Once the regulation expires, at 7 PM, and if there are no other signs posted, it s a perfectly legal parking space for as long as you want. Always assume a legal parking space if nothing is posted. It s legal unless there s a sign posted saying otherwise.Parking signs state restrictions, not permissions. This sign states a two-hour restriction that is in effect from 8 AM to 7 PM. After that, the restriction is removed.Just have your coins ready at 8 AM, though. They ll be waiting.
By the way, what everyone else is not pointing out is that it is illegal to park in that spot for more than the posted time during the posted hours. To park there and drop coins in the expiring meter is not allowed as the meter is designed to allow for the turnover of parking spaces in order to promote business to the local stores and the convenience of the shoppers that want to buy things there. That being said, that part of the law is not usually enforced in NYC.
If the sign says 2 hour parking, 8am-7pm it means you can only park there for 2 hours between the hours of 8am and 7pm and you will have to feed the meter every 2 hours, otherwise you will get a parking ticket. If you park after 7pm and before 8am, the next day, you will be fine.Good luck