Ottawa Winter Parking Ban and Winter Driving Guide

Last Updated: October 13, 2026

Ottawa bylaw officers issued 15,484 parking tickets during three winter weather parking bans in December 2025 and January 2026, about $1.6 million in fines.

Ottawa's winter driving rules come down to four questions: when the City calls a winter weather parking ban, what happens if your car is still on the street, whether you need winter tires, and who clears which snow. This guide answers each one using the City of Ottawa's current rules. It also covers where to park during a ban, what a residential on-street parking permit costs, and what to do when a storm hits, so you can avoid a ticket and get around safely until spring.

Key Highlights

TL;DR: Between November 15 and April 1, the City of Ottawa can call a Winter Weather Parking Ban, either overnight (7 pm to 7 am) or in the daytime (10 am to 7 pm). The fine is $125 ($105 if paid early), and a car without a residential parking permit can also be towed. Check ottawa.ca, the City of Ottawa app or the City's social accounts. Winter tires aren't required by law in Ontario, but insurers must offer a discount for them.

Understanding Ottawa's Winter Parking Ban System

Ottawa's Winter Weather Parking Ban exists so plows can clear the whole width of a street. Between November 15 and April 1, the City may declare one for inclement weather, including freezing rain, or when Environment Canada forecasts 7 centimetres or more of snow (or a range that includes 7 centimetres or more) for the Ottawa area. A ban stays in force until the City announces it has been lifted.

Not every winter night triggers a ban. When one is called, the City issues a special advisory to local media and posts it on ottawa.ca. There are two kinds. An overnight ban runs from 7 pm to 7 am, and a daytime ban runs from 10 am to 7 pm. Outside significant weather events, the City aims to call an overnight ban by 9 am and a daytime ban by 3:30 pm.

During a ban, a vehicle without a residential parking permit that is parked on the street may be ticketed and towed. A few commercial main streets are exempt so residents can still shop local, and they are covered under "Where to Park During Overnight Bans" below.

There is no set number of bans per winter. Three were called between December 2025 and January 2026: an overnight ban on December 10 (4,179 tickets), a daytime ban on January 11 (6,900 tickets) and an overnight ban on January 15 (4,405 tickets), after the biggest snowfall of the season. For comparison, the winter of 2024-25 produced 16,053 tickets across three bans, and 2023-24 produced 11,649.

How to Check Parking Ban Status

Staying informed about parking ban declarations requires monitoring official City channels. Using more than one means you are less likely to miss an announcement.

ottawa.ca: The City posts every Winter Weather Parking Ban on ottawa.ca as a special advisory. Its Winter Weather Parking Bans page also lays out the rules and the target times for calling a ban.

City of Ottawa app: The City's free app is available for Android and iPhone. The City lists it as one of the ways to receive winter parking updates.

City of Ottawa social accounts: The City posts updates on Facebook, Bluesky and X. Follow them and turn on notifications so you see a ban the moment it is called or lifted.

Email alerts: Subscribe to Winter Parking Alerts at ottawa.ca/esubscriptions to have ban announcements sent to your inbox.

Local news media: CTV Ottawa, CBC Ottawa and local radio carry parking ban advisories in their news segments and on their websites and social media channels.

Pro tip: Sign up for the email alerts and follow the City's accounts with notifications on. Two channels are better than one when a ban is called at short notice.

Parking Violation Fines and Penalties

Ignoring Ottawa's winter weather parking ban carries financial consequences beyond the ticket itself.

Base Fine: $125 per violation for parking on the street during a Winter Weather Parking Ban without a residential parking permit.

Early Payment Option: The fine drops to $105 if you take the early payment option. Check the deadline printed on your ticket rather than assuming a date.

Towing: A vehicle that is not exempt and stays on the street may be towed as well as ticketed, at the owner's expense. Towing and storage charges depend on the tow operator and how long the vehicle stays in the lot, so this guide does not quote a figure. Plan on them being added to the ticket, not replacing it.

Recent Enforcement: By January 19, 2026, officers had issued 15,484 tickets across three bans in December and January, about $1.6 million in fines. A later ban in late January added more than $455,000 in tickets. In the 2024-25 winter, officers issued 16,053 tickets across three bans.

