Winter has arrived in Minnesota, which means that snow emergency season is also here.
Snow emergencies are called to allow plow to clear the roads. However, vehicle owners are often taken off guard about parking rules and regulations, resulting in a missing car the next morning.
In Minneapolis, tickets during the snow emergency will cost you $45 and the city charges $138 for the tow. In St. Paul, tickets during a snow emergency are $56, and the city charges $209 for the tow if the vehicle is retrieved before midnight of the day it was towed. Each additional day that the car is left in the impound lot adds a $15 storage fee.
So, where can you park during a snow emergency? Plowing rules change daily. Here are the basics for Minneapolis and St. Paul.
In Minneapolis, Day 1 of a Snow Emergency lasts from 9 pm - 8 am. You may not park on either side of Snow Emergency Routes, which are marked with a red Snow Emergency Route sign. You may park on either side of other roads. (Day 1 Minneapolis Parking Rules Map.)
Day 2 of a Snow Emergency (8 am - 8 pm): You may park on ODD sides of non-Snow Emergency routes. You may also park on either side of Snow Emergency routes. (Day 2 Minneapolis Parking Rules Map.)
Day 3 of a Snow Emergency (8 am - 8 pm): You may park on EVEN sides of non-Snow Emergency routes. You may also park on either side of Snow Emergency routes. (Day 3 Minneapolis Parking Rules Map.)
In St. Paul, plowing is divided into a Night Plow Route and a Day Plow Route.
The Night Plow Route begins at 9 pm. Parking is banned until streets are plowed full width. According to the St. Paul website, “Night Plow Routes include streets with signs posted that say "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE" and "NIGHT PLOW ROUTE-THIS SIDE OF STREET."
The Day Plow Route begins at 8 am the following day. There are no signs marking day plow routes. According to the St. Paul website, “if the street is not marked as a ‘Night Plow Route,’ it is considered a day plow route.”
This St. Paul Snow Emergency Parking Map shows where parking is allowed during day and night plow routes. However, remember that this is just a guide, and posted signs override this map.
Minneapolis Snow Emergency Updates
Sign up to receive email, text, and phone call alerts about snow emergencies and parking rules. You can also use the city’s online portal to find out where you can park during the snow emergency. There’s also an app that provides this information directly to your smartphone (android) (iphone). For offline info, call (612) 348-SNOW.
St. Paul Snow Emergency Updates
Subscribe to SnowAlert to receive email or text messages when a snow emergency is declared. More information about parking rules can be found online or by calling (651) 266-PLOW.
From blizzards, whiteouts, and sub-zero temperatures to black ice and freezing rain, Minnesota winters have it all.
To survive the extremes, Minnesotans have to be both tough and smart.
Looking for more winter driving resources? Here are our top 5 winter driving articles to help you out:
1. If you’re new to Minnesota, here are 5 Winter Driving FAQs for Minnesota Newbies.
2. Wondering if winter tires are worth the investment? Check out this comparison to learn The Difference Between Winter Tires and All-Season Tires.
3. Even if you’re a veteran of our winters, here are our top Winter Storm Driving Tips Even Minnesotans Need to Remember.
4. Packing up the car for an ice fishing trip? Or just crossing town? Here are 10 Items to Keep in Your Vehicle this winter.
5. Need some examples of what not to do? Or just looking for some entertainment? 5 Drivers Share Stories About Getting Their Cars Seriously Stuck.
We’re bound to see more of the white stuff this winter, so use these tips to stay safe out there.
If you are looking for a sturdy, reliable car to get you through the Minnesota winter, a used luxury vehicle often provides the best value. Call us at (763) 522-2000 or visit our website to discuss our inventory of winter-ready, hardy used luxury cars.