Snow emergency rules in Metro Detroit: when to move your car and shovel, town by town
50 of the 73 Metro Detroit towns we track declare snow emergencies or ban street parking automatically after heavy snow. When one is called, you usually have 1 to 6 hours to get your car off the street, or it can be ticketed and towed. 18 towns, mostly townships, have no snow emergency rule we could find, often because county road agencies plow their roads. Nearly every town also requires you to shovel the sidewalk, usually within 24 hours after the snow stops.
Last checked Oct 20, 2026 · 73 towns in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties · Standing rules, not live alerts
Snow emergency rules by town (A–Z)
| Town | County | Snow emergency? | The rule | Sidewalk deadline | City alerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Park | Wayne | Yes From city code | Allen Park declares snow emergencies under its code, and cars left on the street can be towed. | No deadline found | City e-notifications City (313) 928-1400 |
| Auburn Hills | Oakland | Yes From city pages | Auburn Hills police can declare a snow emergency in severe winter weather; cars must come off residential streets. Cars must stay off residential streets until snow removal is complete. | Clear sidewalks within 12 hours after daytime snow stops, or by 9 a.m. the next day after overnight snow (Sec. 62-77). | Nixle alerts Police snow emergency line (248) 364-6850; DPW (248) 391-3777 |
| Berkley | Oakland | Yes From city code | Berkley declares snow emergencies; parking is banned once the emergency is publicly announced. | The code's 12-hour clearing rule covers business districts, high-rise apartments and private alleys; it sets no deadline for houses. | OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Birmingham | Oakland | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | Birmingham's snow emergency starts automatically at 4 inches of snow, or when the public services director declares one. | Clear sidewalks within 12 hours after snow stops, or by 6 p.m. the next day if it stops at night; city clearing costs at least $100. | Nixle police alerts and city e-notify Police dispatch (248) 530-1889 |
| Bloomfield Township | Oakland | Yes From city code | Bloomfield Township declares snow emergencies; parking on township streets is banned as soon as one is announced. No grace period: the ban applies once the emergency is announced. | No deadline found | OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Brownstown Township | Wayne | Automatic From city code | In Brownstown Township, parking on public streets is banned automatically after 4 inches of snow until it's plowed. | No deadline found | Not found |
| Canton Township | Wayne | Yes From city pages | Canton declares snow emergencies, usually when about 5 inches or more is predicted; no parking on any street. | No deadline found | Canton Community Alerts sign-up Police (734) 394-5400 |
| Center Line | Macomb | Yes From city pages | Center Line's city manager may declare a snow emergency when 6 inches is expected; no parking on any city street. | No deadline found | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Chesterfield Township | Macomb | Yes From city pages | Chesterfield Township's supervisor can declare a snow emergency that bans parking on all public roads. | No deadline found | Township emergency alerts, including snow emergencies (Notify Me) Macomb County Department of Roads (586) 463-8671 for plowing |
| Clawson | Oakland | Yes From city pages | Clawson's police chief declares a snow emergency at 4 inches or more, or on a forecast of 4 inches within 12 hours. | Clear 1 inch or more of snow or ice within 24 hours, or the city clears it and puts a lien on the property. | Text CLAWSON to 91896, or sign up for email DPW (248) 288-3222 |
| Clinton Township | Macomb | None found From city pages | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Clinton Township. The Macomb County Department of Roads plows the roads. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after the storm ends. If you don't, the township can send a 48-hour notice, clear it and bill at least $150 plus $2 a foot past 50 feet, added to your tax bill after 30 days. | Township email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Commerce Township | Oakland | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Commerce Township. The Road Commission for Oakland County plows the roads. | The code sets no clearing deadline, but you can't add snow to a sidewalk or pathway (Sec. 34-91). | OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Dearborn | Wayne | Yes From city pages | Dearborn's outdoor sirens announce snow emergencies; move parked cars off the street or they'll be ticketed. | Keep your sidewalk clear; fines start at $50 (Sec. 13-71). | Nixle: text your ZIP code to 888777 Snow Emergency Hotline 313-943-2444 |