Bylaw Services director Roger Chapman has said the rule applies "regardless of whether the plow has passed," so a street that looks clear is not a safe place to leave a car. When the City lifts the ban, vehicles may return to on-street parking.

Where to Park During Overnight Bans

When a ban is declared, Ottawa residents have several options for getting a vehicle off the street. The City keeps its list of where to park during a Winter Weather Parking Ban up to date, so check it before you head out.

Private Driveways: The simplest solution is your own driveway or that of a consenting neighbour. Downtown core residents often have fewer options, so the City lots and garages below matter more there.

Exempt Commercial Main Streets: To help residents shop local, some commercial main streets are exempt from winter parking bans. They include the Bank Street, Glebe, Sparks Street, Somerset Chinatown and Somerset Village business improvement areas, plus Elgin Street and Main Street. You can park there only if you follow all posted signs and pay-and-display requirements.

City Garages and Lots for Overnight Parking: Seven City garages and surface lots are available overnight during a ban, plus one private lot:

• Byward Market Garage (70 Clarence Street): exit gates are lifted, and vehicles must leave between 4 am and 7:30 am
• Dalhousie Garage (141 Clarence Street): same exit window, 4 am to 7:30 am
• City Hall Garage (110 Laurier Avenue West): same exit window, 4 am to 7:30 am
• Gloucester Garage (210 Gloucester Street): free from 9 pm to 8:30 am
• Glebe Garage (170 Second Avenue): free from 12 am to 8 am
• Cyr Parking Lot (283 Cyr Avenue): free from 6 pm to 8:30 am
• North River Road Parking Lot (400 North River Road): free from 6 pm to 8:30 am
• University of Ottawa garage (33 Mann Avenue): available from 10 pm to 7:30 am

Outside those windows, posted rates apply. In the gate-controlled garages, a car left past the window is charged the lot's rate for the entire stay.

Recreation Centres, Arenas and Parks: The City also lets vehicles stay at dozens of facility lots for the length of a ban, as long as they leave once the City announces it has been lifted. Examples include the Nepean Sportsplex (1701 Woodroffe Avenue), Pinecrest Recreation Complex (2250 Torquay Avenue), Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (102 Greenview Avenue), Sandy Hill Arena (60 Mann Avenue) and Centrepointe Park (260 Centrepointe Drive).

OC Transpo Park and Ride Lots: In partnership with OC Transpo, the City has opened designated parking at these park-and-ride locations during a ban. Look for the "Winter weather storm parking" signs:

• Riverview (at Earl Armstrong)
• Innovation (at Innovation Drive)
• Chapel Hill
• Nepean Woods (at Strandherd Drive)
• Greenboro
• Leitrim
• Eagleson (west lot)

Only the marked winter weather parking areas are opened to residents, so do not assume other park-and-ride lots work. Move your car before a ban starts and leave the lot once it is lifted.

On-Street Parking Permits: Monthly and Annual Options

Ottawa's residential on-street parking permit lets eligible residents park on their assigned street or streets for up to 48 hours. It also lets a vehicle stay on the street during a Winter Weather Parking Ban, with some limitations and conditions. The City's winter parking page says permit holders are exempt from bans, and it adds that moving your car off the street still helps crews clear it faster.

Permit Rates (effective January 2, 2026):

Buying twelve separate months would cost $984 before HST ($172 for each of four winter months and $37 for each of eight others), so the annual permit saves about $192 for someone who needs it all year. A replacement permit costs $12.50 plus HST. Pre-authorized monthly payments are available for annual permits, but they cannot be cancelled and are not refunded.

Permit Eligibility and Requirements:

Your address must fall inside a permit zone on the City's interactive map. Homeowners need a vehicle registration that matches the name and address on the application. Tenants need the registration plus a dated lease or a letter from the landlord confirming proof of residence and that off-street parking is not available at any cost. Airbnb and other short-term rentals do not qualify.

How to Apply:

You apply online through the City's permit portal with a MyServiceOttawa login. The City says approval can take up to 5 business days, and incomplete applications are denied.

