Madison enforces citywide alternate-side parking November 15 through March 15 from 1 AM to 7 AM, the signature winter parking rule. Park on odd-numbered side on odd dates, even side on even dates. $60 ticket + possible tow.
Madison General Ordinances 12.76(4) establishes winter alternate-side parking citywide from November 15 through March 15 each year. Between 1 AM and 7 AM, vehicles must be parked on the odd-numbered side of the street when the calendar date is odd, and on the even-numbered side when the date is even. The date switches at midnight based on the date the parking begins (e.g., parking from Jan 5 at 11 PM to Jan 6 at 3 AM must be on the even side since it will be Jan 6 during the enforcement window). Tickets are issued by Parking Enforcement; standard forfeiture is $60 under the bail deposit schedule. During declared Snow Emergencies (typically 3+ inches forecast), additional rules apply: no parking on designated snow emergency routes, and vehicles may be towed to allow plowing. Sign up for Winter Parking Alerts at cityofmadison.com. Non-winter overnight parking is permitted on most streets but subject to the 48-hour continuous limit (MGO 12.76) and RP3 restrictions in permit districts.
Alternate-side violation: $60. Snow emergency violation: $60 + tow fee ~$150. 5+ unpaid: boot/tow.
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