| Dearborn Heights | Wayne | Yes + automatic rule From city code | Dearborn Heights bans street parking automatically once 3 inches of snow or ice builds up, or when the mayor declares an emergency. | Clear sidewalks, approaches and alleys within 24 hours after the storm ends; fines of $200, $400 and $800. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Detroit | Wayne | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | Parking on Detroit's posted snow emergency routes is banned automatically after 2 inches of snow, and the mayor can activate the routes in big storms. 1 hour after 2 inches builds up; for declared storms the city sets a time, such as midnight. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow falls, or salt or sand them; fines start at $50 for a one- or two-family home. | Detroit Alerts 365 (CodeRED) |
| Eastpointe | Macomb | Yes From city pages | Eastpointe declares a snow emergency for about 4 inches or more; all cars must leave residential streets. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall. After one more 24-hour notice, the city's contractor clears it and bills you plus fees. | Nixle text alerts: text 48021 to 888777 |
| Ecorse | Wayne | Yes From city code | Ecorse declares snow emergencies; parking switches to one side of the street (odd addresses day one, even day two). The ban applies as soon as it's declared. | Remove snow and ice from sidewalks promptly; no hour deadline. | Not found |
| Farmington Hills | Oakland | Yes From city code | Farmington Hills declares snow emergencies; parking is banned on affected streets 2 hours after the announcement. 2 hours after the announcement (announcements go out 6 a.m.–11 p.m.). | No deadline found | FH Alert sign-up |
| Ferndale | Oakland | Yes From city pages | Ferndale declares snow emergencies that ban street parking, plus 3–7 a.m. parking in public lots. | Snow that stops overnight must be cleared by noon; daytime snow by noon the next day. Otherwise the city clears it and bills the cost plus 10%. | Ferndale Emergency Alerts (OakAlert) DPW (248) 546-2519 |
| Fraser | Macomb | Yes From city pages | Fraser may call a snow emergency when 3 inches or more is forecast; no parking on any city street until your street is plowed. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after the snowfall ends. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) Public Works (586) 293-2001 |
| Garden City | Wayne | Yes Partly confirmed | Garden City declares snow emergencies at about 3 inches; cars left on the street can be towed. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow or ice event. | Garden City CodeRED (or text GARDENCITY to 24639) Information Desk (734) 762-1600 |
| Grosse Pointe | Wayne | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in the City of Grosse Pointe's code. | Clear or salt sidewalks within 24 hours after snow falls; fines of $25, then $50. | Nixle alerts City alerts sign-up |
| Grosse Pointe Farms | Wayne | Yes Partly confirmed | Grosse Pointe Farms occasionally declares snow emergencies: no on-street parking except for homes without a driveway. | Owners must keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice (Code 7-01). | Nixle emergency alerts |
| Grosse Pointe Park | Wayne | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Grosse Pointe Park's code. | Clear sidewalks within 12 hours after snow stops; fines of up to $50, $100, then $150, and the city can clear it at your cost. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Grosse Pointe Shores | Wayne | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Grosse Pointe Shores' code. | Clear or salt sidewalks within 24 hours, or the village clears them and bills you as a special assessment. | Not found |
| Grosse Pointe Woods | Wayne | Yes From city pages | Grosse Pointe Woods declares snow emergencies; you get 1 hour to move cars off streets and alleys. 1 hour after the declaration; it generally ends 48 hours after the weather stops. | Residents clear snowfalls under 2 inches; the city plows sidewalks when 2 inches or more falls on frozen ground. | Nixle notifications |
| Hamtramck | Wayne | Yes From city code | Hamtramck can declare a snow emergency that bans parking on Joseph Campau, Conant, Caniff, Holbrook and fire routes. | Owners must keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice; violations can bring a fine of up to $500. | Not found |
| Harper Woods | Wayne | Yes From city code | Harper Woods declares snow emergencies; the parking ban starts 2 hours after the declaration. 2 hours after the declaration; it ends when your street is plowed, or 48 hours after the snow stops. | Clear sidewalks within 36 hours; fines of $25, $75, then $125 (Oct. 1–April 30). | Not found |
| Harrison Township | Macomb | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Harrison Township. The Macomb County Department of Roads plows the roads. | No deadline found | Township e-notifications |
| Hazel Park | Oakland | Yes From city code | Hazel Park declares snow emergencies; no parking on city streets while it's in effect. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow falls, or the city clears them and bills you. | OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Highland Park | Wayne | Not confirmed Partly confirmed | We couldn't confirm any snow emergency or sidewalk rule for Highland Park. | No deadline found | Not found |