Important Limitations:

A permit does not exempt you from paying on-street parking fees. If you park in a Pay and Display zone, you pay the posted fees and follow any other restrictions in effect. The permit also only works on the streets the City lists for permit parking, so check the map before you rely on it during a storm.

Winter Tire Requirements in Ontario

Unlike Quebec, which mandates winter tires by law, Ontario has no province-wide winter tire requirement. This legal distinction surprises many Ottawa residents, particularly those familiar with Quebec's December 1 through March 15 mandate.

Legal Status: Installing winter tires in Ontario remains voluntary. Only Quebec (December 1 to March 15) and parts of British Columbia (some highways, October 1 to April 30) require them by law.

Insurance Implications: Since January 1, 2016, every Ontario auto insurer has had to offer a discount to drivers who install winter tires. Each insurer sets its own amount and conditions. The discount is usually in the 2% to 5% range, and some insurers also name the months the tires must be on. TD Insurance, for example, publishes December through March.

To qualify, ask your insurer or broker what it requires. Most want a full set of four winter-rated tires, and some ask for an installation receipt. Not every insurer accepts all-weather tires, so confirm before you buy if the discount matters to you.

Why Winter Tires Matter:

The Government of Ontario says winter tires in good condition can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent. Tire makers and retailers commonly advise switching once temperatures stay at or below about 7 degrees Celsius, because the rubber in summer and many all-season tires stiffens as it gets colder.

M+S vs. Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake:

Ontario's advice is to look for tires marked with the peaked mountain and snowflake symbol, and to install them in sets of four. A plain "M+S" (Mud and Snow) marking is a weaker signal of winter performance, and the three-peak symbol is the one most insurers ask for.

Best Winter Tires for Ottawa Driving

Choosing winter tires for Ottawa comes down to a few categories and a few well-known product lines. Prices change with tire size, retailer and season, so ask a tire shop for a current quote rather than relying on a printed range.

Well-Known Studless Winter Lines:

These lines are examples, not rankings. Independent tests change from year to year and by tire size, so read a current test for your vehicle. Whatever you choose, look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol and buy a set of four.

Studded Tire Considerations:

Studded tires are not an option for Ottawa drivers. In Ontario, studs are permitted from October 1 to April 30 only in the north, in the area north of the Parry Sound and Nipissing districts. Using them in southern Ontario is illegal and can bring a fine of up to $1,000. Ottawa is in southern Ontario, so studless winter tires are the choice here.

When to Install and Remove Winter Tires

Timing your winter tire installation optimizes safety while maximizing tire lifespan. Installing too early wears expensive winter rubber on warm pavement; installing too late risks encountering hazardous conditions unprepared.

Installation Timing:

The general recommendation is to install winter tires once temperatures stay at or below about 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit). In Ottawa, that usually means late October through early November.

Recommended Ottawa Timeline:

These are rules of thumb, not legal dates. If you rely on the insurance discount, check the months your insurer requires before you book the spring swap, since some publish a window such as December through March.

Tire shops get busy once the first snow arrives, so booking your changeover in October is easier than waiting for a storm.

Re-Torquing Lug Nuts:

Ask your tire shop whether it recommends re-checking the lug nuts after a short drive on freshly mounted tires. Some shops and clubs offer this at no charge, so ask when you book.

Spring Removal:

Remove winter tires once daytime temperatures consistently stay above 7 degrees Celsius and overnight freezing becomes rare. In Ottawa, this typically happens in early April, though late-season storms can arrive through mid-April.

Running winter tires on warm pavement wears the soft rubber faster, so removing them on time protects your investment.

Storage Considerations:

Store winter tires in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Clean off road salt and debris before storage. Many tire retailers offer seasonal storage, so ask for a current quote.

Snow Removal Rules for Property Owners

In Ottawa, the City plows public sidewalks and roads on a priority system, and you look after your own driveway and walkway. The City's guide to clearing snow from your property sets out what is yours to do.

