Minneapolis Snow Emergency Parking & Towing Rules

Minneapolis declares a Snow Emergency after significant snowfall so plows can clear streets curb to curb. Parking in the wrong spot on the wrong day is one of the most common ways local drivers end up tagged or towed to the city impound lot.

How a Snow Emergency is declared

The city typically declares a Snow Emergency by 6 p.m. following a significant snowfall. Parking rules take effect at 9 p.m. that same night. The city posts the status on its snow emergency line and website, and offers text, email, and phone alerts you can sign up for in advance.

Day 1: Snow Emergency routes

Starting at 9 p.m. on the day of the declaration until 8 a.m. the next day, parking is not allowed on either side of a Snow Emergency route, marked with red-and-white signs. These are the first streets plowed. Once a route is fully plowed curb to curb, you're free to park there even if the Snow Emergency is still active.

Day 2: Even side, non-emergency routes

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the following day, parking is not allowed on the even-numbered side of streets that aren't Snow Emergency routes, and not allowed on either side of parkways. You can park on the odd side of non-route streets during this window.

Day 3: Odd side, non-emergency routes

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the third day, parking switches to the opposite side: the odd-numbered side of non-route streets is off-limits so plows can finish the block.

The simplest way to avoid a tow

When in doubt, move your vehicle off the street entirely, into a driveway, garage, or lot, until the Snow Emergency is lifted. If that's not possible, know which side of your street is odd or even, and keep an eye on the calendar day rather than assuming rules carry over.

If your car won't start or is stuck before you can move it

Snow Emergencies often get declared with only a few hours' notice, and cold weather is hard on batteries and tires. If your vehicle won't start or is stuck in snow before you can move it, Markaa Towing offers jump starts, roadside assistance, and emergency towing throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro.

If your car was already towed

Vehicles tagged in violation of Snow Emergency rules can be tagged and towed to the Minneapolis impound lot. The city's snow emergency hotline and impound lot search can confirm whether a vehicle was towed and what's needed to retrieve it.