Dibs & Space Saving: Chicago vs Skokie
How do dibs & space saving rules compare between Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL?
Chicago and Skokie 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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie does not recognize or enforce 'dibs' — the Chicago winter tradition of saving a shoveled parking space with chairs or other items. Objects left on public streets to reserve parking violate Skokie's right-of-way obstruction rules and may be removed.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Objects in Street | - | Obstruction violation |
| Chicago Tradition | - | Not applicable in Skokie |
| Removal | - | Village may dispose of items |
| Contact | - | Public Works (847) 933-8427 |
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.
Skokie FAQ
Can I use dibs to save my parking spot in Skokie?
No. Skokie does not recognize the Chicago dibs tradition. Objects placed on public streets to reserve parking are considered obstructions and may be removed by village crews.
What if someone puts chairs in front of my house to save a spot?
You can report it to Skokie Public Works or Police. The village may remove the items as right-of-way obstructions.
Why doesn't Skokie allow dibs like Chicago?
Skokie's overnight parking rules require permits for most on-street parking, and the village enforces right-of-way obstruction rules more strictly than the City of Chicago.
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