CHICAGO - The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) reminds motorists the Chicago winter overnight parking ban begins on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, and is in effect through April 1, 2022. The parking ban is enforced regardless of snow on 107 miles of main streets throughout the city during the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

 “The Overnight Parking Ban is just one of the many protocols in place to keep the city safe during the winter every year,” said DSS Commissioner Cole Stallard. “While DSS is focused on its critical winter operations, we ask residents and visitors to be mindful of their speed while driving and to please follow the posted parking restriction signs so critical routes can be fully salted and plowed when it snows.” 

 Signage is permanently posted along the affected routes. DSS also posted flyers on cars parked on the streets affected by the parking ban as an additional reminder before restrictions begin.

 During a snowfall, a build-up of snow and ice next to parked vehicles on these routes further reduces traffic flow and can cause unsafe conditions. DSS works to clear the City’s main streets and Lake Shore Drive first to ensure that roads are safe and passable for motorists, buses, and emergency vehicles.

 Cars left parked on these designated roadways obstruct the path of snowplows and prevent routes from being fully plowed and salted when it snows. Violators of the parking ban will be towed and face a minimum $150 towing fee, a $60 ticket, and a storage fee of $25 per day. Vehicles in violation of the ban will be towed to Pounds 2 (10301 S. Doty Ave.) or 6 (701 N. Sacramento).

Chicagoans can visit chicagoshovels.org or a map of streets impacted by the ban and to view the City’s snow plows in real-time during a storm. Motorists can also visit chicagoshovels.org or call 311 to find out if their vehicle was towed due to the ban. 

###