Parking Rules in Des Plaines, IL

If you live in Des Plaines or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Des Plaines has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Overnight Parking

Des Plaines does not impose a blanket citywide overnight street-parking ban, but restricted resident districts post 'No Parking 9:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.' signs, and semitrailer truck cabs and commercial vehicles are barred from overnight on-street parking under Section 7-3-2.

Key details: Citywide Ban: None (sign-based). Resident District Hours: 9:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. (7-3-10). Semitrailer Cabs: Overnight prohibited (7-3-2). Antique Vehicle Fine: $200 (third+ time, 7-10-6).

Parking in a posted 9 p.m.-6 a.m. resident district without a permit is ticketed; a third or more consecutive overnight antique-vehicle violation is $200 under Section 7-10-6. Consecutive-day violations of many parking rules run $115 each after the fine increases adopted in 2024.

RV & Boat Parking

Des Plaines residents may park a travel trailer, camper, recreational vehicle, boat, or moving trailer on the public street directly in front of their dwelling only for loading or unloading, for no more than 24 hours, and must first notify the police department.

Key details: Code Section: City Code 7-3-2. Street Time Limit: 24 hours (loading/unloading only). Notice Required: Police department before parking. Proposed (2025): 1 RV per lot; no living/utilities.

Exceeding the 24-hour loading window or parking without police notification subjects the vehicle to citation under Title 7 and possible tow; abandoning a vehicle on the street is a $150 fine under Section 7-10-6.

Compared to other cities, Des Plaines takes a harder line on rv & boat parking. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Commercial & Oversized Vehicles

Des Plaines City Code Section 7-3-2 makes it unlawful to park a commercial vehicle (over a B plate or exceeding 8,000 pounds gross weight) on any property in a residential district, except inside a fully enclosed garage, and bars overnight commercial-vehicle parking on the public right of way.

Key details: Code Section: City Code 7-3-2. Commercial Threshold: Over B plate or 8,000 lbs GVW. Residential Districts: Banned unless fully enclosed garage. Service Exemption: Active delivery/service work.

A commercial vehicle parked in a residential district outside an enclosed garage, or parked overnight on the public right of way, is subject to citation and tow under Title 7; fines are set by the Section 7-10-6 fine schedule.

Compared to other cities, Des Plaines takes a harder line on commercial & oversized vehicles. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Street Parking Limits

Des Plaines regulates on-street parking through Title 7, Chapter 3, with prohibited and time-limited zones; restricted resident parking districts post 'No Parking' signs that override general rules. Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1303 sets the baseline of where stopping, standing, and parking are prohibited statewide.

Key details: Code Section: City Code 7-3-2 through 7-3-4. Resident Districts: 7-3-10 (permit required). State Authority: 625 ILCS 5/11-1303. Time-Limit Fine: $50 (7-10-6).

Overstaying a one-, two-, or three-hour limited zone carries a $50 fine; parking in a posted tow-away zone or abandoning a vehicle is $150 (Daily Herald, 2024 fine increase, Section 7-10-6). Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1303, parking on railroad tracks carries a mandatory $500 fine or 50 hours of community service.

The Bottom Line

Des Plaines is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Des Plaines, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Des Plaines's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.