Philadelphia, PA Parking Rules: Dibs & Space Saving (2026)

Unlike Chicago (which tolerates 'dibs') or Boston (which formally permits space-saving for 48 hours after storms), Philadelphia's official position is that saving parking spots is illegal. The Philadelphia Police Department has actively fought the practice, posting videos and removing traffic cones, lawn chairs, and other objects used to mark cleared spaces. During snow emergencies declared under Chapter 12-2500, the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) relaxes meter enforcement and offers discounted garage rates, but does not create any legal right to reserve on-street spaces. The practice, locally called 'savesies,' persists as an unwritten cultural tradition, especially in South Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, and other neighborhoods with limited off-street parking. Disputes over saved spaces occasionally escalate to property damage or confrontations. The city's position is that public streets belong to everyone and no one has a right to claim a public parking space by shoveling it out. Snow emergency parking rules focus on keeping designated snow emergency routes clear for plowing.