Charles Melville Hayes, a well-known railway executive, was known for his ‘safety first is safety always’ slogan. This slogan becomes exceptionally important this winter, especially with the snowiest month that lies ahead. Several cities across the U.S. have issued warnings, and a special winter warning for Chicago drivers has also been released. Chicagoans must beware when parking or risk facing fines exceeding $200 on Christmas Day. With the cost of living already being exceptionally high during wintertime, the last thing we need is a fine.
Boosting safety during the winter
Northern states are typically blessed with a picturesque white Christmas, as well as mountainous regions such as the Appalachians and the Rockies, and the surrounding areas of the Great Lakes. This year will be no exception, with significant cold spells and snowfall expected in several regions across the U.S. While excitement increases over the drop in temperatures and snowfall expectancy, concerns are growing among officials.
The festive period tends to be a nightmare for safety officials, as increased volumes of traffic and extreme weather conditions typically increase road safety issues. That is why police departments and safety officials across the U.S. have been urging road users to stay safe and diligent. In a special winter warning for Chicago drivers, the road users are warned to be more mindful of their parking. Find out more below.
Winter warning for Chicago drivers
In the state of New York, it has been made clear that drivers must still adhere to the state’s respective traffic rules and regulations, especially as there has been some confusion as to whether it is illegal to drive with Christmas lights on a car in New York. While this confusion has been cleared, Chicago drivers are also being warned to adhere to current and new traffic laws this winter.
Seasonal traffic laws are not unheard of, and in the City of Chicago, a particular winter law ensures public safety for all Chicagoans. This law is known as the Winter Overnight Parking Ban. This seasonal ban enables public transportation and emergency vehicles to move freely, and decreases the risk of dangerous situations for:
- Pedestrians
- Drivers
- Other travelers
“Having this consistent rule for overnight parking allows snow removal crews to plan and execute their operations more effectively, and we ask residents and visitors to please follow the posted parking restriction signs so critical routes can be fully salted and plowed during winter weather events.” – Cole Stallard, Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) Commissioner
Beware when parking or face fines exceeding $200 on Christmas Day
According to the official statement from the City of Chicago, the Winter Overnight Parking Ban started on Monday, December 1, 2025, and will continue until April 1, 2026. The ban will affect 107 miles of main roads regardless of the presence or absence of snow. The ban will be effective during the morning hours between 03:00 and 07:00, including Christmas Day.
Anyone who breaks this winter traffic law will have to face the consequences. The City of Chicago’s official statement warned that those in violation of the Winter Overnight Parking Ban will:
- Be towed away,
- Will face a towing fee of $150 minimum,
- Will receive a $60 fine, and
- Face a daily $25 storage fee
If you are one of the unlucky people who ‘accidentally’ parked in a restricted zone or ‘forgot’ about the Winter Overnight Parking Ban’s restriction hours, you can find your towed-away vehicle either at Pound 2 at 10301 South Doty Avenue, or Pound 6 at 701 North Sacramento. In all cases, remember that no one is above the law, and violating this law places someone else’s safety in jeopardy. Other cities have also released winter safety tips, including understanding the horizontal stoplights in some U.S. regions.
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