CityRulesQuiet Hours & City Rules

United States

Overnight Parking & Winter Bans in Des Moines

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

Des Moines, IowaLocal timezone: America/ChicagoCity coverage

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Des Moines overnight parking is generally allowed - there is no seasonal citywide ban. When winter weather hits, the City activates snow operations: no parking on signed Snow Routes during snowfall, then no parking on residential streets starting about three hours after the snow ends; some areas use odd/even rules 07:00-19:00. Violations are typically $35 and vehicles may be towed. Check the City's Snow Removal page and the official Snow Routes map. No citywide overnight permit is required. Tip: during declared operations, move off Snow Routes and residential streets promptly to avoid plow damage, ticketing, or towing.

Overnight parking

Allowed when no bans active

Typical overnight window: Overnight parking allowed unless a snow operation is declared; comply with Snow Route and residential restrictions.

Permit requirement

No permit required

Winter parking ban

Active

Ban months: Event-based (no fixed months).. Hours: Snow Routes restricted during snowfall; residential streets restricted starting about three hours after snow ends; odd/even 07:00-19:00 when announced..

Towing enforced

Yes, towing enforced

View tow zone map

Typical fines and enforcement

Snow removal violation $35 (increases to $40 if unpaid after 30 days); vehicles with four or more delinquent tickets are subject to tow.

Snow removal violation $35 (increases to $40 if unpaid after 30 days); vehicles with four or more delinquent tickets are subject to tow.

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

During snow emergencies the municipality advises: No seasonal ban. During snowfall and subsequent operations, no parking on Snow Routes and later on residential streets; odd/even side restrictions (07:00-19:00) may be announced. Vehicles may be ticketed and towed..

Parking details

Overnight window: Overnight parking allowed unless a snow operation is declared; comply with Snow Route and residential restrictions.

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

Snow emergency: No seasonal ban. During snowfall and subsequent operations, no parking on Snow Routes and later on residential streets; odd/even side restrictions (07:00-19:00) may be announced. Vehicles may be ticketed and towed.

Typical ticket amounts: Snow removal violation $35 (increases to $40 if unpaid after 30 days); vehicles with four or more delinquent tickets are subject to tow.

Official resources

Source: Snow Removal - City of Des Moines Public Works

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 Snow Routes restricted during snowfall; residential streets restricted starting about three hours after snow ends; odd/even 07:00-19:00 when announced.. During snow emergencies, the city instructs drivers: No seasonal ban. During snowfall and subsequent operations, no parking on Snow Routes and later on residential streets; odd/even side restrictions (07:00-19:00) may be announced. Vehicles may be 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/iowa/des-moines

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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