Dibs & Space Saving: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do dibs & space saving rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
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 →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines does not officially recognize 'dibs' or any practice of using chairs, cones, or other objects to reserve cleared on-street parking spaces after a snowstorm. Public streets remain public, and obstructing the right-of-way violates Des Plaines City Code.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Dibs Recognized | - | No |
| Street Obstructions | - | Prohibited |
| Item Removal | - | By Public Works |
| Snow Permits | - | Use overnight permit system |
| Contact | - | Public Works (847) 391-5464 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I save a parking space with a chair after I shovel in Des Plaines?
No. Des Plaines does not recognize dibs. Public streets remain public, and items used to block spaces may be removed by Public Works as obstructions.
Is dibs legal anywhere in Illinois?
Dibs is a Chicago neighborhood custom that the City of Chicago tolerates after major snowstorms but does not formally legalize. Most suburbs including Des Plaines prohibit the practice.
What if someone keeps taking my shoveled spot?
There is no legal claim to a public space. Use the city's overnight parking permit system or off-street parking. Retaliation against another driver is illegal and should be avoided.
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