Chicago, IL Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Snow exceeds 2 inches on a Snow Route
- Fine
- $60.00 civil penalty
- Duration
- Until plowing is completed
- Loading limits
- 3 min passengers / 30 min freight
Summary
Chicago bans standing or loading on signed Snow Route streets once snow exceeds two inches, and the ban stays in force until plowing is finished.
It shall be unlawful to park any vehicle for a period of time longer than three minutes for the loading and unloading of passengers or 30 minutes for the loading, unloading, pick-up or delivery of materials from commercial vehicles, whether such location has been designated as a loading zone or not, on any street that has been designated by appropriate signs as a "Snow Route" at any time the snow on the street exceeds two inches in depth and until the snow stops falling and for the necessary period of time until all snow removal operations have been completed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code § 9-64-070 makes it unlawful to park longer than three minutes for passenger loading, or 30 minutes for commercial loading/unloading, on any street posted with a "Snow Route" sign once snow on the street exceeds two inches in depth. The restriction runs from the moment the two-inch threshold is hit through the time snow stops falling and until the city finishes its snow removal operations on that street: it is not tied to a fixed calendar season. The Department of Transportation posts the qualifying streets with Snow Route signage; drivers are expected to watch for those signs on designated through streets and bus routes citywide.
Violations & Fines
Civil offense under § 9-100-020(b): a flat $60.00 fine for violating § 9-64-070, issued as a parking ticket rather than a criminal charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Chicago's Snow Route parking ban kick in?
How much is the ticket for parking on a Snow Route during snow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
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Snow Removal Parking Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle snow removal parking rules.