Winter brings snow, plows, and strict parking rules to Prospect Heights. If you’re juggling driveways, guests, or street parking, a missed detail can turn into a ticket or a tow. You want to keep your block clear, follow the rules, and avoid surprises. This guide covers the key hours, snow-removal dos and don’ts, and who to call so you can stay compliant all season. Let’s dive in.
Winter parking rules: the basics
Overnight parking in single-family areas
In Prospect Heights single-family residential districts, you may not park on the street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. except for emergencies. The Village’s All Night Parking ordinance (10-8-5) sets a minimum fine of $75 per offense. Vehicles over 8,000 pounds may not park longer than 30 minutes between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. anywhere in town.
Township winter ban on some streets
Parts of Prospect Heights are maintained by Northfield Township. On Township streets, a seasonal winter parking ban applies: from November 1 through April 1, no street parking is allowed from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. per the Northfield Township Road District Snow Facts. Vehicles may be ticketed or towed if left out during those hours.
Why jurisdiction matters
Street rules depend on who maintains your block: the Village, Northfield Township, Cook County, or the State. That means two nearby streets can have different overnight hours and enforcement. If you’re unsure who maintains your street, check Village Public Works or the Township’s pages before a storm.
Snow removal: what you can and can’t do
Do not put snow into the street
Pushing or shoveling snow from your driveway, sidewalk, or lot into the roadway is prohibited. The Village ordinance Obstruction of Snow Removal (8-3-1-2) also bans actions that reduce the drivable width or block snow equipment. Instruct your plow service to keep snow on your property.
Keep hydrants and ramps clear
When possible, keep fire hydrants and curb ramps visible and accessible. This supports emergency response and helps plows move safely. The same obstruction ordinance reinforces the need to keep public rights-of-way open during and after storms.
Towing, tickets, and how to reclaim a car
When towing can happen
If a vehicle creates a hazard, blocks a hydrant, or obstructs emergency or snow-removal equipment, the Police Department can order immediate towing under the Village’s towing authority (10-8-7-7).
What to expect if you’re towed
To reclaim a towed vehicle, you’ll need to show proof of ownership and pay the required towing and storage charges. The code specifies that fees are set by City Council resolution (10-8-7-16), so amounts can change. Contact Village Police or Public Works for the current fee schedule and pickup location.
How to get reliable updates during storms
Village alerts and Public Works
Follow the Village’s website and social channels during snow events for updates on plowing and parking enforcement. The Prospect Heights Public Works page is the best starting point for current operations and contacts.
Township notices
If your block is a Township road, check the Northfield Township Snow Facts page for seasonal parking rules and plow operations. Look for any alert signups the Township provides.
Quick checklist for stress-free storms
- Know who maintains your street: Village, Northfield Township, County, or State.
- Move cars off the street overnight when snow is forecast.
- Village single-family areas: no parking 2:00–6:00 a.m.; minimum $75 fine for violations.
- Township streets Nov 1–Apr 1: no parking 2:00–7:00 a.m.
- Don’t push or throw snow into the street. Keep it on your property.
- If towed, contact Village Police or Public Works for reclaim steps and fees.
- Follow Village and Township channels for snow alerts and parking updates.
For buyers and sellers: why this matters
If you’re preparing a home for sale or planning winter showings, parking and snow compliance can affect access, first impressions, and safety. Clear driveways and legal, off-street parking make visits smoother and reduce risk of tickets or towing. A little planning before each storm protects your timeline and keeps the path to closing on track.
Looking for local guidance while you buy or sell this winter? Connect with the C Starr Team at @properties for a clear plan and a seamless experience.
FAQs
What are the overnight parking hours in Prospect Heights during winter?
- In single-family residential districts, no street parking 2:00–6:00 a.m. year-round per the Village’s All Night Parking rules; some streets maintained by Northfield Township also have a seasonal 2:00–7:00 a.m. ban from Nov 1–Apr 1.
Can my contractor push driveway snow across or into the street?
- No; the Village prohibits depositing snow into the roadway or obstructing snow equipment, so instruct your plow service to keep snow on your property.
When can my car be towed during a snowstorm?
- Vehicles that create a hazard, block hydrants, or obstruct emergency or snow-removal operations can be towed immediately; check Village communications for active enforcement during storms.
Who plows my street in Prospect Heights?
- It depends on who maintains your block: the Village, Northfield Township, Cook County, or the State; verify through the Village Public Works page or the Township’s snow pages before a storm.
Do I have to clear my sidewalk within a certain time?
- The parking and snow-removal sections clearly ban putting snow into the street; for sidewalk timing requirements, check with Prospect Heights Public Works and clear promptly to stay ahead of any local rules.
