❄️ Snow Removal Parking Alert

Check whether snow operations are coming for your street, and what to do before the orange lights start flashing.

→ Open official Info-Neige Montréal

How Montreal snow removal parking actually works

Quick answer: When 2.5 cm or more of snow falls, Montreal plows the streets within 24 hours. Loading (where dump trucks haul snow away) happens 24–72 hours later, neighborhood by neighborhood. Orange flashing lights on the parking signs are the only thing that legally matters — if they’re flashing, move within the time on the sign or you’ll be towed.

The 3 phases of a Montreal snow operation

  1. Plowing (déneigement): within 24h of snowfall. Orange P-arrow signs apply but lights don’t usually flash. Cars on the marked side risk ticket but rarely tow.
  2. Salting and spreading: ongoing, no parking impact.
  3. Loading (chargement): 24–72h after snowfall. Orange lights flash. You have 6–12 hours to move. Cars left behind are towed, not just ticketed.

The Info-Neige Montréal app — the only thing you need

Download Info-Neige MTL (iOS / Android). Enter your home + work addresses. The app sends a push notification when loading is scheduled. It also shows live progress block-by-block during operations. Free, official, no ads.

What if I get towed?

Two things happen:

  1. Find your car: call 514-872-3777 or check the city’s “Mon véhicule a été remorqué” page. You’ll get the storage yard address.
  2. Pay to get it out: $73 (ticket) + $130 (tow) + $26/day (storage). Brings cash or card and ID + ownership. Most yards are open 24/7 during snow ops.

Pro tip: Photograph the orange lights when you arrive at your car. If lights weren’t flashing or the sign was obscured by snow, you may win a contest in 30 days.

Where to park during snow operations

  • Indoor mall garages: Centre Eaton, Place Vertu, Place Versailles ($15–$25 overnight).
  • STM “Park & Ride” lots (free with metro pass): Côte-Vertu, Montmorency, Longueuil. Some allow overnight.
  • Streets in unaffected boroughs: a friend’s place in Westmount, Outremont or Hampstead if operations are on the east side only.
  • Designated free temporary lots: the city opens 10–15 of these per major storm, listed on the Info-Neige map.

Montreal Snow Parking FAQ

How much does a tow cost in Montreal during snow removal?

Total cost the day you get towed: $229 on average. That breaks down as $73 for the parking ticket, $130 for the tow itself, and $26 per day for storage. The price climbs about $26 every day you don’t pick up the vehicle.

What number do I call if my car was towed in Montreal?

Call 514-872-3777 (Service 311 of Ville de Montréal). They’ll tell you which storage yard has your vehicle. The line is open 24/7 during snow operations.

When do the orange lights start flashing?

The orange flashing lights on snow operation signs are activated by city crews between 12 and 24 hours before loading begins. The exact time appears on the sign itself (e.g. “from 7pm tonight to 7am tomorrow”). The Info-Neige app sends a push notification at the same time.

Can I park on streets with snow signs if the lights aren’t flashing?

Yes. Snow removal signs are only enforced when the orange lights are flashing or the operation time on the sign is currently active. Outside those windows, the sign doesn’t apply — you can park normally.

How do I sign up for snow parking alerts?

Download the Info-Neige MTL app (iOS / Android) or visit infoneige.montreal.ca and enter your address. The system sends push notifications and SMS alerts when operations are scheduled near you. The service is free.

Do snow tow rules apply on Sundays?

Yes. Montreal snow operations run 7 days a week, including Sundays and holidays, when weather requires it. The orange light on the sign is what matters, not the day.

What happens if I move my car a few meters?

It depends on the operation. During plowing, moving across the street usually works. During loading, you need to leave the entire block — moving 10 m won’t help because the whole street section is being cleared.

Related Montreal tools

Sources: Ville de Montréal snow operations protocol, Info-Neige Montréal. Last updated May 2026.