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Snow Emergency: Frequently Asked Questions


snow emergency
WHAT IS A SNOW EMERGENCY?
A snow emergency is an alert for all vehicles to be removed from local roads and streets. When a snow emergency is called, it means the city has received/will receive a significant accumulation of snow and ice—typically four or more inches. For streets to be safely and effectively cleared, vehicles must be removed; failure to do so may result in citations and/or towing.

BUT THE POLICE WON'T REALLY TICKET, WILL THEY?
Yes! During a typical snow emergency, the Lincoln Park Police Department writes between a dozen and several hundred tickets.

IF I CAN'T PARK ON MY STREET, WHERE CAN I PARK?
During snow emergencies, the city provides designated snow emergency parking areas throughout the city. 

DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY VEHICLE OFF THE STREET THE ENTIRE TIME?
You can return to street parking once the plow has been through and cleared your street curb-to-curb—that's generally 2-3 pass-throughs from the plow.

THE PLOW TRUCK PUSHED A BUNCH OF SNOW INTO MY DRIVEWAY... WHAT GIVES?
Yes, we understand how annoying that can be. But the truth is, it's unavoidable. Our plow trucks are designed to push a large amount of snow quickly and efficiently so streets can be cleared and made safe for travel. That means some snow will end up at the bottom of your driveway. It's not personal and our drivers are doing everything possible to minimize it; it’s simply a byproduct of cleaning up large snows.

THIS IS A TOTAL INCONVENIENCE... IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?
Yes. We know it isn't ideal, and we're sorry about that. But plowing large accumulations of snow requires space, particularly on narrower urban-neighborhood streets. If vehicles remain parked, plows are only able to make a narrow pass through the center of the street, leaving behind bulky snow piles and making road conditions difficult for other drivers. So please be considerate of our plow drivers and your neighbors—move your vehicle to one of the free snow lots or park it at a friend's house.

BUT MY STREET NEVER GETS PLOWED!
We assure you, it does. If vehicles aren't moved, plows are only able to do a narrow push down the street's center, which may appear like it hasn't been serviced. As residents, we must work together to ensure that vehicles are moved. Have a street full of snow emergency parkers? Contact the Lincoln Park Police Department non-emergency at (313) 381-1800.

WHO DO I CALL IF MY NEIGHBORS DON'T MOVE THEIR CARS?
Please do not call 911. Contact the Lincoln Park Police Department non-emergency at (313) 381-1800. Thank you for your assistance and support!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
490.05 PARKING RESTRICTIONS DURING SNOW AND ICE EMERGENCIES:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/.../lincolnpa.../0-0-0-23616

202.101 PENALTY AND SANCTIONS FOR MUNICIPAL CIVIL INFRACTIONS:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/.../lincolnpa.../0-0-0-19747