Winter Parking Reminder: Help Us Keep Mishawaka’s Streets Safe and Clear

Winter Parking Reminder: Help Us Keep Mishawaka’s Streets Safe and Clear

As we move into the heart of winter, our Central Services and Street Department crews are working around the clock to keep Mishawaka’s streets plowed, salted, and safe. One of the biggest factors that helps — or hurts — that effort is how and where we park our vehicles during and after a snow event.

This is a friendly reminder of what our residents can do to help, and what City code requires.

Why winter parking rules matter

When cars are left on narrow neighborhood streets during and after a storm, plow drivers have a hard time:

• Safely getting down the street

• Clearing snow curb-to-curb

• Opening up room for emergency vehicles, trash and recycling trucks, school buses, and everyday traffic

Blocked or partially plowed streets don’t just inconvenience neighbors — they can delay emergency response and create long-term ice ruts and drainage problems.

72-Hour Parking Limit on City Streets

Under City ordinance, vehicles cannot remain parked in the same spot on a public street for more than 72 hours.

That rule is especially important in the winter. If a vehicle is left on the street, covered in snow and not moved for days at a time, our crews cannot adequately plow the roadway. It also signals to Code Enforcement and Police that the vehicle may be abandoned or in violation.

To help us keep streets clear:

• Avoid parking on the street during and immediately after a snowfall whenever possible.

• If you must park on the street, move your vehicle regularly and be sure it is not left in the same spot for more than 72 hours.

• Clear snow from your vehicle before driving, and please do not shovel or blow snow back into the street after it has been plowed.

How the City will respond

During and after significant snow events, our crews will:

• Focus first on main routes and emergency corridors

• Return to neighborhoods as conditions improve

• Coordinate with Code Enforcement and Mishawaka Police to address vehicles that have clearly not been moved and are preventing effective plowing

In some cases, vehicles that remain parked on the street beyond the allowed time, or that obstruct plowing, may receive warnings, citations, or be subject to towing as a last resort.

Being a good neighbor is the Mishawaka Way

Most of our residents do a great job of taking care of their property, moving their vehicles, and looking out for one another. We are grateful for that.

By following these simple winter parking guidelines, you help:

• Keep your street safer and easier to navigate

• Make it possible for plows to clear more snow, more quickly

• Support emergency services, trash and recycling, and school transportation

Thank you for doing your part to keep Mishawaka’s streets safe, passable, and well cared for all winter long. That’s the Mishawaka Way.