Winter Parking Restrictions
The municipal overnight winter parking ban is in effect annually from December 15th to March 31st. The ban is enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. during declared weather events and snow removal operations only. Daily updates are provided throughout the winter season.
Register for Overnight Winter Parking Ban notifications. Residents are advised not to rely solely on these notifications for parking ban information. For updates on the status of the parking ban, please visit halifax.ca, follow @hfxgov on Twitter, or call 311.
Provincially implemented winter parking restrictions may still exist for roads within the municipality that fall outside the municipal overnight winter parking ban enforcement boundary. Residents beyond the municipal enforcement boundary should consult the Province of Nova Scotia’s Winter Parking Ban website.
Regardless of the status of an overnight winter parking ban, or whether you have received a notification, vehicles can be ticketed or towed any time during the day or night, any day of the year, if they are interfering with snow-clearing operations, as per Section 139 of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.
It might cost even more to park on the street during snowstorms and snow clearing activities this season. The average cost of a tow could increase by as much as $75 if your vehicle needs to be dug out of the snow before being towed.
To help avoid a ticket, as well as the inconvenience and cost of being towed, residents should ask themselves these four questions when considering parking on the street this winter:
1. Is the overnight parking ban currently being enforced?
2. Is your vehicle causing a safety issue?
3. Is it making the road impassable?
4. Is it impeding snow operations underway in the area?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, do not park on the street.
Street Cleaning
As of June 28th, 2022, street cleaning now takes place between 12:05 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
This substantial street cleaning program takes place each year to wash away remaining salt and brine and to ensure the streets are kept reasonably clear of debris for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. As a preventative measure, the program also helps decrease the amount of debris and sediment entering the storm drain system.
Halifax Peninsula street cleaning takes place on weekdays between 12:05 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. to minimize the impact on daytime traffic and parking. All other areas scheduled for street cleaning are completed during daytime hours. Please refer to on-street parking signage for your street’s service day. The street cleaning program has concluded for 2024 and will begin again in April 2025.
Schools
Every year, Parking Enforcement receives a high volume of calls regarding parking in school zones. Parking illegally and disregarding posted signage can lead to safety hazards and traffic congestion. When picking up or dropping off, watch for No Parking and No Stopping signs, and ensure to stay clear of crosswalks, bus stops, fire lanes, and driveways. Parking Enforcement continues to patrol school zones across the municipality, and we ask that motorists do their part by being aware of, and abiding by, all posted signage. Together, we can ensure our school zones are safe for everyone.
To learn more, please visit our School Zone Safety webpage.
Beaches
Pay close attention to the signage posted in the areas surrounding beaches, lakes, and other summer hot spots. These lots, streets, and intersections can become very busy and parking illegally can create safety concerns. Parking restrictions are in place for everyone’s safety and adhering to the posted signage helps to ensure proper sight lines and access for emergency services.