| Highland Township | Oakland | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Highland Township. The Road Commission for Oakland County plows the roads. | Owners must keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice as far as practical; no hour deadline (Sec. 20-3). | Township text alerts sign-up OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Independence Township | Oakland | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Independence Township. The Road Commission for Oakland County plows the roads. | The township code sets no sidewalk snow-clearing deadline. | OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Inkster | Wayne | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | Inkster declares a snow emergency at 6 inches, and parking on snow emergency routes is banned automatically at 4 inches. | Clear sidewalks within 48 hours after snowfall. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) Public Services (313) 563-9774 |
| Lathrup Village | Oakland | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Lathrup Village's code. | Clear sidewalks within 12 hours after daytime snow stops, or by 6 p.m. the next day after overnight snow (Sec. 62-125). | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Lincoln Park | Wayne | Yes From city pages | Lincoln Park declares snow emergencies, typically at 3 to 4 inches; all cars must come off local streets. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall; $50 per violation. | Lincoln Park CodeRED alerts |
| Livonia | Wayne | Yes From city code | Livonia's mayor declares snow alerts; you have 6 hours to get cars off city streets. 6 hours after notice. | Overnight snow must be cleared by noon; daytime snow by noon the next day. $50 for a first offense, $75 a day after (Oct. 1–May 1). | Livonia CodeRED alerts |
| Macomb Township | Macomb | Yes From city code | Macomb Township's code allows snow emergencies that ban parking on public and private roads; the county plows the roads. | Clear public sidewalks on all sides of your home within 24 hours of a snow or ice event, or the township can clear them at your expense (Sec. 5-82). | Township email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Madison Heights | Oakland | Yes From city pages | Madison Heights declares snow emergencies at about 4 inches; you get 6 hours to move cars off the street. Up to 6 hours after the declaration. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow falls, or the city clears them and bills you. | Nixle snow emergency alerts: text 48071 to 888777 City Alert Center City Hall (248) 588-1200 |
| Melvindale | Wayne | Automatic From city code | In Melvindale, parking on any street is banned automatically after 4 inches of snow until it's plowed. | No deadline found | Not found |
| Mount Clemens | Macomb | Yes From city pages | Mount Clemens declares snow emergencies: 6 hours to clear major streets and 12 hours for side streets. 6 hours on major streets and 12 hours on local streets and alleys after the first notice. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow falls, per city code (a city newsletter says 12 hours). | City text and email alerts Department of Public Services (586) 469-6847 |
| New Baltimore | Macomb | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | New Baltimore bans overnight parking on residential streets whenever snow or ice is on the ground, plus a full ban in declared snow emergencies. The ban starts 1 hour after the declaration and ends 36 hours after the weather stops, unless extended. | Clear sidewalks; leaving snow for 24 hours in a row is a violation, and the city can clear it and bill you. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) City Hall (586) 725-2151 |
| Northville Township | Wayne | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Northville Township. | No deadline found | Nixle: text 48168 to 888777; township e-notifications Township Hall (248) 348-5800 |
| Novi | Oakland | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Novi's code. | After 2 inches or more of snow, clear sidewalks within 48 hours; sand or salt ice right away (Sec. 21-126). | City text alerts sign-up Nixle |
| Oak Park | Oakland | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | Oak Park declares a snow emergency at 4 inches or more; no parking on city streets until it's lifted. | No deadline found | City emergency alerts (text ENROLLTEXTMSG to 22828) OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Orion Township | Oakland | Not confirmed Partly confirmed | We couldn't confirm a snow emergency rule in Orion Township; the Road Commission for Oakland County plows township roads. | No deadline found | Orion Township alerts sign-up OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Plymouth Township | Wayne | None found From city pages | Plymouth Township doesn't issue snow emergencies; Wayne County plows the roads, and the township asks you to move cars off the street. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow or ice event, or you may get an ordinance violation. | Township e-notifications Wayne County Roads 1-888-762-3273 |
