Lake County, IL Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 2+ inches of snowfall
- No-parking window
- 12 hours after snowfall or until plowed
- Base fine
- $35 ($15 if paid in 7 days)
- Applies to
- posted state/county/township highways only
- Who signs
- County Superintendent or Township Highway Commissioner
Summary
On posted state, county, and township highways in Lake County, parking is banned for 12 hours after any 2-inch-plus snowfall, or until the snow is cleared, whichever is later.
It shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle on any state highway, county highway, or on township highways in a subdivision where appropriate signs have been posted at any time within 12 hours after a snowfall of two inches or more has occurred, or until the snow is removed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code § 71.04 bars parking any vehicle on a state highway, county highway, or a township highway within a subdivision where signs have been posted, for 12 hours after a snowfall of two inches or more, or until the road is plowed. The Lake County Superintendent of Highways or the local Township Highway Commissioner controls where signs go up. This is a county/township-highway rule; it does not reach streets inside Waukegan, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville, or Lake County's other incorporated cities and villages, which set their own snow-parking rules.
Violations & Fines
Enforced as a Lake County Sheriff's Office parking citation: $35, reduced to $15 if paid within 7 calendar days, under § 71.99(B)(1); vehicles blocking plowing may also be towed and impounded under § 71.09(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the snow-parking ban apply on any street in Lake County?
How much is the ticket for parking during a snow ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
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