Madison, WI Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)

128(3) makes it unlawful to leave a vehicle standing on any city street "for storage purposes," and defines storage precisely as a continuous 48-hour stay in the same spot, not an overnight curfew tied to specific hours. and still there 48 hours later without having moved is in violation, regardless of whether it sits on a metered block, a residential street, or an unposted stretch. 128(4)(b)-(h). Enforcement of the storage rule falls to the Madison Police Department and Parking Enforcement officers, who chalk-mark or timestamp vehicles to establish how long a car has stood in one place.

128(3) violation is a forfeiture of not less than $10 nor more than $50 for a first offense within a year, rising to not less than $20 nor more than $100 for a second or subsequent conviction in the same twelve-month period. The prohibition applies citywide to any public street, not to a particular residential zone, and there is no exception for vehicles that are registered, insured, or otherwise legally operable, the rule targets the act of using the public right-of-way as a storage lot.

Residents who need to park a car for an extended trip should use off-street parking or move the vehicle at least once every 48 hours to avoid a citation.