Alternate Side Parking in Madison Begins Tonight

The City of Madison’s alternate side parking restrictions begins tonight at 1:00am on November 15.

Alternate side parking is in effect each night from November 15 to March 15. The rule is enforced between the hours of 1:00am and 7:00am.

• If you park on the street within the Snow Emergency Zone, you only need to follow the alternate side parking rules when a Declared Snow Emergency is in effect.
• If you park on the street outside of the Snow Emergency Zone, you should follow the alternate side parking rules each night from November 15 until March 15 regardless of weather conditions.

What are the alternate side parking rules?

Since the restrictions begin at 1:00am and last until 7:00am, it is important to notice what the date will be the upcoming morning when parking your vehicle for the night.

• Vehicles parked on the street should be parked on the odd numbered address side of the street on odd numbered dates.
• Vehicles should be parked on the even numbered address side of the street on even numbered dates.

Violations of the alternate side parking ordinance are punishable by fines of $20.  The fine increases to $60 during a declared Snow Emergency. Vehicles may also be towed.  Towed vehicles are also assessed a tow fee on top of the parking violation.

Where is Snow Emergency Zone?

A map of the Snow Emergency Zone area can be found on the City of Madison Winter website.

In this area of Madison, alternate side parking is only enforced during Declared Snow Emergencies.

Residents who park their vehicles on the street within the Snow Emergency Zone should sign up to receive snow emergency alerts so they will know when to follow alternate side parking rules.

You can sign up for these alerts at the City of Madison Winter website.

Where can I get reminders for where to park my car each night outside of the Snow Emergency Zone?

You can sign up to receive nightly text alert reminders on the City of Madison Winter website.

The winter website also has a feature that will tell you what side of the street to park on to be in compliance with alternate side parking rules.

Follow All Posted Parking Rules

Besides alternate side parking rules, you should continue to follow parking signs. These posted restrictions will be enforced regardless of weather conditions.

Most streets within the Snow Emergency Zone also have a posted once weekly four-hour parking restriction. These restrictions are like other posted parking regulations. They are enforced throughout the winter months, including during declared snow emergencies.

Following all parking rules helps snow plowing operations because crews will be able to push the snow out of the road when cars are not blocking the plow truck’s path.

Don’t Let the Snow Lead to a Ticket or a Tow

In preparation of the snowy months ahead, the Streets Division recommends that you park or store boats, trailers, and seldom-used vehicles in off-street locations to avoid fines and help keep your street plowed wide and safe all winter long.

Remember to plan ahead when parking on the street and be aware of any alternate side rules and always follow posted parking signs. 

Additional Information