What the City Clears, and When:

The City works from the biggest roads down, and its timelines can pause when a Significant Weather Event is declared. After the last snowflake falls, the City's targets are:

• Highway 174, the Transitway, major roads and arterials, which start clearing at the start of accumulation and may take 2 to 4 hours to finish
• Sidewalks in the downtown core and the winter cycling network, cleared from 2.5 centimetres of accumulation, up to 4 hours
• Secondary roads and minor collectors, cleared from 5 centimetres, up to 6 hours
• Residential sidewalks, cleared from 5 centimetres, 12 to 16 hours
• Residential roads and lanes, cleared from 7 centimetres or more, 10 to 16 hours

Windrow Responsibility:

The pile a plow leaves at the end of a driveway is called a windrow, and property owners are responsible for removing it.

Where Your Snow Can Go:

The Use and Care of Roads By-law (No. 2003-498) prohibits placing snow or ice onto the City's right-of-way. When you clear your driveway or walkway, do not push or shovel snow onto the street, the sidewalk, a pathway or a park.

Catch Basins and Hydrants:

On milder days and in spring thaws, melting snow needs somewhere to go. The City asks residents to clear snow and ice away from nearby catch basins, which are marked by a yellow "T" bar on the road, and to help keep fire hydrants clear.

Hiring a Contractor:

If you hire a snow removal company, it must hold a valid business licence, and anyone running a snow plow business needs a snow plow contractor licence. That does not apply to people who clear with a shovel or a manual snow blower. Contractors must follow the rules against dumping snow, and private operators cannot use the City's snow disposal facilities.

Tips for Efficient Snow Removal:

• Clear snow before it becomes packed and icy
• Apply ice melt products before storms when possible
• Keep a supply of sand or salt accessible throughout winter
• Consider hiring a licensed snow removal service if you are unable to clear snow yourself
• Clear around fire hydrants near your property as a community service

Salt and Sand for Icy Driveways and Walkways

The City of Ottawa does not advertise a winter program that hands out free sand or salt to residents. The sand locations it publishes are for flood sandbags, not for icy walkways. For your own driveway, steps and walkway, plan to buy ice melt or sand from a hardware store or garden centre before the first freeze.

Choosing a Product:

Salt melts ice, and sand adds traction without melting anything. Plain salt loses effectiveness in very cold weather, which is when a layer of sand helps most. Keep a bucket by the door so you can treat steps before anyone slips.

Application Tips:

• Apply before walking on icy surfaces to allow penetration
• A thin layer works better than excessive amounts
• Reapply after freezing rain or new ice formation
• Sweep up excess after ice melts to protect plants and concrete
• Store remainder in sealed container to prevent moisture absorption

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Safe winter driving in Ottawa requires adjusting habits, maintaining vehicles, and respecting conditions that can change rapidly.

Speed and Following Distance:

Reduce speeds by at least 10 km/h below dry pavement driving speeds. Double or triple your following distance from other vehicles—stopping distances on snow and ice increase dramatically. Even with excellent winter tires, physics limits available traction.

Visibility Preparation:

Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving, including the windshield, windows, mirrors and lights. Clear snow from hood, roof, and trunk—flying snow creates hazards for following vehicles and can slide forward during braking, blocking your view.

Winter Emergency Kit:

Keep these items in your vehicle throughout winter:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Small shovel
• Traction aids (sand, kitty litter, or traction mats)
• Jumper cables or portable booster
• Blanket and extra warm clothing
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• First aid kit
• Phone charger
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Flares or reflective triangles

Black Ice Awareness:

Black ice forms when moisture freezes on pavement, creating virtually invisible hazardous conditions. Bridge surfaces, shaded areas, and overpasses freeze first. If your vehicle suddenly feels lighter or steering becomes unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden inputs.

Vehicle Maintenance:

Winter demands peak vehicle performance. Ensure these systems function properly:

• Battery (cold reduces battery capacity significantly)
• Antifreeze concentration appropriate for -40 degrees Celsius
• Wiper blades (consider winter-specific blades)
• Washer fluid rated for -40 degrees Celsius
• Heating system and defrosters
• All lights and signals

School Bus Cancellation Information

Ottawa-area school bus cancellations during severe winter weather affect thousands of families daily. Knowing where to find cancellation information prevents morning chaos.

Official Information Sources:

OSTA (Ottawa Student Transportation Authority): OSTA handles home-to-school transportation for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). According to the OCDSB, cancellations are posted on OSTA's website by 6:15 a.m. OSTA also posts on X and Facebook.

