Chicago Parking Rules 2026: Winter Overnight Ban, Snow Routes, Street Sweeping & Tickets
Which streets you can’t park on from 3 to 7 a.m. this winter, what the 2-inch snow ban means, how street sweeping works, and what to do if you get a ticket or your car is towed. All from official City of Chicago sources, in one page.
Winter overnight parking ban
From December 1, 2026 to April 1, 2027, no parking 3–7 a.m. on 107 miles of signed main streets, snow or no snow.
Street sweeping season
Sweeping runs April through November. Until it ends, watch for orange “No Parking” signs on your block.
Can I park on my street tonight?
Pick the time of year, your type of street and whether there’s snow on the street.
Not sure which signs are on your street? See “How to check your street” below.
This checker shows the general City of Chicago winter, snow and overnight rules. It can’t see the signs on your block, permit zones or street sweeping signs: posted signs always take priority. When in doubt, call 311.
Chicago parking: quick facts
Chicago winter overnight parking ban
Every night from December 1 to April 1, parking is banned from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. on 107 miles of arterial streets. It applies whether or not it has snowed, so the streets stay clear for plows and emergency vehicles. For the 2026–27 season that’s December 1, 2026 to April 1, 2027.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., every night |
| Dates | December 1 to April 1 |
| Where | 107 miles of arterial streets with permanent signs |
| Snow needed? | No · the ban applies even on dry nights |
| Ticket | $60 |
| Tow | At least $150, plus $25 a day for storage |
| Where towed cars go | Auto Pound 2 (10301 S. Doty Ave.) or Auto Pound 6 (701 N. Sacramento Ave.) |
Chicago 2-inch snow parking ban
The 2-inch ban is separate from the winter overnight ban. It covers about 500 miles of main streets and starts when at least two inches of snow are on the street, at any time of day and on any date, not only from December to April.
| Situation | On 2-inch ban streets |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 inches of snow | Parking OK unless other signs say otherwise |
| 2 inches of snow or more | No parking until the street is cleared · cars can be ticketed and moved |
How to check your street
- Read the permanent signsWinter ban streets have signs with the 3 a.m.–7 a.m. and December 1–April 1 restriction. 2-inch ban streets have their own snow ban signs.
- Check the City’s mapOpen the official Winter Overnight Parking Ban Map (PDF) to see every street in the 3–7 a.m. ban.
- Watch the forecastThe 2-inch ban starts on its own when the snow is on the street. No separate announcement is needed.
- Call 311If your car is gone, 311 can tell you whether it was towed or relocated.
Chicago street sweeping schedule
The Department of Streets and Sanitation sweeps residential streets ward by ward from April through November. The 2026 season started April 1. Each ward is split into sections, and every section has its own sweeping dates.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | April 1 through the end of November or later, weather permitting |
| Temporary signs | Bright orange “No Parking” signs posted two days before your sweeping day |
| Permanent signs | Some streets have permanent signs with a once-a-week or twice-a-month sweeping period |
| If you don’t move | You can be ticketed, and your car can be towed |
How to find your sweeping dates
- Find your ward sectionLook up your address on the City’s Street Sweeping Zones map on the Chicago Data Portal.
- Check the 2026 scheduleThe City’s Street Sweeping Schedule lists the dates for every ward and section. The City notes that dates can change during the season.
- Use the Sweeper TrackerThe City’s Sweeper Tracker shows where sweepers have been.
- Ask your alderman or 311Many ward offices send sweeping reminders. 311 can also help.
Chicago city sticker
If you live in Chicago and use your car in the City, you need a City vehicle sticker, wherever the car is registered. It’s one of the most common and most expensive tickets in Chicago.
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Bought a car (or received it as a gift) | 30 days from the purchase date |
| Moved to Chicago | 30 days from your move-in date |
| Renewing | Before the last day of the month printed on your sticker |
| No sticker | $200+ ticket · one can be issued every day |
Chicago parking on holidays 2026–27
Holidays don’t pause Chicago’s winter rules. The overnight ban runs every night from December 1 to April 1, and the 2-inch ban applies whenever there’s enough snow. Most auto pounds are open 24 hours, 365 days a year, but ticket hearing locations close on City holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Winter ban (3–7 a.m.) | Auto pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26, 2026 | Not yet in effect | Open 24/7 |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25, 2026 | In effect | Open 24/7 |
| New Year’s Day | Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | In effect | Open 24/7 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Mon, Jan 18, 2027 | In effect | Open 24/7 |
| Presidents’ Day | Mon, Feb 15, 2027 | In effect | Open 24/7 |
How to pay or contest a Chicago parking ticket
Chicago parking tickets are handled by the City’s Department of Finance, and contested tickets are decided by an Administrative Law Officer. The deadlines are short, so act quickly.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Days 1–7 | Contest the ticket by mail, online or in person, or pay it |
| Notice of Violation | If you didn’t pay or contest, a second notice gives you 21 days to pay or request a hearing |
| Determination of liability | If you don’t respond, you’re found liable by default. You can ask to set it aside within 21 days |
| Late payment | A penalty equal to the original fine is added (capped so the total doesn’t pass $250) |
| Final determination | Payment is due immediately. The debt can go to collections and credit bureaus |
| 3 or more final determinations (or 2 over a year old) | Your car can be booted and impounded |
Defenses the City accepts
- You weren’t the ownerYou didn’t own or lease the car at the time of the ticket.
