Updates to Winter Alternate Side Parking Program

The City of Madison is reviewing its Alternate Side Parking Program to find ways to improve safety, efficiency, and communication during winter months.

Testing a New Approach

Beginning with the 2025-2026 winter season, the City will test a delayed enforcement model and expand public education efforts to help residents better understand parking requirements and improve compliance.

For this winter:

• Enforcement will begin only when the Street Superintendent declares the first general plowing operation or snow emergency.  A “general plow” is the term used when every street in the City of Madison is plowed curb-to-curb.
• Once activated, the Alternate Side Parking requirements will remain in effect until March 15, 2026. However, ticketing for alternate side violations may be paused during prolonged periods without snow or ice.
• The City will also evaluate enforcement timing to determine whether adjustments to the overall winter parking timeframe are appropriate in future years.

Additional Adjustments

• Posted weekly daytime street maintenance restrictions will be enforced after snow events to enhance curb access and facilitate more efficient cleanup. This may include towing from posted areas.
• Priority enforcement will focus on streets with unsafe driving conditions or areas that obstruct access for emergency and public safety vehicles.

A Smarter, Data-Driven System

By testing this adaptive approach, Madison aims to move toward a data-driven and weather-responsive winter parking system that understands and balances operational needs that make our streets safe in the winter months with community convenience.

This year’s phased approach is the first step in what will be long-term re-evaluation of our winter parking program to help us find a system that will work best for residents, visitors, and the dedicated crews who are trying their best keep the roads safe for all of us.

Stay Informed: Winter Parking Alerts

The City of Madison offers text and email alerts to help you stay informed about winter parking rules and snow emergencies.

Subscribers will receive notifications earlier in the evening when parking restrictions are in effect and additional reminders when stricter enforcement is triggered by significant winter weather.

Sign up for winter parking alerts

Overnight parking in parking garages during declared snow emergencies
When a snow emergency is declared, the City provides free overnight parking in City-operated garages between 9pm and 7am. This program helps residents move vehicles off the street during critical plowing operations.

Learn more about City Parking Garages

Creating a More Effective and Equitable System

Efficient Snow Removal: Clear communication and flexible parking rules help plows fully clear roads, keeping streets safe and accessible for all users, including emergency responders, trash and recycling collection, deliveries, and bicyclists.

Priority Plowing Areas: The City is considering shifting to a priority enforcement approach, focusing on streets with unsafe driving conditions or those that block access for emergency and public safety vehicles. Crews will prioritize key transit routes and major travel corridors, coordinating closely with street plow operators.

Access and clarity: The new system aims to reduce undue financial burden on residents without access to off-street parking while improving outreach to encourage compliance.