St. Paul Parking Rules 2026: Snow Emergencies, Street Sweeping & Tickets
Where you can park during a snow emergency, when your street gets swept, what changes on holidays, and what to do if you get a ticket or your car is towed. All from official City of Saint Paul and Minnesota court sources, in one page.
Fall street sweeping
Started October 19, 2026 and takes up to six weeks. Watch for temporary “No Parking” signs on your block.
Snow emergencies
New this winter: snow alert texts come from 888777. Text STPAULSNOW to sign up.
Can I park on my street during the snow emergency?
Pick the phase, your type of street and whether it’s been plowed to the curb.
Not sure about your street? See “How to tell your route” below.
This checker shows the general City of Saint Paul snow emergency rules. It can’t see the signs on your block: posted signs always take priority. When in doubt, call the Snow Plowing Hotline at 651-266-PLOW (7569).
St. Paul parking: quick facts
St. Paul snow emergency parking rules
The City usually declares a snow emergency after 3 inches of snow or more, and announces it by 3 p.m. so you have time to move your car. The parking rules always start at 9 p.m. that day and last 96 hours, with plowing in two phases and a clean-up after.
| Phase | Starts | Night Plow Routes & downtown | Day Plow Routes (no signs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night Plow | 9 p.m. Day 1 (plows run until 7 a.m.) | No parking | Parking OK |
| Day Plow | 8 a.m. Day 2 (plows run until 5 p.m.) | OK once plowed to the curb | No parking until plowed to the curb |
| Clean-up | Rest of the 96 hours | Don’t park where the street isn’t plowed to the curb yet | |
How to tell your route
- Night Plow RouteLook for signs that say “NIGHT PLOW ROUTE” or “NIGHT PLOW ROUTE THIS SIDE OF STREET.” They’re usually on both sides of main streets and one side of north–south residential streets.
- Day Plow RouteAny street or side of the street without those signs. Usually both sides of east–west residential streets and the other side of north–south ones.
- DowntownTreat every downtown street as a Night Plow Route, signs or not.
- Check the mapThe official Snow Emergency Parking Map shows when and where you can park on each street.
How to know when a snow emergency is declared
- Text alertsText STPAULSNOW to 888777 (also in Hmong, Somali, Spanish and Oromo). This winter some alerts may still come from 88911 during the switch.
- Email and phoneSign up for SnowAlert emails or Ramsey County’s voice alerts on the City’s snow emergency page.
- HotlineCall 651-266-PLOW (7569) for a recorded message.
Alternate side parking pilot (Snelling-University and Selby-Dale)
St. Paul doesn’t have citywide winter parking restrictions. In winter 2025–26 the City tested weekly alternate side parking in two neighborhoods instead of snow emergencies. As of the last City update, no decision has been made on what changes, if any, will follow.
| 2026 pilot | Rule |
|---|---|
| Areas | Snelling-University (Thomas Ave., Snelling Ave., St. Anthony/I-94, Aldine St.) and Selby-Dale (Selby Ave., Western Ave., Summit Ave., Dale St.) |
| Dates | January 4 to April 11, 2026, with tickets from January 18 |
| Parking | One side only, switching weekly between the even and odd side |
| Switch time | Both sides OK on Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m. while cars move over |
| Snow emergencies | Didn’t apply in the pilot areas: the pilot schedule stayed in effect |
St. Paul street sweeping schedule
St. Paul sweeps about 530 miles of residential streets in spring and fall. Arterial streets get swept at least 8 times a year from April through October.
| Sweep | 2026 dates | Parking rule |
|---|---|---|
| Spring sweep (streets and alleys) | From April 13, about six weeks | No parking 8 a.m.–6 p.m. when temporary signs are posted |
| Summer sweeping | From June 29, weekly rotation | Streets may or may not be posted in advance |
| Fall sweep (streets only) | From October 19, up to six weeks | No parking 8 a.m.–6 p.m. when temporary signs are posted |
| Arterials and downtown | April–October | Follow posted overnight “sanitation ban” signs |
How to find your street’s sweep date
- Check the sweeping mapThe official street sweeping map shows when each street is scheduled.
- Watch your blockTemporary signs go up at least 24 hours before sweeping.
- Ask Public WorksCall 651-266-8989, weekdays 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
St. Paul parking on holidays 2026–27
Parking meters are free on 11 City holidays. Meters normally run Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. downtown and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. elsewhere. Snow emergency, sweeping and posted sign rules still apply on holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Parking meters |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Day | Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | Free |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26, 2026 | Free |
| Day after Thanksgiving | Fri, Nov 27, 2026 | Enforced |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25, 2026 | Free |
| New Year’s Day | Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | Free |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Mon, Jan 18, 2027 | Free |
| Presidents’ Day | Mon, Feb 15, 2027 | Free |
How to pay a St. Paul parking ticket
St. Paul parking tickets are handled by Ramsey County District Court through the statewide Minnesota Court Payment Center. Pay by the due date printed on your ticket. After that, late penalties can be added and a late notice is sent to the registered owner.
