Tippecanoe County, IN Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Transportation Emergency Ordinance, Ch. 73
- Trigger
- Commissioners' travel watch/warning declaration
- First-offense fine
- $50 (§ 73.99)
- Repeat-offense fine
- $100 to $2,500
- Geographic reach
- Unincorporated county roadways only
- Enforcement tool
- Towing under § 73.07
Summary
When the Board of Commissioners declares a travel watch or travel warning for snow, ice or storm debris, county roadways move under a parking prohibition immediately. No one may park or leave a vehicle on the affected unincorporated roadway while the ban is active, and it stays in force until the Commissioners announce the emergency has ended.
§ 73.05 PROHIBITION OF PARKING ON ROADWAYS.
(A) Whenever the Commissioners declare a travel watch or travel warning or otherwise invoke a classification described in § 73.04 of this chapter determining that existing or expected weather conditions or other hazardous situations will make it necessary that motor vehicle traffic be expedited or prohibited and that parking on county roadways be prohibited or restricted for snow plowing, debris removal, access for emergency vehicles, evacuation or other emergency purposes the Commissioners shall put into effect a parking prohibition on parts of or all roadways as necessary by declaring a transportation or snow emergency. (B) The parking prohibition shall become effective concurrently with the declaration of a travel watch or travel warning. (1) Once in effect, a prohibition under this section shall remain in effect until the transportation or snow emergency is terminated by announcement of the Commissioners in accordance with this chapter. While the prohibition is in effect, no person shall park a vehicle or allow a vehicle to remain parked on any portion of a roadway to which the transportation or snow emergency applies.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-17: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 2025-25-CM, passed 8-1-25; and State legislation current through 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 73, the Transportation Emergency Ordinance (Ord. 05. 04. 05 puts a parking prohibition into effect on the affected roadways at the same moment, and it remains until the Commissioners formally terminate it. Chapter 73 defines ROADWAY as public right-of-way "located in the unincorporated areas of the county," so the ban does not reach city streets inside Lafayette or West Lafayette. 06; drivers may only leave a stalled vehicle briefly to get help. 07, and towing/storage costs become a lien on the vehicle until paid.
Violations & Fines
If the vehicle isn't towed, the deputy who finds it in violation may issue a traffic summons under § 73.08, which § 73.99(B) makes a Class C infraction. § 73.99(C) sets the fine at $50 for a first offense and not less than $100 nor more than $2,500 for each later offense, prosecuted in a Tippecanoe County court with traffic-infraction jurisdiction. Owners of towed vehicles must show identification and proof of ownership and pay removal and storage costs before reclaiming the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out a snow emergency is in effect in Tippecanoe County?
What is the difference between a travel watch and a travel warning?
Can my car be towed if I leave it on the road during the ban?
Does this parking ban apply inside Lafayette or West Lafayette?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tippecanoe County
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