Snow emergencies, despite the name, are a regular part of life in the Twin Cities. For new residents, a first visit to the impound lot is like a rite of passage. But as aggravating as they can be, snow emergencies and their parking restrictions are how the cities keep streets drivable, and parkable, in the winter.
Here’s what you need to know about parking in Minneapolis and St. Paul during a snow emergency. In both cities, snow emergencies start at 9 p.m. on the day they’re declared. But after that, the cities have different rules.
How to stay informed
Minneapolis offers e-mail, phone, push and text alerts. You can also receive updates on Twitter and Facebook. The Minneapolis Parking app also sends snow emergency notifications. Check out the city’s snow emergency website for more information. Minneapolis City Council TV will also air information during a snow emergency. Minneapolis parking rules are available in the following languages: Español, Hmoob, Soomaali, ລາວ and Oromo.
St. Paul also offers e-mail, phone and text alerts. You can follow St. Paul Public Works on Twitter and the city’s Facebook page for snow emergency news. The city has a website where you can find snow emergency updates, an interactive map and parking rules. You can call 651-266-PLOW (7569) for recorded information. Information about St. Paul snow emergency alerts and parking rules is available in a number of additional languages.
What if my vehicle is towed?
It will likely cost you. In Minneapolis, the standard tow charge is $222 and $18 per day for storage, assessed at midnight. Be sure to have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy. You can search for your car in Minneapolis’ impound lot here. The lot is located at 50 Van White Memorial Blvd. in Minneapolis. During snow emergencies it is open 24 hours. The phone number is 612-673-5777.
In St. Paul, you can expect a $56 parking ticket, $241.73 in towing and impound lot fees if you pick up your vehicle before midnight the day it is towed, as well as $15 per each additional day of storage. You can find more information here on how to find your vehicle and what to bring with you when you pick it up. Vehicles towed during a snow emergency in St. Paul are brought to 1129 Cathlin St., across the street from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The phone number is 651-502-7480.
