Find out if winter parking starts

If too much snow builds up along the streets, emergency vehicles and other traffic may not get through. If this happens, we may put winter parking restrictions into place.

If the City starts winter parking restrictions, we'll tell residents using the same channels as when we declare a Snow Emergency.

How to find out about Snow Emergencies

Lifting winter parking restrictions

We'll lift restrictions when the snow buildup is reduced enough for emergency vehicles to get through again. In any event, winter parking restrictions will end by April 1.

Winter parking rules

Unless otherwise posted, you can park:

• On the odd side of streets that are not Snow Emergency Routes
• On both sides of Snow Emergency Routes (see exceptions below)
• On both sides of parkways (where parking is allowed)

Do not park:

• On the even side of streets that are not Snow Emergency Routes
• Where temporary "No parking" signs are posted
• In severe winters, temporary signs may restrict parking on other Snow Emergency Routes as needed.

If we declare a Snow Emergency while winter parking restrictions are in effect, Snow Emergency rules come first.

Winter parking restrictions during Snow Emergencies

During a Snow Emergency, winter parking restrictions are suspended. For Days 1, 2 and 3 of the Snow Emergency, follow Snow Emergency parking rules.

Day 1 of Snow Emergency 

• Starting at 4 p.m., you may move your vehicle off of Snow Emergency Routes and onto either side of streets that are not Snow Emergency Routes.
• Beginning at 9 p.m., follow the standard Snow Emergency parking rules for Days 1, 2 and 3.

When the Snow Emergency ends

Winter parking restrictions begin again at 8 a.m. the morning after Snow Emergency Day 3. If your vehicle is on the even side of a street that's not a Snow Emergency Route, you will need to move it.

Winter restrictions, parking rules and zones

Learn how winter parking restrictions apply to:

• Posted signs
• No parking zones
• Disability zones

Temporary "No Parking" signs or other posted signs

Always follow any posted “No Parking” or other posted signs.

• Streets that are not Snow Emergency routes sometimes only allow parking on one side of the street year-round. 
• When winter parking restrictions are in place, we install revised signs that comply with winter parking restrictions. 
• When there’s a Snow Emergency, you must follow both the Snow Emergency parking rules and any posted signs.

“No Parking” zones along schools 

Unique parking restrictions exist around many Minneapolis schools. When winter parking restrictions are in effect, we change the parking rule signs. Streets in school zones are normally posted as: “No Parking 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. School Days.”

We'll change them to:

• On the odd side of the street: “No Parking Anytime”
• On the even side of the street: “Parking Permitted Except Even Side Plowing Day”

Disability transfer zones 

Winter parking restrictions do not affect disability transfer zones. These zones are for loading and unloading, not parking. 

Disability parking zones  

If a disability parking zone is on the even side of a street that's not a Snow Emergency Route, the property owner who had the zone put in may request an exemption to winter parking restrictions by calling 311. We’ll review these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Winter parking and permits

Critical parking permits and street use permits (trash bins and storage units)

If you have a critical parking permit or a street use permit, you still need to follow winter parking restrictions. Parking or street use is restricted to the odd side of streets that are not Snow Emergency Routes. If odd-side parking doesn’t exist, you must use a different street. 

Obstruction permits

We’ll review all obstruction permits during winter parking restrictions. These obstruction permits are invalid during winter parking restrictions:

• Overnight parking 
• Use of the even side of a street 

If you have questions 

Call us at the phone number printed on the permit.