- The car or plates were stolenAt the time of the ticket.
- Missing or hidden signsThe parking signs were missing or obscured.
- Broken meterThe meter wasn’t working, through no fault of yours.
- Wrong factsThe ticket’s details are inconsistent or don’t support the violation.
Chicago auto pounds: how to get your car back
First find out where your car is: call 311 or search your towed vehicle on the City’s website. Cars towed by the City go to one of these auto pounds.
| Auto pound | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Auto Pound | 500 E. Wacker Dr. (Lower Level) | 24/7 |
| Auto Pound 2 | 103rd St. and Doty Ave. (10301 S. Doty Ave.) | 24/7 |
| Auto Pound 6 | 701 N. Sacramento Ave. | 24/7 |
| O’Hare Auto Pound | Bessie Coleman Dr., O’Hare International Airport | 24/7 |
| Auto Pounds 1S and 4 (Police) | 103rd and Doty Ave. · 5555 W. Grand Ave. | 24/7 · call 312-745-6270 |
| Pounds 3S and 3N (abandoned vehicles) | 103rd and Doty Ave. · 701 N. Sacramento Ave. | Mon–Sat 7 a.m.–5 p.m., closed holidays |
What it costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tow | At least $150 |
| Storage | $25 per day |
| Parking tickets on the car | Must be paid before release |
How to get it back
- Locate itCall 311 or search online. For Pounds 1S and 4, call the Police at 312-745-6270.
- Bring proof of ownershipCars are released only to people who can show they own the vehicle.
- Pay everything owedThe tow fee, storage and any parking tickets on the car.
- Disagree with the tow?Ask for a hearing when you pick up the car, or within 15 days of release at any auto pound. Hearings are in person at the Department of Administrative Hearings, 400 W. Superior St.
5 mistakes that get Chicago drivers ticketed
- Thinking no snow means no banThe winter overnight ban applies every night from December 1, even when it’s dry.
- Mixing up the two snow bansThe 2-inch ban can start any time it snows enough, on different streets and at any hour.
- Ignoring the orange signsSweeping signs apply to your block on the dates shown, even if your neighbors don’t move.
- Skipping the city stickerThe ticket is at least $200 and can be written every day.
- Missing the 7-day windowContesting is easiest right after the ticket, before penalties and notices pile up.
Who to contact
| For | Contact |
|---|---|
| Towed or relocated car, sweeping, snow rules | City of Chicago 311 |
| Paying or contesting tickets | Ticket Helpline · 312-744-PARK (7275) |
| Auto pound extensions | Auto Pound Office · 312-746-4954 |
| Police-managed pounds (1S and 4) | Chicago Police · 312-745-6270 |
| City sticker | City Clerk · 312-742-5375 |
Chicago parking: frequently asked questions
When is Chicago’s winter overnight parking ban?
Every night from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., December 1 to April 1, on 107 miles of signed arterial streets, whether or not it has snowed.
Do I get towed during the winter parking ban?
Yes, cars on ban streets are towed to Auto Pound 2 or Auto Pound 6. You pay a $60 ticket, at least $150 for the tow and $25 a day for storage.
What’s the difference between the winter ban and the 2-inch ban?
The winter ban covers 107 miles of streets from 3 to 7 a.m. every night from December 1 to April 1. The 2-inch ban covers about 500 miles of main streets whenever 2 inches of snow are on the street, at any hour and on any date.
Does the winter parking ban apply on holidays?
Yes. It runs every night from December 1 to April 1, including Christmas and New Year’s.
When is street sweeping in Chicago?
From April through November, ward by ward. Orange “No Parking” signs on your block show the days and times.
What happens if I park during street sweeping?
You can get a ticket, and your car can be towed. The orange signs go up two days before your block is swept.
How do I find my street sweeping schedule?
Look up your ward section on the City’s Street Sweeping Zones map, then check the 2026 Street Sweeping Schedule on the Chicago Data Portal.
Do I need a Chicago city sticker?
Yes, if you live in Chicago and use your car in the City. You have 30 days after buying a car or moving in. The ticket is at least $200.
How long do I have to contest a parking ticket?
7 days from the date it was issued. If you don’t act, a second notice gives you 21 days to pay or request a hearing.
When can my car be booted in Chicago?
When you have three or more final determinations, or two that are at least a year old.
Where is my towed car?
Call 311 or search your towed vehicle on the City’s website. Most City-towed cars go to the Central, 2, 6 or O’Hare auto pounds.
How we verify this page
Trash pickup in Chicago
Holiday changes by zone, Blue Cart recycling, bulk items and yard waste.
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