CityRulesQuiet Hours & City Rules

United States

Overnight Parking & Winter Bans in Washington

Know when to move your vehicle, which streets require permits, and how towing is enforced during winter bans.

Washington, District of ColumbiaLocal timezone: America/New_YorkCity coverage

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Washington, DC overnight parking is generally allowed unless restricted by posted signs or Residential Permit Parking (RPP) limits. During a declared Snow Emergency, parking on red-and-white Snow Emergency Routes is banned and vehicles are subject to a $250 ticket plus a $100 tow and $20/day storage. Check the official Snow Emergency Routes map and follow snow emergency parking rules. RPP is required to exceed posted time limits on zoned blocks;apply via DC DMV. Tip: move off Snow Emergency Routes before plows arrive to avoid towing; report illegal parking through DC 311.

Overnight parking

Allowed when no bans active

Typical overnight window: Allowed unless posted; move off Snow Emergency Routes during declarations.

Permit requirement

No permit required

Winter parking ban

Active

Ban months: Event-based (no fixed months). Hours: 24/7 while declared.

Towing enforced

Yes, towing enforced

View tow zone map

Typical fines and enforcement

~$50-$250 depending on violation; snow emergency violations are $250, plus tow/storage fees.

$250 snow emergency ticket; $100 tow fee; $20/day storage.

Always confirm the latest posted signage before leaving a vehicle overnight.

During snow emergencies the municipality advises: When the Mayor declares a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on red-and-white signed Snow Emergency Routes until lifted; vehicles are ticketed and towed..

Parking details

Overnight window: Allowed unless posted; move off Snow Emergency Routes during declarations.

Winter ban months: Event-based (no fixed months)

Snow emergency: When the Mayor declares a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on red-and-white signed Snow Emergency Routes until lifted; vehicles are ticketed and towed.

Typical ticket amounts: $250 snow emergency ticket; $100 tow fee; $20/day storage.

Official resources

Source: Snow Emergency | DC

Last checked on .

Snow emergency template

Message to landlord or HOA

Hello property manager, The city has a winter parking ban from Event-based (no fixed months) and restricts overnight parking 24/7 while declared. During snow emergencies, the city instructs drivers: When the Mayor declares a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on red-and-white signed Snow Emergency Routes until lifted; vehicles are ticketed and towed.. Could you share a reminder with residents so we can avoid towing or tickets? Reference: https://www.cityrules.info/parking-rules/united-states/district-of-columbia/washington

Frequently asked questions

Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.

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