Chicago winter overnight parking ban in effect; several cars towed

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's overnight winter parking ban went into effect at 3 a.m. Tuesday. Several unhappy drivers had to visit the impound lot after their vehicles were towed overnight.

"They're telling me I need to get something notarized. Nothing is open right now. I need to get the car back as soon as possible. I have the right forms. I don't know what the deal is," a frustrated driver said Tuesday.

The ban will be enforced nightly from 3-7 a.m. from Dec. 1, 2015, to April 1, 2016, whether it snows or not.

The parking ban impacts more than 100 miles of arterial streets throughout the city. Officials said the purpose of the ban is to keep streets clear so crews can plow those roads as soon as possible after it snows.

Look for parking signs with a snowflake on a blue background, like these.

In addition to the overnight parking ban, drivers should not park in those areas at any time if the snow on the ground is more than 2 inches deep.

Anyone who does not follow the signs will be ticketed and their cars will be towed. The impound lots are located at 701 North Sacramento Avenue on the Northwest Side and at 10301 South Doty Avenue on the South Side. Drivers can call 311 to find out where their car was towed.

Here's a map of the streets included in Chicago's winter overnight parking ban.

Here's a list of the overnight parking ban routes.

For more information, call 311 or visit www.cityofchicago.org.