Live operations
Follow city plows
Use the official tracker to see winter equipment working across the city during an operation.
Open Chicago Plow TrackerChicago, IL winter guide
Chicago snow plow and parking guide.
Chicago clears main routes and emergency access before moving through neighborhood streets. Two different winter parking rules can apply, so residents should check both the overnight ban and posted two-inch snow routes.
Reviewed September 1, 2026Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation
OVERNIGHT BAN3–7 a.m.
SNOW-ROUTE TRIGGER2 inches
RESIDENT HELPCHI 311
Start with the official answer
Three useful ways to check Chicago
These links go directly to the city tools residents need during a storm.
Avoid a tow
Check both parking bans
The winter overnight ban and the posted two-inch snow-route rule are different restrictions.
Read winter parking rulesStreet request
Contact CHI 311
Use the city portal for a non-emergency street concern after crews complete the relevant phase.
Open CHI 311How the response unfolds
What happens before your street is finished
Chicago follows a local sequence. Knowing the phase explains why one road can be clear while another is still waiting.
- 1First response
Salt and protect main routes
Crews start with major routes, bridges, emergency access, and streets used by transit.
- 2During accumulation
Plow the route system
Trucks continue assigned passes while snowfall, traffic, and parked cars affect the result.
- 3Neighborhood phase
Move into side streets
Residential streets follow after main routes are safe enough for crews to expand the operation.
Before leaving the car
Chicago parking rules that matter
- The posted winter overnight parking ban is in effect from 3 to 7 a.m., December 1 through April 1, regardless of snowfall.
- A separate posted two-inch snow-route restriction can activate when snow reaches two inches.
- Read the sign on the block. A street can be subject to one rule, both rules, or neither rule.
Resident checklist
What to do during the storm
- 1
Check the block’s signs before every winter storm.
- 2
Move the vehicle before the restriction begins rather than waiting for a plow.
- 3
Keep sidewalks and corners passable without placing snow in the street.
- 4
Use the tracker before reporting a neighborhood street as missed.
Service boundaries
Who clears what in Chicago
The city plow department is not responsible for every road, sidewalk, driveway, alley, or parking area.
Chicago Streets and Sanitation
Runs the city route system and publishes plow activity during winter operations.
Residents and property owners
Follow posted parking restrictions and maintain required pedestrian access adjoining the property.
Other road operators
Expressways, private roads, lots, and driveways can fall outside the city plow operation.
If the street looks missed
Report a street only after its route phase
Neighborhood streets can wait while main routes and emergency access are being maintained. Check the tracker and the active storm notice first.
- 1Confirm the street is city maintained.
- 2Check the plow tracker and current operation.
- 3Submit the exact block and issue through CHI 311.
Local questions answered
Chicago snow plow FAQ
Short answers for the questions residents usually have during an active storm.
Does the overnight ban require snow?
No. On posted streets it applies from 3 to 7 a.m. every day from December 1 through April 1, even when no snow is falling.
Is the two-inch rule the same ban?
No. Chicago also has posted snow routes where a separate restriction can activate after two inches. Always read the signs on the block.
Why are neighborhood streets later?
The city first keeps main routes, transit corridors, and emergency access moving. Residential work expands as that phase progresses.
Verify the answer
Official Chicago sources
Storm conditions and emergency rules change. These are the public-agency pages used for this guide.
More official guides