| Pontiac | Oakland | Yes From city pages | Pontiac declares snow emergencies after 3 inches in 24 hours; parking rules then change on snow routes and by side of the street. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow stops; civil infraction of $100 to $500. | City e-notifications OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Redford Township | Wayne | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | Redford bans street parking automatically at 5 inches of snow, or when the township declares a snow emergency. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall; $50 fine ($25 within 10 days) after a 10-day notice. | Redford Township Alert (CodeRED) Township (313) 537-1400 |
| River Rouge | Wayne | Not confirmed Partly confirmed | We couldn't find a published snow emergency or sidewalk rule for River Rouge. | No deadline found | City Hall (313) 842-4200 |
| Riverview | Wayne | Yes From city code | Riverview declares snow emergencies at 5 inches or in dangerous conditions; the parking ban starts 1 hour later. 1 hour after the declaration, until it's canceled. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours, or the city clears them and bills you. | Riverview emergency alerts (Genasys) |
| Rochester | Oakland | Yes + automatic rule From city code | Rochester's city manager can declare emergency snow parking rules, and a ban also starts automatically at 4 inches. | After 3 inches or more, clear sidewalks within 24 hours to at least 36 inches wide (Sec. 48-90). | City emergency alerts sign-up |
| Rochester Hills | Oakland | Yes From city code | Rochester Hills' mayor can declare a winter weather emergency; street parking is banned 2 hours after the announcement. 2 hours after the public announcement. | Clear sidewalks within 48 hours, counted from when daytime snow stops or from sunrise after overnight snow (Sec. 94-141). | OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Romulus | Wayne | Yes Partly confirmed | Romulus declares snow emergencies; cars left on the street can be ticketed and towed. | No deadline found | Not found |
| Roseville | Macomb | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | Roseville has two rules: a weekday daytime ban whenever snow is on the ground, and a full ban during declared snow emergencies. All cars must be off public streets and private roads 1 hour after the snow emergency is declared. | No deadline found | Police Traffic Bureau (586) 447-4495 |
| Royal Oak | Oakland | Yes From city pages | Royal Oak declares snow emergencies, generally at 4 inches or more; all cars must leave residential streets until the plows pass. | No deadline found | Public safety alerts sign-up Snow Emergency Hotline (248) 246-3442, 24 hours |
| Shelby Township | Macomb | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Shelby Township. The Macomb County Department of Roads plows the roads. | Keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. After a township notice, homeowners get 24 hours (businesses 48) before a ticket or a township cleanup billed to you (Sec. 58-528). | Not found |
| Southfield | Oakland | Yes + automatic rule From city pages | Southfield declares snow emergencies, and parking is also banned automatically once 4 inches of snow or ice builds up. | Clear sidewalks and curb cuts within 24 hours in a row after snowfall, or the city clears them and bills you (Secs. 4.75–4.76). | City eNewsletter alerts OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) Non-emergency (248) 796-5500 |
| Southgate | Wayne | Yes From city code | Southgate declares snow emergencies; the parking ban starts 1 hour after notice goes out. 1 hour after notice is first given. | No deadline found | Southgate Hyper-Reach alerts |
| St. Clair Shores | Macomb | Yes From city pages | St. Clair Shores declares snow emergencies: no cars on any street, and overnight parking permits don't count. | Clear sidewalks within 48 hours after the city calls a snow event or snow emergency; otherwise the city can hire a contractor and bill you plus a fee. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Sterling Heights | Macomb | Yes From city pages | Sterling Heights declares snow emergencies only for heavy snow; then all cars must be off city streets. 2 hours after the snow emergency is announced, under city code. | Clear sidewalks on all sides of your home within 24 hours after the snow ends. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) After-hours DPW (586) 469-5151, press 1 |
| Taylor | Wayne | Yes From city code | Taylor's mayor declares a snow emergency when 4 inches falls or is forecast within 12 hours; no parking on any city street. | Homes must clear more than 1 inch of snow within 24 hours; fines start at $150, and city cleanup costs the actual cost plus a $500 fee. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Trenton | Wayne | Not confirmed From city code | We couldn't confirm a snow emergency rule for Trenton. | Clear sidewalks within 12 hours after snow. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Troy | Oakland | Yes From city code | Troy's city manager can declare a snow emergency that bans parking on named streets until they're plowed curb to curb. | Clear 2 inches or more of snow, and ice, within 24 hours after the storm ends (Ch. 34); fines up to $500 a day. | City E-Notification sign-up OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Utica | Macomb | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Utica's code. | Clear 4 to 6 inches or more of snow within 24 hours, or city crews clear it and bill you as a special assessment (Sec. 62-77). | Not found |
