Chicago's winter overnight parking ban in effect; 263 cars towed on first night

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's annual winter overnight parking ban is in effect, so if you don't pay attention to the parking signs, your car could get towed.

A total of 263 cars were towed early Friday morning, which was the first night of the ban, the city said.

The overnight winter parking ban is enforced between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Dec. 1 through April 1 on 107 miles of the city's main streets, whether it's snowing or not.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said the ban allows the city's snow plows to immediately begin clearing streets if and when there is snowfall overnight.

Violators face a possible $60 parking ticket, a $150 towing charge, and a $25 per day impound fee. Vehicles will be towed to one of two city pounds: at 10301 S. Doty Ave., or 701 N. Sacramento Blvd.

In addition to the winter overnight parking ban, there is a separate snow-related ban on 500 more miles of city streets, which is enforced whenever there are at least 2 inches of snow on the street, no matter when it is.

While rarely enforced, violating the 2-inch snow parking ban also can result in a $60 parking ticket. The city also might relocate your car to another street parking spot if it's parked on a designated 2-inch parking route.