Dibs & Space Saving: Des Plaines vs Tinley Park
How do dibs & space saving rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Des Plaines and Tinley Park have similar restriction levels.
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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park does not recognize or permit 'dibs' — the Chicago winter tradition of reserving a shoveled parking space with chairs or other objects. Items placed in the public right-of-way violate obstruction and property maintenance rules and may be removed.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Dibs Recognized | No | No |
| Street Obstructions | Prohibited | - |
| Item Removal | By Public Works | - |
| Snow Permits | Use overnight permit system | - |
| Contact | Public Works (847) 391-5464 | Public Works (708) 444-5500 |
| Objects in Street | - | Obstruction violation |
| Chicago Tradition | - | Not applicable |
| Removal | - | Village may dispose of items |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Can I use dibs to save my parking spot in Tinley Park?
No. Tinley Park 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 a neighbor puts chairs in front of my house to save a spot?
You can report it to Tinley Park Public Works or Police non-emergency. The village may remove the items as right-of-way obstructions.
Why doesn't Tinley Park allow dibs like Chicago?
Tinley Park's overnight parking ban and right-of-way obstruction rules mean residents are expected to use their driveways and garages rather than claim on-street spaces.
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