Dibs & Space Saving: Des Plaines vs Oak Park

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.

Can I save my shoveled parking spot with a chair in Oak Park?

No. Oak Park prohibits placing objects in the public right-of-way to reserve parking spaces. Unlike Chicago, the Village does not tolerate the dibs practice and will remove items placed in the street.

What happens to items I put in the street to save my spot?

Village crews or code enforcement officers will remove and confiscate dibs items without notice. The Village is not responsible for returning removed items.

Does Oak Park help with snow removal from parking spots?

The Village plows streets during snow events but does not clear individual parking spaces. Residents are encouraged to shovel their spaces voluntarily but cannot claim exclusive use of public parking spots.