Montreal Winter Parking Bans: How to Avoid Getting Towed
Every winter, thousands of Montreal drivers walk to where they parked — and find nothing but a freshly plowed snowbank. Their car was towed for a Montreal parking ban, and now they are facing a ticket, a tow fee, and the scramble to find out where their vehicle went. It happens from November to April, it happens fast, and it is entirely preventable if you know the rules. This guide breaks down Montreal’s winter parking rules in plain language, explains exactly how snow removal towing works, shows you how to track your street’s status in real time, and gives you everything you need to keep your car — and your wallet — safe from snow towing season.
❄️ Winter Parking Survival Rules
Download the Info-Neige app — it sends push alerts when snow removal is planned for your street.
Check for temporary red-and-white signs every time you return to your car.
Signs are posted at least 12 hours before removal begins. If you see one, move immediately.
Car already gone? Call 311 or 514-280-4636 to find it. For any non-snow towing help, call (514) 483-6944 for 24/7 towing and roadside assistance.
How Montreal’s Snow Removal System Works
Montreal clears approximately 10,000 km of roads after every major snowfall. That is an enormous operation — and your car cannot be in the way. Here is the sequence:
Snowfall Triggers the Operation
After significant snowfall (typically 5+ cm), the city activates a borough-by-borough snow removal schedule. This can begin as quickly as 12–24 hours after the snow stops, depending on severity and the borough’s priority list.
Temporary No-Parking Signs Go Up
City workers install temporary red-and-white “No Parking” signs on the streets scheduled for plowing. These signs must be posted at least 12 hours before removal begins. They are typically attached to existing sign poles or placed on temporary stands.
Vehicles That Remain Are Towed
When removal begins, any car still on the street is towed to a nearby cleared street — usually within the same neighbourhood. The car is relocated, not impounded. But you still get a parking ticket and a tow fee.
Snow Is Cleared and Loaded Into Trucks
Industrial plows and blowers clear the street, loading snow into dump trucks that haul it to designated snow dumps. The entire operation for one street can take several hours. Once complete, the temporary signs are removed and normal parking resumes.
How to Check If Snow Removal Is Planned for Your Street
Montreal provides multiple ways to stay informed. Use all of them — the 12-hour window between sign posting and removal can slip by fast:
💡 The #1 Winter Parking Move: Download the Info-Neige app right now — before the first snowfall. Save your home address and your regular parking spots. The app sends push notifications directly to your phone when removal is scheduled. It takes 30 seconds to set up and saves you $200+ in tickets and tow fees every winter.
What It Costs When You Get Towed for Snow Removal
Getting caught by snow towing hits your wallet from multiple angles:
⚠️ Repeat Offender Math: Getting snow towed three times in one winter costs $400–$600+. That is more than a monthly indoor parking spot in most Montreal neighbourhoods. If you do not have off-street parking, the Info-Neige app literally pays for itself every time it saves you from one ticket.
For a complete breakdown of all towing-related fees, see our towing costs guide. If your car was towed for a reason other than snow removal, our towed car recovery guide has the full retrieval process.
Your Car Was Towed for Snow Removal — How to Find It
Unlike a normal tow where your car goes to an impound lot, snow removal towing relocates your vehicle to a nearby cleared street. Here is how to find it:
Step 1: Open the Info-Neige app or visit the Info-Neige website. Enter your licence plate number. The system shows the street where your car was moved.
Step 2: If the app does not show results, call 311 or the city’s Info-Remorquage line at 514-280-4636. Provide your licence plate number and the street where you were parked.
Step 3: Walk or take transit to the relocation street. Your car will be parked on the curb, usually within a few blocks of your original location. There will be a ticket on the windshield.
Step 4: Move your car promptly. The relocation street may itself be scheduled for snow removal soon — check the signs before leaving your car again.
Not Snow Towed — Just Need a Tow?
Breakdown, flat tire, dead battery, or accident? We tow where YOU choose — 24/7.
(514) 483-6944
Understanding Montreal’s Winter Parking Signs
Montreal parking signs are famously confusing. During winter, temporary snow removal signs add another layer. Here is what to look for:
🔴 Temporary Snow Removal Signs
Appearance: Rectangular red-and-white signs, often smaller than permanent signs, attached to poles or on temporary stands.
Content: “Stationnement interdit” (No Parking) with dates and times. Often bilingual. Some include the arrow direction showing which side of the street is affected.
Rule: Must be posted at least 12 hours before snow removal begins. If a sign was posted less than 12 hours before your car was towed, you have grounds to contest the ticket.
🟡 Permanent Winter Restrictions
Appearance: Standard green or brown signs with red circle-and-slash, often high on sign poles.
Content: “Dec 1 – March 1” or similar date range with time restrictions. These override regular parking rules during winter months.
Rule: These are permanent seasonal bans — no temporary sign needed. They automatically apply on the dates shown every year.
🔵 Flashing Light Signals
Appearance: Some boroughs use flashing blue or amber lights on sign poles to indicate active snow removal operations.
Rule: If the light is active, do not park on that side of the street. The plows are on their way or already in the area.
For a deeper look at how towing zones work in Montreal — including accident towing and the exclusive zone system — see our exclusive towing zones guide.