How to contest a parking ticket
- Book a Hearing Officer appointmentCall the Court Payment Center. Most appointments are on Zoom, and you get the link by email.
- Or go in personKellogg Courthouse (Room 130) or the Suburban Courthouse. The Law Enforcement Center on Grove St. has no hearing officer.
- Bring a photo IDAnd proof of insurance if needed. Someone other than the registered owner can meet the Hearing Officer.
- Know the optionsThe Hearing Officer can offer a reduced fine, a payment plan or a continuance for dismissal. City Public Works staff can’t cancel tickets.
St. Paul impound lots: how to get your car back
What it costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard tow | $225.24 |
| Snow emergency tow | $275.08 |
| Storage | $15 per additional day |
| Snow emergency ticket | $56, paid separately to the court |
| Drop fee (car released before it’s towed away) | $75, paid to the tow company |
Administrative costs and sales tax are added. Payment is cash or card, in person only.
What to bring
- Photo IDA state ID or driver’s license, passport, military ID or consulate ID. You need a valid driver’s license to drive the car away.
- Proof of insuranceFor the towed vehicle.
- Proof of ownershipTitle, bill of sale or lease agreement.
- Someone else picking it up?They need a notarized letter from the owner with a copy of the owner’s photo ID, or a power of attorney.
5 mistakes that get St. Paul drivers ticketed
- Parking downtown on Day 1Downtown has no snow signs, but it’s a Night Plow Route from 9 p.m.
- Parking on an unsigned street on Day 2Streets without signs are Day Plow Routes from 8 a.m.
- Moving back too soonThe rules last 96 hours. If the curb isn’t plowed yet, don’t park there.
- Missing the sweeping signsTemporary signs go up only 24 hours before sweeping.
- Leaving a car for days48 hours in the same spot is the limit all year.
Who to contact
| For | Contact |
|---|---|
| Snow emergency status | Snow Plowing Hotline · 651-266-PLOW (7569) |
| Street sweeping, plowing questions | Saint Paul Public Works · 651-266-8989 · weekdays 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Unplowed street sections | Street Maintenance · 651-266-9700 |
| Towed car | Police Impound Lot · 651-266-5642 · Snow Emergency Lot · 651-603-6895 |
| Paying or contesting a ticket | Minnesota Court Payment Center · (651) 281-3219 · 1-800-657-3611 |
| Ramsey County Violations Bureau | (651) 266-1999 · 15 W Kellogg Blvd., Room 130 |
St. Paul parking: frequently asked questions
How long does a St. Paul snow emergency last?
96 hours, starting at 9 p.m. on the day it’s declared. Ticketing and towing continue for all 96 hours.
When is a snow emergency declared?
Usually after 3 inches of snow or more. The City aims to announce it by 3 p.m., and the parking rules start at 9 p.m.
Where can I park on Day 1?
From 9 p.m., not on streets signed Night Plow Route and not anywhere downtown. Streets without snow signs are OK until 8 a.m. the next day.
Where can I park on Day 2?
From 8 a.m., not on streets without snow signs (Day Plow Routes) until they’re plowed to the curb. Night Plow Routes that are plowed to the curb are OK.
Is downtown St. Paul a Night Plow Route?
Yes. All of downtown is a Night Plow Route during a snow emergency, even without signs.
Is there free parking during a snow emergency?
Yes. During the first 24 hours, the Block 19 Ramp at 145 E 7th St. is free from 5 p.m. to 5 p.m.
How much is a snow emergency ticket and tow?
The ticket is $56. A snow emergency tow is $275.08 plus $15 for each additional day, plus administrative costs and tax.
When is street sweeping in St. Paul?
In spring (from April 13 in 2026) and fall (from October 19 in 2026). No parking 8 a.m.–6 p.m. on your sweep day when temporary signs are posted.
Does St. Paul have winter parking restrictions?
Not citywide. In 2026 the City tested weekly alternate side parking in Snelling-University and Selby-Dale. No decision has been made on what happens next.
Are St. Paul parking meters free on holidays?
Yes, on 11 City holidays, including Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Meters don’t run on Sundays.
How do I contest a St. Paul parking ticket?
Book a Hearing Officer appointment through the Court Payment Center. Most are on Zoom, or you can go to the Kellogg Courthouse or the Suburban Courthouse.
How we verify this page
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