Saint Paul, MN Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Snow emergency duration
- Up to 96 hours
- Night plow routes
- Banned for full declared emergency
- Day plow routes
- Banned from 8 a.m. next day
- Winter parking restriction season
- Oct. 1 - May 1
- Violation
- Petty misdemeanor plus towing/storage costs
Summary
When Saint Paul's public works director declares a snow emergency, parking bans kick in on designated plow routes for up to 96 hours. Chapter 161 splits every city street into 'night plow routes,' posted with signs and banned to parking for the full emergency, and 'day plow routes,' banned starting 8 a.m. the following day until each street is plowed to the curb.
(a)All city streets are considered "snow emergency plow routes." The director of public works shall designate two (2) separate categories of plow routes for snow emergencies; "night plow route" and "day plow route." ... "Night plow routes." No vehicle shall be stopped, parked, abandoned or left unattended on any designated night plow route for the duration of a declared emergency, which shall remain in effect for ninety-six (96) hours from the date and time the emergency is declared to begin, unless terminated earlier... "Day plow routes." All other streets which have not been designated as "night plow routes" shall be designated as "day plow routes." No vehicle shall be stopped, parked, abandoned or left unattended on any day plow route beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the day following the start of an announced emergency and lasting for the duration of said emergency...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
02 lets the director of public works declare a snow emergency for up to 96 hours whenever snow, ice or other conditions create hazardous roads or block emergency travel, with notice given by press, radio, internet and television; successive emergencies can be declared back-to-back if conditions persist. The director may also impose a continuous 'winter parking restriction' on any or all streets during the winter season (October 1 through May 1), which stays in effect until officially lifted and is temporarily suspended whenever a snow emergency is declared.
03 implements the ban itself. the day after the emergency is announced and lifts street-by-street once plowed to the curb. Commercial passenger vehicles may still stop briefly to load or unload passengers on day routes. Under a winter parking restriction, the director designates one side of each snow route as restricted, and no one may stop, stand, park or leave a vehicle on that restricted side.
Violations & Fines
Any vehicle stopped, parked, abandoned or left unattended in violation of Chapter 161 is declared an obstruction to the public streets and is a petty misdemeanor under Section 161.04. The city may also move or impound the vehicle under Section 161.05, and the owner is responsible for all towing and storage costs, in addition to any court fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my street is a "night" or "day" plow route in Saint Paul?
How long does a Saint Paul snow emergency parking ban last?
What happens if I leave my car on a night plow route during a snow emergency?
Sources & Official References
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