Parking Ban Differences by Montreal Neighbourhood
Each borough manages its own snow removal schedule, which means rules and enforcement vary across Montreal:
Can You Contest a Snow Removal Tow? When It Works
You can contest the parking ticket — but the tow fee itself is typically non-refundable even if you win. Here is when contesting makes sense:
✅ Strong Grounds for Contestation
• Signs were posted less than 12 hours before removal
• No signs were posted at all (take photos of the area)
• Signs were blocked, fallen, or illegible
• Ticket has wrong plate number or incorrect location
• You have a valid residential parking permit for that zone
❌ Unlikely to Succeed
• “I didn’t see the signs” — your responsibility to check
• “I was only away for one night” — does not override a valid sign
• “The app didn’t notify me” — signs are the legal notice
• Permanent seasonal ban (Dec–Mar) was in effect
• You parked after signs were already posted
To contest, file within 30 days at the Montreal municipal court. Take time-stamped photos of the signage (or lack thereof) as soon as you discover the tow — evidence deteriorates quickly once signs are removed after the operation is complete.
10 Strategies to Never Get Snow-Towed Again
Veteran Montreal drivers follow these habits to survive Montreal parking ban season unscathed:
❄️ Winter Parking Survival Checklist
☐ Download and set up Info-Neige app with push notifications
☐ Check your street’s signs every time you return to your car — not just when you park
☐ Never assume “they already did my street” — operations can repeat after new snowfalls
☐ If you see signs going up, move your car immediately — do not wait until the deadline
☐ Park on the odd-numbered side of the street after the even side is plowed (and vice versa)
☐ Keep a list of backup parking spots — nearby cleared streets, open lots, indoor garages
☐ Set a phone alarm for 10 PM nightly during snow season to check the app before bed
☐ If travelling, arrange for a friend or neighbour to move your car if signs go up
☐ Consider a monthly indoor parking spot — $150–$250/month is cheaper than 2+ tows
☐ Follow your borough’s social media accounts for snow operation announcements
Winter Towing and Roadside Services We Provide
Snow removal towing is handled by the city — we cannot help with that. But for every other winter towing and roadside need, Montreal Towing is your 24/7 partner:
🔋 Battery boost — Montreal’s −25°C mornings kill batteries. We boost you on-site so you drive — no tow needed. See our battery failure prevention guide.
🛞 Tire change — Winter blowout from a pothole hidden under snow? We swap your spare roadside.
🪢 Winching recovery — Stuck in a snowbank? We pull you out. Our snow recovery guide covers what to try first.
🚛 Flatbed towing — Safe winter transport to your mechanic, dealership, or home.
🛡️ Insurance towing — Winter accident? We handle direct insurance billing.
Full roadside assistance across every Montreal neighbourhood — view our service area. Keep our number and a list of emergency contacts in your roadside emergency kit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Montreal Winter Parking Bans
How do I know if my street has a parking ban for snow removal?
The most reliable method is the Info-Neige app, which sends push notifications when snow removal is scheduled for your street. You can also check the Info-Neige website, call 311, or physically walk your block looking for temporary red-and-white no-parking signs. Signs must be posted at least 12 hours before removal begins.
Where does my car go when it is towed for snow removal?
Your car is relocated to a nearby cleared street — usually within the same neighbourhood, often just a few blocks away. It is not taken to an impound lot. You can find the exact location through the Info-Neige app, Info-Neige website, or by calling 311 or 514-280-4636 with your licence plate number.
How much does it cost when your car is towed for snow removal?
Expect a parking ticket of $52 to $78 plus a tow fee of $75 to $125. The total per incident is typically $125 to $200. Unlike impound towing, there are usually no daily storage fees because the car is relocated to a public street rather than a lot. However, if you do not move it and it gets towed again, you pay again.
How much notice does the city give before snow removal?
The city is legally required to post temporary no-parking signs at least 12 hours before snow removal begins on your street. In practice, signs often go up 12 to 24 hours in advance. The Info-Neige app typically provides earlier notification than the physical signs — sometimes alerting you before the sign crews even arrive.
Can I contest a snow removal parking ticket?
Yes. You have 30 days to contest at the Montreal municipal court. Strong grounds include signs posted less than 12 hours before removal, no signs posted at all, signs that were blocked or illegible, or incorrect information on the ticket. Take time-stamped photos of the signage situation as soon as you discover the tow. The tow fee itself is typically non-refundable even if the ticket is overturned.
What happens if I am away and cannot move my car?
Your car will be towed and you will receive a ticket regardless of whether you are home or travelling. This is why the Info-Neige app is essential — it gives you advance notice so you can arrange for someone else to move your car. If you are going on vacation during winter, consider parking in an indoor garage or asking a trusted person to monitor your street.
When does winter parking ban season start and end in Montreal?
Snow removal operations typically run from November through April, depending on snowfall. Permanent seasonal parking restrictions vary by borough but commonly run December 1 to March 1 or March 15. Temporary snow removal signs can be posted any time snow accumulates sufficiently — even in late October or early May in unusual weather years.
Can my car get towed twice in the same snow operation?
Yes. If your car is relocated to a street that is subsequently scheduled for removal, it can be towed again — with a new ticket and tow fee each time. This is why it is critical to retrieve your car as soon as possible after a snow relocation and check the signs on the new street before leaving it there.
Is there a way to get text or email alerts for snow removal?
The Info-Neige app provides push notifications to your phone. Some boroughs and local community groups also share snow removal alerts through email newsletters, Facebook groups, and X (Twitter). The app is the most reliable and fastest method — set it up before the first snowfall of the season.
Where can I get towing or roadside help that is NOT snow removal?
Call Montreal Towing at (514) 483-6944 for all non-snow towing and roadside services — breakdowns, dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, accident towing, and more. We operate 24/7 across all Montreal neighbourhoods. Unlike city snow removal towing, when you call us, you choose the destination and the timing.
Winter Driving Is Hard Enough. We Make the Breakdowns Easy.
Dead battery, flat tire, stuck in snow, or need a tow — 24/7 across Montreal.
Snow removal is the city’s job. Everything else is ours.
(514) 483-6944