Dibs & Space Saving: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do dibs & space saving rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights does not officially sanction the practice of saving shoveled-out parking spots with chairs or other objects. The village discourages space saving and may remove items placed in the public right-of-way.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago's famous 'dibs' tradition — reserving shoveled-out parking spots with chairs, cones, or other objects — is technically illegal under Municipal Code Section 10-28-070, which prohibits storing goods or materials on the public way. Violations carry fines of $50 to $250 per day. However, enforcement has historically been inconsistent and largely complaint-driven. The Department of Streets and Sanitation periodically removes dibs objects as part of trash collection, and residents can request removal through 311.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Dibs Policy | Not sanctioned | - |
| Space Savers | May be removed by village | - |
| Winter Parking | Overnight ban reduces conflicts | - |
| Contact | Police non-emergency (847) 368-5300 | - |
| Legal Status | - | Illegal under Section 10-28-070 |
| Fine Range | - | $50 to $250 per offense per day |
| Enforcement | - | Complaint-driven; report via 311 |
| Cultural History | - | Tradition since 1967 blizzard |
| Removal Requests | - | 2,000+ in recent winters via 311 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can I save my shoveled parking spot with a chair in Arlington Heights?
Arlington Heights does not officially allow space saving. Items placed in the street to reserve spots may be removed by village crews.
Does Arlington Heights have a dibs system like Chicago?
No. The village does not have a formal dibs program and discourages the practice of saving shoveled parking spaces with objects.
What if someone takes my shoveled spot?
Public street parking is first-come, first-served. Contact the Police Department non-emergency line at (847) 368-5300 if a dispute arises.
Chicago FAQ
Is dibs legal in Chicago?
No. Reserving parking spaces with chairs or other objects is technically illegal under Chicago Municipal Code Section 10-28-070, which prohibits storing items on public ways. Fines range from $50 to $250 per day, though enforcement is complaint-driven.
What should I do if someone puts dibs in front of my house?
You can request removal through 311 or the city's online service request system. The Department of Streets and Sanitation collects dibs objects as part of cleanup operations, especially as the immediate post-storm period passes.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington Heights and Chicago compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool