CHICAGO - The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) reminds motorists that the Chicago winter overnight parking ban begins on Friday, December 1, 2019, and runs through April 1, 2020.  The parking ban is enforced regardless of snow on 107 miles of main streets throughout the city during the hours of 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. 

“Snow can accumulate quickly during winter storms and crews need immediate access to the city’s most vital roads to ensure that they are safe for motorists,” said Commissioner John Tully. “Residents can help us keep the roads clear by checking the permanently posted street signs and following the posted restrictions.”

Crews from DSS have also posted flyers on cars parked on streets affected by the parking ban as an additional reminder before restrictions begin.

During a snow program, the Department’s priority is to clear the City’s main routes and Lake Shore Drive. Cars left parked on these designated roadways obstruct the path of snow plows and prevent routes from being fully plowed and salted when it snows.  During a snowfall, a build-up of snow next to parked vehicles on these routes impedes traffic flow.

Violators of the parking ban will be towed and face a minimum $150 towing fee, a $60 ticket and a storage fee of $20 per day. Vehicles in violation of the ban will be towed to Pounds 2 (10301 S. Doty Ave.) or 6 (701 N. Sacramento).

There is also a separate snow related ban that affects another 500 miles of main roadways across the city and takes effect when there are at least two inches of snow on the street regardless of time of day or calendar date.

For more information on the overnight parking ban and to view a map of streets impacted by the ban, click here.