Minneapolis Parking Rules 2026: Street Sweeping, Snow Emergencies & Tickets
When you can’t park, how to tell which rules apply to your street, and what to do if you get a ticket or your car is towed. All from official city and court sources, in one page.
Fall street sweeping
Started October 19, 2026. A full sweep takes about four weeks. Watch for pink “no parking” signs.
Snow emergencies
Rules apply only when the City declares a snow emergency. Sign up for alerts so you don’t miss one.
What do the snow rules say for my street?
Pick the rules in effect and your type of street.
Not sure which street type you’re on? See “How to tell your street type” below.
This checker shows the general City of Minneapolis snow emergency and winter restriction rules for each type of street. It can’t see temporary signs, construction or towing zones on your block: posted signs always take priority. Any street that is fully plowed is open for parking. When in doubt, call 311.
Minneapolis parking: quick facts
Minneapolis street sweeping schedule
The City sweeps more than 1,100 miles of streets curb to curb twice a year, plus nearly 400 miles of alleys in spring. Each full sweep takes about four weeks.
| Sweep | 2026 dates | Parking rule |
|---|---|---|
| Spring sweep | Completed | No parking 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on your sweep day |
| Fall sweep | From October 19, 2026 (about 4 weeks) | No parking 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on your sweep day |
| Routine sweeping | Rest of the year | Doesn’t affect parking |
How to find your street’s sweep date
- Check the City’s street sweeping mapSearch your street on the official street sweep schedule map.
- Sign up for alertsGet phone, email or text alerts from the City. It’s the only way to make sure you’re notified.
- Don’t rely on the courtesy callSome residents get a recorded call the evening before, but calls aren’t made after 9 p.m. and aren’t guaranteed.
- Ask 311Call 311 or 612-673-3000 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.) or email minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov.
Minneapolis city holidays 2026: what changes
On City holidays, City offices close and some services change. The City doesn’t say whether street sweeping stops on holidays, so if your street has pink sweeping signs, follow them.
| Holiday | Date | Impound lot | Garbage & recycling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans Day | Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | Closed | Check holiday schedule |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26, 2026 | Closed | Check holiday schedule |
| Day after Thanksgiving | Fri, Nov 27, 2026 | Closed | Check holiday schedule |
| Christmas | Fri, Dec 25, 2026 | Closed | Check holiday schedule |
Snow emergency parking rules: Day 1, 2 and 3
When the City declares a snow emergency, parking rules change over three days so plows can clear every street.
| Day | Starts | Snow emergency routes | Regular streets | Parkways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 9 p.m. | No parking | Both sides OK | Both sides OK |
| Day 2 | 8 a.m. | Both sides OK | Odd side OKEven side no | No parking |
| Day 3 | 8 a.m. | Both sides OK | Even side OKOdd side no | Both sides OK |
How to tell your street type
- Snow emergency routeLook for red “Snow Emergency Route” signs and blue street name signs.
- Regular streetGreen or brown street name signs mean it isn’t a snow emergency route.
- Odd or even sideCheck the last digit of a building address on that side: even number = even side, odd number = odd side. No buildings? Use the official snow emergency parking map or call 311.
- ParkwaysMost parkways (Lake Harriet, Minnehaha, Nokomis, Kenwood and others) are plowed on Day 2. Two short parkway sections, 46th St. E. and Main St. SE, are plowed on Day 1.
Winter parking restrictions (odd side only)
When snow builds up so much that emergency vehicles can’t get through, the City can declare winter parking restrictions. They stay in place until the snow goes down, and end by April 1 at the latest.
| Where | During winter restrictions |
|---|---|
| Regular streets, odd side | Parking allowed |
| Regular streets, even side | No parking |
| Snow emergency routes | Both sides allowed unless temporary signs say otherwise |
| Parkways | Both sides allowed where parking is normally allowed |
How to pay a Minneapolis parking ticket
Minneapolis parking tickets are handled by Hennepin County courts through the statewide Court Payment Center. You have 30 days from the date the ticket is entered into the court system.
Late fees
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1–30 | Pay the fine plus a $12 surcharge that applies to parking citations |
| After 30 days | $5 late fee added |
| 21 days later | $25 delinquency fee added |
| Still unpaid | Sent to collections. With 5 or more unpaid traffic or parking tickets, your car can be impounded until you pay. |
Good to know: parking tickets never go on your driving record.
How to contest a parking ticket
- Book a meeting with a Hearing OfficerCall (651) 281-3219 (metro) or 1-800-657-3611. Meetings take about 20 minutes on Zoom, weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with evening slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5–8 p.m.