| Warren | Macomb | Yes From city pages | Warren declares snow emergencies: every car has to come off city streets until your street is plowed. The code gives 6 hours after the alert takes effect; recent declarations set a same-day deadline, such as 5 p.m. | Clear sidewalks within 12 hours after the snow stops (Sec. 34-60), or you can be cited. | DPW (586) 759-9270 |
| Washington Township | Macomb | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Washington Township. The Macomb County Department of Roads plows the roads. | Owners must keep sidewalks clear; the code sets no hour deadline. Violations can bring a fine of up to $500. | Not found |
| Waterford Township | Oakland | None found From city pages | Waterford Township doesn't declare snow emergencies; the Road Commission for Oakland County plows township roads. | No deadline found | Township email and text alerts (Notify Me) OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) Township (248) 674-3111 |
| Wayne | Wayne | Not confirmed From city code | We couldn't confirm a snow emergency rule for the City of Wayne. | Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow builds up, or the city clears them and bills you (Sec. 1024.03). | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| West Bloomfield Township | Oakland | None found From city code | West Bloomfield Township doesn't declare snow emergencies; the Road Commission for Oakland County plows all township roads. | No deadline found | Township alerts and notifications OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) Road Commission for Oakland County (248) 858-4804 |
| Westland | Wayne | Yes From city code | Westland's mayor can declare a weather emergency at about 4 inches; no parking on either side of any city street. | Clear or salt sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall. After a 48-hour notice the city clears it and bills you plus 10%. | City email and text alerts (Notify Me) |
| Wixom | Oakland | None found From city code | We found no snow emergency or winter parking ban in Wixom's code. | Owners must keep sidewalks clear, including of snow and ice; the code sets no hour deadline. | City e-notifications OakAlert (Oakland County emergency alerts) |
| Wyandotte | Wayne | Yes From city pages | Wyandotte declares snow emergencies when 4 inches is projected or a winter storm warning or advisory is issued; no parking on any city street. | No deadline found | City radio AM 1670 for snow emergency updates Public Services (734) 324-4580 |
“From city pages” means the city or township's own website states the rule. “From city code” means we read it in the code of ordinances. “Partly confirmed” means some details came from limited sources. 30 from city pages, 37 from city code, 6 partly confirmed; 5 towns have no confirmed rule. Each town page lists what we couldn't confirm.
Before the first big storm
- Sign up for your city's own alerts now (links in the table). Several cities say missing the announcement is no excuse.
- Know where the car goes: your driveway, or a city lot if your town opens one (Dearborn, Lincoln Park and Oak Park do).
- Don't shovel or blow snow into the street. Most towns ban it, and it refreezes in the plow's path.
- On trash day, set carts at the end of the driveway, not in the street or on a snowbank.
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Quick answers
Do I have to move my car when it snows in Metro Detroit?
Only in towns with a snow emergency or snow parking rule, which is 50 of the 73 towns we track. Once one is declared, the time to move ranges from right away (Bloomfield Township, Berkley, Ecorse) to 1 hour (Grosse Pointe Woods, Southgate, Riverview), 2 hours (Sterling Heights, Farmington Hills, Harper Woods) and 6 hours (Warren, Livonia, Madison Heights). Detroit bans parking on posted snow routes automatically once 2 inches builds up.
How long do I have to shovel my sidewalk?
Most towns give you 24 hours after the snow stops. Warren, Grosse Pointe Park and Lathrup Village give 12 hours; Harper Woods 36; Novi, Rochester Hills and Inkster 48; and St. Clair Shores 48 hours after the city calls a snow event. If you don't, many cities clear it and bill you.
Does snow delay trash pickup?
Snow doesn't move trash day the way holidays do, and most cities and haulers don't publish a snow rule. Big storms can still push pickups back. Set carts at the end of the driveway, not in the street or on a snowbank (Trenton's code says so outright), and watch your city's alerts.
Why don't townships declare snow emergencies?
Michigan townships don't own their roads. The Road Commission for Oakland County, the Macomb County Department of Roads and Wayne County Roads plow them, so most townships have no snow emergency. A few do anyway, including Canton, Redford, Chesterfield and Brownstown.
How do I know if a snow emergency is in effect right now?
This page lists the standing rules, not live alerts. Sign up for your city's own alerts in the table above, check its website or social media, or watch local TV news, which lists declared snow emergencies during storms.
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