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During the most extreme winter storms, the County Executive will issue a snow emergency with input from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. This is done with a press release declaring a “snow emergency.” Snow emergencies have very specific parking implications to allow for adequate clearing of snow emergency routes. When the snow emergency ends, another press release is generated to announce the end.
Separately, the state also declares snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by roadways with numbers (for example, Rockville Pike/ 355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions on county roads, nor does it waive county parking fees.
Separately, the state also declares snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by roadways with numbers (for example, Rockville Pike/ 355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions on county roads, nor does it waive county parking fees.
In accordance with the County Code, during a Snow Emergency:
During the snow emergency, parking is prohibited on posted snow emergency routes and posted parking lots. Residents are asked to make every effort to park in driveways and garages and parking is available at no charge in county-operated public parking garages. Where street parking is unavoidable, the side of the street where cars are allowed to park will vary by day to allow for snow clearing.
As a result, in accordance with the County Code, County residents are advised of the following requirements:
As a result, in accordance with the County Code, County residents are advised of the following requirements:
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Parking is permitted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on the side of any street or highway with even street numbers.
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Parking is permitted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on the side of any street or highway with odd street numbers.
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On any block where parking is prohibited on one side of the street for the entire block, the parking prohibition is superseded by the day of week provisions described above during the snow emergency period.
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Any vehicle parked and left unattended in violation of these provisions may be removed and impounded.
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Fees for County parking garages will be waived during a County declared snow emergency. Residents may park in County garages and are encouraged to use them for off-street parking until the snow emergency is ended, as declared by a follow-up press release.
In addition, taxicabs providing service are permitted to charge an additional $2.50 per trip.
Separately, the state also declares snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by roadways with numbers (for example, Rockville Pike / 355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions on county roads, nor does it waive county parking fees.
Separately, the state also declares snow emergencies for state roads, typically identified by roadways with numbers (for example, Rockville Pike / 355). This issuance does not have the same parking restrictions on county roads, nor does it waive county parking fees.
Storm Response Levels
Response levels indicate the projected severity of winter weather conditions and their impact on road safety. Here are the different levels and their meanings:
Level 1: Storm Operations Center (SOC) Activation:
In cases of expected snow, sleet, and/or ice that are likely to cause hazardous roadway conditions, MCDOT announces the activation of its Storm Operations Center (SOC). MCDOT activates the SOC to monitor road conditions and react as necessary with plows and road treatments to keep roads passable. After plow activities finish, crews review MC 311 call center service requests and send crews to respond. MCDOT issues a press release detailing snow-clearing operation plans and updates for media, posted on the main page of the MCDOT website. Updates are also shared on social media platforms on X, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram under the @MCDOTNow handle throughout the storm.Level 2: Snow Emergency:
In cases where extreme snowfall is expected, a snow emergency may be enacted, triggering on-street parking restrictions to allow for snow-clearing efforts. The County Executive makes the determination if this is necessary and a press release from the County posts to announce it. Garages are available for free, off-street parking until the snow emergency is ended, as declared by a follow-up press release.
