CityRulesQuiet Hours & City Rules

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Overnight Parking & Winter Bans in Philadelphia

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

Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocal timezone: America/New_YorkCity coverage

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Philadelphia overnight parking is generally allowed on most residential streets unless posted otherwise. During a declared Philadelphia winter parking ban (snow emergency), no parking is permitted on posted routes until lifted; cars are ticketed and may be towed. Check the official snow emergency routes and move promptly. Many neighborhoods use Residential Parking Permits; apply via the City portal (apply for a parking permit). Typical snow-route tickets are $51 outside Center City and University City (higher in those districts), with additional tow or relocation fees. For issues or blocked streets, report through Philly311. Tip: when a snow emergency is announced, relocate before the stated effective time to avoid towing and delays.

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 snow emergency declarations remain active.

Towing enforced

Yes, towing enforced

View tow zone map

Typical fines and enforcement

Snow Emergency Route violations: $51 outside Center City and University City, $76 in Center City and University City, plus tow or relocation fees.

Snow Emergency Route violations: $51 outside Center City and University City, $76 in Center City and University City, plus tow or relocation fees.

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

During snow emergencies the municipality advises: Snow emergency declarations prohibit parking on posted Snow Emergency Routes until lifted; vehicles may be ticketed and towed or relocated..

Parking details

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

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

Snow emergency: Snow emergency declarations prohibit parking on posted Snow Emergency Routes until lifted; vehicles may be ticketed and towed or relocated.

Typical ticket amounts: Snow Emergency Route violations: $51 outside Center City and University City, $76 in Center City and University City, plus tow or relocation fees.

Official resources

Source: Snow emergency routes | Department of Streets | City of Philadelphia

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 snow emergency declarations remain active. During snow emergencies, the city instructs drivers: Snow emergency declarations prohibit parking on posted Snow Emergency Routes until lifted; vehicles may be ticketed and towed or relocated.. Could you share a reminder with residents so we can avoid towing or tickets? Reference: https://www.cityrules.info/parking-rules/united-states/pennsylvania/philadelphia

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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