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Winter parking rules in Madison

In a continuing effort to reduce fatalities, injuries, and property damage in the city of Madison and surrounding areas, Roadside News is addressing issues related to traffic safety. The monthly published column is written by members of the Madison Police Department traffic and support section.  Questions on particular topics can be e-mailed to Lt. Stephanie Bradley Wilson, sbradleywilson@cityof madison.com, or mailed to her at 211 S. Carroll St, GR 21, Madison, WI 53703.

Alternate side parking rules are in effect Nov. 15-March 15. The rules are in effect throughout most of Madison seven days a week. Madison Police Department parking enforcement officers enforce alternate side parking nightly seven days a week.  The cost of an alternate side parking ticket is $10. If you fail to pay your ticket 10 days after the issue date, you can be assessed late fees of up to $30.

Alternate side parking rules require you to park on the even house numbered side of the street between the hours of 1-7 a.m. on even numbered days and on the odd house numbered side of the street between the hours of 1-7 a.m. on odd numbered days, irregardless of weather conditions. There are three occasions when vehicles need to park on the odd side of the street three nights in a row. Those dates are Dec. 31 and Jan. 1; Jan. 31 and Feb. 1; and Feb. 29 and March 1.

There are two exceptions to these rules. The first is streets where parking is only allowed on one side. If you live on a street that has parking on only one side of the street, 24 hours a day, then the alternate side parking restrictions do not apply to the blocks with restricted parking.  This exemption only applies to streets with 24-hour no parking restrictions.

The other exception is the Downtown-Isthmus Snow Emergency Zone. In this area the alternate side parking rules are in effect only when a snow emergency has been declared.

Where is the Snow Emergency Zone?

The Snow Emergency Zone extends from Park and Proudfit streets on the south and west to Thornton Avenue and the Yahara River on the north and from Lake Monona to Lake Mendota.

Daytime alternate side parking restrictions are in effect in the 700-1200 blocks of Jennifer St., even if there is no snow emergency.  Those restrictions are posted on signs along the affected blocks.  This section of Jennifer Street is exempt from other Snow Emergency regulations due to the daytime restrictions.

How do I find out about a snow emergency?

The best way is to call the Snow Emergency Hotline at 261-9111. This phone line is updated as soon as a Snow Emergency has been declared.  The phone information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also subscribe to a list serv that will send you e-mail when the City of Madison declares a snow emergency.

The address is www.register.wiscnet.net/majord/majordomo/.htm. The notification system is provided as a convenience for Madison residents. Failure to receive e-mail from this system does not exempt a resident from having to comply with Alternate Side Parking requirements.

Where should I park during a snow emergency?

Off street parking is best.   However, if you must park on the street, follow the instructions you receive when you call 261-9111.