OCDSB and OCSB: Both boards point families to OSTA for transportation cancellations. See the OCDSB transportation page and the OCSB transportation page.

French-language boards: OSTA's notices cover the English-language public and Catholic boards. If your children attend a French-language school, check your board's website or ask your school how it announces weather cancellations.

How Cancellations Work:

When OSTA cancels transportation for bad weather or poor road conditions, the OCDSB says buses, vans and taxis are cancelled to all schools. This is a single decision for the day, not a zone-by-zone one.

When Buses Are Cancelled:

• All schools remain open to students
• If you bring your child to school, you need to arrange the trip home as well
• After-school activities may be cancelled separately, so check with the school

Notification Options:

Subscribe to OSTA's mailing list so cancellation notices reach your phone by email, then check the website after 6:15 a.m. as a backup. Local radio also carries cancellations after 6:15 a.m.

OC Transpo Winter Service Adjustments

Ottawa's public transit system is affected by winter weather like everything else. Check OC Transpo's own service alerts before you leave, since conditions can change quickly. Transit becomes especially useful when a ban encourages leaving your car parked. For more on the network, see our OC Transpo guide and our O-Train and LRT guide.

Weather-Related Delays:

Heavy snowfall, freezing rain and extreme cold can slow buses and rail alike. During significant weather events, expect that:

• Buses may run behind schedule
• Some routes may be temporarily changed or suspended
• Rail service can be disrupted too, so check the O-Train's status before you go

Winter Commute Tips:

• Add extra buffer time during snow events
• Dress warmly for potential extended outdoor waits
• Check OC Transpo's trip planner or real-time tools before you leave
• Consider an earlier departure to ensure on-time arrival
• Keep your PRESTO balance loaded to avoid reloading outdoors

Park and Ride During Bans:

Only the park-and-ride lots listed under "Where to Park During Overnight Bans" have designated winter weather parking during a ban. If you live near one, you can park there, take transit and leave your vehicle safely off the street until the ban is lifted.

Accessibility Considerations:

Winter conditions can affect Para Transpo service and station accessibility. Ice and snow may impact wheelchair ramps and elevators. Contact OC Transpo customer service for accessibility concerns during winter weather events.

Emergency Resources and Road Conditions

When winter weather creates dangerous conditions or emergencies arise, these resources provide critical information and assistance.

Ottawa 511:

Ontario's road condition service provides current highway and road status reports at 511on.ca. Its Track My Plow page shows winter maintenance vehicles that are plowing provincial highways.

City of Ottawa Plowing Progress:

After the biggest storm of the 2025-26 winter, the City said in January 2026 that it was working on a tool that would let residents track plows during storms. Check ottawa.ca to see whether it is live. Until then, the City's plowing timelines above are the best guide to when your street will be done.

Emergency Services:

• 911: Police, fire, medical emergencies
• 311: Non-emergency City of Ottawa services
• OPP: 1-888-310-1122 (Ontario Provincial Police, 24-hour toll-free, emergency and non-emergency)
• CAA Roadside Assistance: 1-800-222-4357 (CAA members)

Stranded Vehicle Protocol:

If your vehicle becomes stuck or disabled during severe weather:

1. Stay with your vehicle if conditions are dangerous outside
2. Run engine periodically for heat (ensure exhaust pipe is clear of snow)
3. Turn on hazard lights
4. Call for assistance using cell phone
5. Tie bright cloth to antenna if available

Utility Emergencies:

• Hydro Ottawa (power outages): 613-738-0188
• Enbridge Gas (smell natural gas, 24 hours a day): 1-866-763-5427, or call 911 from a safe distance
• Hydro Ottawa outage map: outages.hydroottawa.com

Weather Warnings:

Environment Canada issues weather warnings through weather.gc.ca. Sign up for alert notifications to receive severe weather warnings directly to your phone.

Winter Driving Insurance Considerations

Beyond tire discounts, winter driving affects various insurance aspects Ottawa drivers should understand.

Winter Tire Discount:

As mentioned earlier, every Ontario auto insurer must offer a winter tire discount, usually in the 2% to 5% range. Ask your insurer or broker which tires and dates qualify, and keep your installation receipt.

