Note: Information relative to towed automobiles should be requested from the Police Department Information Desk at (605) 367-7212.
The ticketing and towing of vehicles from Emergency Snow Routes after 2 inches of snow has fallen, or on all other streets during a Snow Alert, is the only effective method of completely eliminating snow from the streets of Sioux Falls. If cars are left (plowed around), the snow surrounding the cars turns to ice and subsequent snowfalls create a hazard to the traveling public, as well as plow operator and equipment. When the plow strikes this ice, it either suddenly stops the plow or forces it to skip over the obstacle.
Therefore, any vehicle which is parked on an Emergency Snow Route after 2 inches of snow has fallen, or parked in violation of Zone 1, 2, or 3 parking regulations during a Snow Alert is subject to ticketing and towing at the owner's expense. The towing will be done by a City authorized towing company and will be monitored by the Police Department and Parking Patrol, who will issue a citation for unlawful parking. The street Department does not have information relative to towed automobiles. this information can be requested from the Police Department Information Desk at (605) 367-7212.
Ticketing and Towing Policies and Procedures
The fine for parking on an Emergency Show Route after 2 inches of snow has fallen, or parking in violation of Zone 1, 2, or 3 parking regulations during a Snow Alert is $35 and increases to $70 if not paid after seven days without filing an appeal, or more than 48 hours after a hearing officer's decision. The payment may be made by depositing the appropriate amount in the yellow envelope in any of the following locations:
- Any yellow courtesy box located mid-block on Downtown streets.
- The office of the Parking Ticket Clerk (Accounting Office window) located on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
- By mail, with the appropriate postage. It is recommended that cash not be sent through the mail.
To clear the citation, the violator must submit the appropriate fee as indicated, or file an appeal. Appeals shall be commenced by filing a written appeal to the attention of the director of public parking, office of parking ticket clerk, within seven days of the issuance of the ticket. The appeal shall state why the parking ticket should be modified or dismissed, and an address where notice of the hearing should be mailed.
The main concern of the City is removal of vehicles from the street to facilitate snow removal and emergency operations. The amount charged by the towing companies for removal and storage of vehicles is set by contract. However, additional charges may be added by the towing company for other costs. If you incurred towing charges resulting from a citation that is dismissed, you will also be allowed an opportunity to be heard by a Parking Ticket Hearing Officer regarding these towing charges. The City shall pay for the cost of the initial towing and/or storage fees resulting from a citation that is dismissed. If you have already paid these fees, you will be required to submit supporting documentation for reimbursement. If your citation is dismissed and your vehicle is still in storage, the towing company will be notified to release your vehicle and to bill the City for the costs up to the point of the dismissal of the citation.
You will be responsible for any additional costs or expenses incurred if the vehicle is not claimed prior to 10 p.m. on the same day your citation is dismissed. The City will not pay for any additional expenses incurred or claimed other than the initial towing and/or storage of your vehicle as stated herein. If you have any questions, the Parking Ticket Hearing Officer will be glad to answer them for you at the time of your hearing.
Information relative to towed automobiles should be requested from the Police Department Information Desk at (605) 367-7212.
