Snow parking fines slam more than 1,000 drivers

WASHINGTON — As soon as a snow emergency is declared in the city, the ticketing begins. And during Monday’s snowstorm, more than 1,000 drivers received tickets.

The red-and-white signs signaling which roads are snow emergency routes are easy to understand. The purpose is to keep major thoroughfares clear for plows and salt trucks.

More than 1,120 drivers got $250 tickets Monday for parking along a snow emergency route, according to the Department of Public Works.

But that number doesn’t tell the whole story.

In this case, almost as soon as drivers were ticketed, they were towed to make room for the plows.

Towing adds another $100 to drivers’ bills, who will then pay another $20 in impounding fees per day. So, most of those 1,124 drivers are in the hole $370.

If you find your vehicle was towed, you can find it by calling the Towed Vehicle Locator office at 202-541-6083 or by visiting the office’s website.

The snow emergency was lifted by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on the WTOP Facebook page.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up