Winter parking ban in effect in Chicago

Chicago's winter parking ban went into effect early Monday, just in time for what was expected to be the first significant snowfall of the season.

The parking ban went into effect a 3 a.m., imposing the annual restrictions on overnight parking on 107 miles of major arterial streets -- regardless of whether there is snow on the ground or not.

The 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. ban is effective through April 1.

Drivers should also pay attention to city snow route signs prohibiting parking on another 500 miles of main streets when there is a 2-inch or more snow accumulation. Violators of the overnight ban face a minimum $150 towing fee, a $50 ticket, and a $10 daily storage fee. Snow route violators face ticketing and having their vehicles moved.