At-Fault Accidents in Winter:

Insurance fault determination considers weather conditions but doesn't automatically absolve drivers. If you lose control on ice and strike another vehicle, you may still be found at-fault regardless of road conditions. Courts and insurers expect drivers to adjust speeds and behavior appropriately for conditions.

Comprehensive Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage protects against weather-related damage including:

• Falling tree branches or ice
• Theft (more common during warming-up periods when vehicles are left running)
• Flooding from melting snow
• Wind damage

Collision Coverage:

Collision coverage addresses damage from winter-specific accidents including:

• Sliding into curbs or other objects
• Rear-end collisions on slippery roads
• Single-vehicle rollovers

Documentation for Claims:

If winter weather contributes to an incident, document conditions thoroughly:

• Photograph road conditions and weather
• Note temperature and precipitation
• Obtain police report if applicable
• Record witness information
• Note time of last road treatment if visible

FAQ

How do I know if a parking ban is in effect tonight?

Check ottawa.ca, where the City posts a special advisory for every ban, or use the City of Ottawa app, the City's social accounts or email alerts. The City aims to call an overnight ban by 9 am and a daytime ban by 3:30 pm. Overnight bans run from 7 pm to 7 am, and daytime bans run from 10 am to 7 pm.

Where can I park my car during an overnight ban?

Use a driveway or any off-street space if you can. The City also opens seven designated park-and-ride lots, several garages and surface lots such as the Byward Market, Dalhousie and City Hall garages, and many recreation centre lots. Some main streets, including Bank Street and Elgin Street, stay exempt if you follow posted signs.

Are winter tires required by law in Ontario?

No. Only Quebec and parts of British Columbia require them. In Ontario, winter tires are your choice, but insurers must offer a discount for them, and the Government of Ontario says they can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol and buy a set of four.

How much does a parking ban violation cost?

The fine is $125, or $105 with the early payment option. A vehicle without a residential parking permit may also be towed during a ban, and towing and storage charges are extra, so they depend on the operator and how long the car sits. Residential permit holders are exempt from winter weather parking bans, with some limitations and conditions.

When should I install winter tires in Ottawa?

A common rule is to install winter tires once temperatures stay at or below about 7 degrees Celsius, usually late October to early November in Ottawa. Book your changeover early, because shops get busy after the first snow. Check your insurer's required months before you take them off in spring, since some publish a window such as December through March.

Do I have to shovel the public sidewalk in front of my house?

In Ottawa the City plows public sidewalks, with residential sidewalks targeted 12 to 16 hours after the last snowflake once 5 centimetres has accumulated. You are responsible for your own driveway and walkway and for the windrow left at the end of your driveway. Never push snow onto the street, sidewalk, pathway or park.

Does insurance cover winter driving accidents?

Collision coverage addresses winter-related accidents, though fault determination still applies. Bad weather does not automatically absolve a driver of responsibility, because drivers are expected to slow down and adjust for conditions. If weather contributes to an incident, document the conditions and speak to your insurer or broker about how your policy responds.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa's winter driving and parking rules ask the same thing of every driver: know when a ban is called, and have a place to put your car. Officers issued 15,484 tickets across three bans between December 2025 and January 2026, and a later ban added more than $455,000 in fines, so enforcement is real and the fine is $125 each time.

Success in Ottawa's winter driving environment combines a few habits: following ban announcements through official channels, putting a set of four winter tires on your vehicle, keeping a safe following distance and a reduced speed, and carrying emergency supplies. A winter tire set costs money up front, but a ticket, a tow and a missed morning cost more.

Use what the City offers: designated park-and-ride and garage parking during bans, plowing timelines you can plan around, and Ontario 511 for highway conditions. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe on Ottawa's winter roads.

Sources: City of Ottawa, Winter Weather Parking Bans, Where to park during a ban, On-street parking permit (residential), Snow plowing and clearing, Government of Ontario newsroom, winter tire discount, OCDSB transportation, Hydro Ottawa outage centre, Enbridge Gas Ontario, Ontario Provincial Police, CAA. Ticket counts: CTV News Ottawa, January 2026.