Chicago RV & Boat Parking Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Max Street Parking Duration
- 24 hours
- Max Vehicle Length on Residential Streets
- 22 feet
- Ticket Fine
- $150
- Tow Threshold
- 7 days of continuous parking
- Winter Rules
- No oversized vehicles during snow emergencies
The Short Version
Chicago does not allow recreational vehicles, boats, or trailers to park on public streets for more than 24 hours. This applies to all neighborhoods citywide. If your RV or boat is over 22 feet long, it can't park on any residential street at all, even briefly. There's no annual pass or permit system to get around this — you need off-street parking. The city actively tickets during winter months when street sweeping and snow removal make oversized vehicles an even bigger problem. Fines are $150 per ticket and your vehicle can be towed after 7 days.
Full Breakdown
Chicago's parking ordinance (Municipal Code 9-64-170) is strict about oversized vehicles on public roads. Any recreational vehicle, boat trailer, or camper parked on a public street for more than 24 consecutive hours is subject to a ticket. Vehicles over 22 feet in total length (including trailer hitch) are prohibited from parking on residential streets entirely.
The 24-hour rule is enforced through complaint-based ticketing and regular patrols. Parking enforcement marks tires with chalk or uses license plate readers to track how long a vehicle has been in the same spot. After 7 days without moving, the city can tow at the owner's expense — typically $500-$1,500 depending on vehicle size.
Winter brings additional headaches. During declared snow emergencies, all vehicles must be moved from designated snow routes. Oversized vehicles are targeted first and face immediate towing without the 7-day grace period. The city sends alerts via email and text for registered residents, but if you're not signed up, you need to watch for the signs.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Each 24-hour period of illegal parking generates a separate $150 ticket. After 7 days, the vehicle can be towed and impounded. Towing and storage fees start at $500 and increase daily. During snow emergencies, towing is immediate with no warning period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park my RV in Chicago?
Can I park my boat trailer in front of my house while I prep for a trip?
What counts as a "recreational vehicle" under Chicago code?
How does Chicago compare?
See how Chicago's rv & boat parking rules stack up against other locations.