- Or walk inHearing & Fines Office, Skyway Level of the C-Tower, Hennepin County Government Center, downtown Minneapolis. Weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., last appointment 4:15 p.m.
- Know what to expectThe Hearing Officer isn’t a judge. They can discuss options like a reduced fine, a payment plan or community work service.
- Act earlyOptions narrow once a ticket is late, so book your meeting within the 30 days.
Minneapolis Impound Lot: how to get your car back
What it costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard tow | $222 |
| Storage | $18 per day, charged at midnight |
| Notification letter | $6 |
| Heavy-duty tow | $224.50, plus $124.50 per half hour of winch time |
They take cash, checks or money orders, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Google Pay and Apple Pay. No starter checks.
What to bring
- Proof of insuranceIn your name, for the towed vehicle.
- Registration, title or lease agreementPlus the license plate number or VIN.
- Photo IDDriver’s license or Minnesota ID card.
- A licensed driverTo drive the car off the lot, or arrange your own tow. If your tabs expired more than 90 days ago, bring current tabs and the DMV receipt.
- Someone else picking it up?They need a notarized statement from the owner, a copy of the owner’s ID, the plate or VIN, and the car’s make and year.
5 mistakes that get Minneapolis drivers ticketed
- Parking on a snow emergency route on Day 1From 9 p.m. on Day 1, routes are off-limits until fully plowed.
- Staying on the odd side overnight into Day 3Move to the even side between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Thinking meters or accessible spots are exemptSweeping signs apply to them too.
- Waiting for the courtesy callIt isn’t guaranteed. Sign up for City alerts instead.
- Missing the 30-day deadlineA $5 fee comes first, then $25 more.
Who to contact
| For | Contact |
|---|---|
| Sweeping dates, snow emergencies, towed cars | Minneapolis 311 · 311 or 612-673-3000 · Mon–Fri 7am–7pm · minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov |
| Towed car | Minneapolis Impound Lot · 612-673-5777 · 50 Van White Memorial Blvd |
| Paying a ticket | Minnesota Court Payment Center · (651) 281-3219 · (800) 657-3611 · webpay.courts.state.mn.us |
| Contesting a ticket | Hennepin County Hearing & Fines Office · (651) 281-3219 · Government Center, Skyway Level, C-Tower |
Minneapolis parking: frequently asked questions
When is street sweeping in Minneapolis?
Twice a year, in spring and fall. Each full sweep takes about four weeks. The fall 2026 sweep started October 19, 2026.
What are the street sweeping parking hours?
No parking from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on your street’s sweep day, or until the signs are removed.
How do I know when my street will be swept?
Look for bright pink signs posted at least 24 hours before, check the City’s street sweeping map, or sign up for City alerts.
Where can I park on Day 1 of a snow emergency?
From 9 p.m., on either side of parkways and regular streets. Not on snow emergency routes until they’re fully plowed.
Where can I park on Day 2?
From 8 a.m., on both sides of snow emergency routes and on the odd side of regular streets. Not on the even side of regular streets or on parkways.
Where can I park on Day 3?
From 8 a.m., on both sides of snow emergency routes and parkways, and on the even side of regular streets. Not on the odd side of regular streets until fully plowed.
How do I know if my street is a snow emergency route?
Snow emergency routes have red “Snow Emergency Route” signs and blue street name signs. Green or brown street name signs mean it isn’t a route.
What are Minneapolis winter parking restrictions?
When snow builds up, the City can ban parking on the even side of regular streets. You can park on the odd side, on both sides of snow emergency routes and on parkways where parking is allowed. They end by April 1 at the latest.
How much does it cost to get my car out of the Minneapolis impound lot?
A standard tow is $222, plus $18 for each day of storage and a $6 notification letter.
Is the impound lot open on holidays?
No. It’s closed on City holidays that fall Monday to Friday, such as Thanksgiving (Nov 26, 2026) and the day after (Nov 27, 2026).
How long do I have to pay a parking ticket?
30 days from the date it’s entered into the court system. After that a $5 fee is added, and 21 days later a $25 delinquency fee.
Do parking tickets go on my driving record in Minnesota?
No. Parking citations are never certified to your driving record.
Can I contest a Minneapolis parking ticket?
Yes. Book a meeting with a Hearing Officer by phone, on Zoom or walk in at the Hennepin County Government Center. They can discuss options like a reduced fine or a payment plan.
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