the wrong cars. What is this, Manhattan?

No, it’s a problem caused by invasive out-of-district drivers, the Post reports:

As Dr. Gridlock explained last year, “it’s very easy for a driver to misunderstand the signs” in D.C. Even well-intentioned drivers looking for a legitimate spot near Eastern Market or Nats Park may end up violating parking laws, risking a ticket and ticking off neighbors.

That being said, it’s important to read signs carefully. If you’re a visitor parking in a zoned spot, make sure to move your car after the time limit.

So, that means you, four-wheeled Marylanders and Virginians. Just because there’s no parking meter doesn’t mean you can park there all day. Read the sign, park your car, and move out before time is up. Pro tip: A Nationals Game or a visit to one of downtown D.C.’s cinemas or theaters will take longer than the amount of time you’re allowed to park there.

And at least this parking problem is a lot more legitimate than David Gregory’s.