Drivers Face $130 Tickets Under New Winter Parking Law

UPDATE: Starting December 2, drivers in Portland, Maine, face immediate risks of hefty $130 tickets due to a new emergency parking ban, enacted in anticipation of severe winter weather. Motorists are urged to stay vigilant and check their phones to avoid these fines.

As heavy snowfall is predicted this week, vehicles parked on the street overnight are not only at risk of receiving a ticket but could also be towed, incurring additional costs for owners. This parking ban, initiated to ensure that snowplows can clear roads efficiently, aims to keep the streets safe during winter storms.

The City of Portland announced the parking ban through a social media post, effective at 10 PM on December 2. This measure comes after the city raised parking violation fines from $40 to $130 last November, aligning with penalties in other cities that enforce emergency parking bans.

To avoid these fines, drivers should proactively check the weather forecast on their phones before parking for the night. Knowing the expected snowfall can help determine if a parking ban is likely to be enforced. Most municipalities provide information on local ordinances regarding snow accumulation that triggers these bans.

It’s crucial to explore off-street parking options or permissible on-street locations during a ban to prevent financial penalties. Many cities, including Portland, share this critical information via their social media accounts alongside announcements of emergency parking bans.

While the current ban is set to conclude on the morning of December 3, more bans are anticipated as winter progresses. The urgency of this situation underscores the importance of being informed and prepared, as the winter weather poses challenges for drivers across the nation.

Stay alert and check local government websites and social media for updates on parking regulations and upcoming snow events. Protect your wallet and ensure your vehicle is parked legally during this winter season.