Saint Paul, MN Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Winter season defined
- Oct. 1-May 1, Sec. 161.01
- Snow emergency max length
- 96 hours, Sec. 161.02(a)
- Night plow routes
- No parking for full emergency, Sec. 161.03(a)
- Day plow routes
- Banned starting 8 a.m. next day, Sec. 161.03(a)
- Violation penalty
- Petty misdemeanor, Sec. 161.04
Summary
Saint Paul has no year-round nightly parking ban, but Sec. 161.02(b) lets the public works director impose a continuous winter parking restriction on any or all city streets between October 1 and May 1, and Sec. 161.03 separately bans overnight parking on designated 'night plow routes' for the length of a declared snow emergency.
(b)In any winter season, the public works director or his or her designated representative may in his or her discretion impose a continuous winter parking restriction on any or all city streets. ... Once imposed, a winter parking restriction will remain continuously in effect beginning on the date and time it becomes effective and for the remaining portion of the winter season, or until the restriction is officially lifted... Winter parking restrictions imposed under subdivision (b) will be temporarily suspended during a snow emergency declared under subdivision (a). ... "Night plow routes." No vehicle shall be stopped, parked, abandoned or left unattended on any designated night plow route for the duration of a declared emergency, which shall remain in effect for ninety-six (96) hours from the date and time the emergency is declared to begin, unless terminated earlier under section 161.02, subdivision (a).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 161's 'winter season' runs October 1 through May 1 under Sec. 01. Sec. 02(a) lets the public works director declare a snow emergency for up to 96 hours whenever snow, ice or similar conditions create hazardous roads, with notice given by press, radio, internet and television. Separately, Sec. for the remaining portion of the winter season' until officially lifted, though it is temporarily suspended whenever an actual snow emergency is declared. Sec. the day after the emergency begins, both restrictions lift street-by-street as soon as that stretch has been plowed to the curb.
Sec. 03(b) applies the same stop/stand/park ban to one side of a plow route street once a winter parking restriction (rather than an emergency) is in effect.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 161.04 makes any vehicle stopped, parked, abandoned or left unattended in violation of Chapter 161 a public street obstruction punishable as a petty misdemeanor. Sec. 161.05 allows the vehicle to be moved or impounded under Chapter 162, with the owner responsible for all removal and storage costs, and Sec. 161.06 requires written notice to the registered owner within five business days of the tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saint Paul ban overnight street parking every night?
How will I know if Saint Paul has declared a snow emergency?
What happens if my car is towed during a Saint Paul snow emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
How Saint Paul compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·Compare Saint Paul to another location·View the Minnesota parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.