Bristol Township, PA Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Move-by deadline
- Two hours after snow or sleet covers the street surface
- Accumulation test
- Irrespective of any measured accumulation
- Snow routes
- Streets in Schedule XXI (§ 191-85), posted with snow route signs
- Emergency declaration
- Not required; requirement repealed by § 191-61
- Maximum fine
- Not to exceed $25, plus costs of prosecution
- Tow notice
- Township notifies owner of record within 12 hours
- Enforcer
- Bristol Township Police Department
Summary
In Bristol Township, vehicles must be off Township streets within two hours after snow or sleet covers the street surface, regardless of measured accumulation. Posted snow routes are towed during snowfall, no emergency declaration is needed, and fines are capped at $25 plus costs.
§ 191-58. Declaration of intent. Bristol Township hereby declares its intent to require any person, owner, lessee or operator of any motor vehicle parked, stored or left standing upon the streets and rights-of-way of the Township to remove the same or cause the same to be removed therefrom within two hours after snow or sleet falls in sufficient amounts to form, lay upon and cover the street surface, irrespective of any measured accumulation ... § 191-60. Major thoroughfare snow routes designated. The Township Police Department is hereby further authorized and directed to issue violations and to undertake to have towed and removed any vehicle left standing and unattended upon the streets or parts of streets described in Schedule XXI (§ 191-85), attached to and made a part of this chapter, provided that such streets or parts of streets are conspicuously posted with signs stating "SNOW ROUTE, VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED DURING SNOWFALL." § 191-6 ... 2. Violations and penalties. ... to levy fines for each violation in an amount not to exceed $25, plus costs of prosecution.
Full Breakdown
Article VIII of Chapter 191 of the Bristol Township Code (§§ 191-58 to 191-62) governs parking during snow and ice in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Section 191-58 requires any person, owner, lessee or operator of a motor vehicle parked, stored or left standing on the streets and rights-of-way of the Township to remove it within two hours after snow or sleet falls in amounts sufficient to form, lay upon and cover the street surface. The code says this applies irrespective of any measured accumulation, so there is no inch threshold to wait for. The stated purpose is unimpeded access and passage for snow removal, salt or cindering vehicles and equipment.
Section 191-59 authorizes and directs the Bristol Township Police Department to issue violations to any vehicle left standing and unattended on a street or right-of-way after that two-hour period.
Major thoroughfare snow routes are handled separately in § 191-60. The Police Department is authorized and directed to issue violations and to have towed and removed any vehicle left standing and unattended on the streets or parts of streets listed in Schedule XXI (§ 191-85). Those streets must be conspicuously posted with signs stating "SNOW ROUTE, VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED DURING SNOWFALL." Look for that sign before leaving a car on a thoroughfare.
Section 191-61 repeals any requirement that the Township officially declare or announce a snow emergency before it issues violations or tows from snow routes. Waiting for an announcement is not a defense in Bristol Township.
If a car is towed, the removal and impound rules of Article VII apply. Removal is done only by storage garages approved by the Township Council, charging only the schedule Council approved. The Township must send notice to the owner of record within 12 hours of removal, naming the place of removal, the reason and the garage. Under § 191-57, a vehicle cannot be removed if the owner or person in charge is present and willing to move it immediately. Under § 191-55, paying towing and storage charges is final unless paid under protest, and a protest earns a hearing before a District Justice. Payment does not erase the fine for the underlying violation.
Violations & Fines
Section 191-62 authorizes the Bristol Township Police Department, during periods of snowfall or sleetfall as set forth in § 191-58, to issue motor vehicle citations and levy fines for each violation in an amount not to exceed $25, plus costs of prosecution. On a posted snow route the vehicle can also be towed under § 191-60, and towing and storage charges are separate from the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to move my car after it snows in Bristol Township?
Does the Township have to declare a snow emergency first?
Which streets are snow routes?
How much is the fine for violating the snow rules?
What happens if my car is towed from a snow route?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol Township
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