Overview
Meriden enforces both a seasonal overnight parking ban from November 15 through March 15 and a full emergency parking ban that the Chief of Police can declare during heavy snowfall. Residents need to know both sets of rules to avoid tickets and towing.
How the Snow Emergency Is Declared
Meriden has two mechanisms:
- Seasonal overnight ban (November 15 – March 15): Parking on any public street is automatically prohibited during any snow, sleet, or freezing rain storm from November 15 to March 15, and remains prohibited until the Director of Public Works deems the streets sufficiently cleared.
- Emergency declaration by Chief of Police: The Chief of Police may suspend traffic regulations and prohibit parking temporarily in any area where it is necessary to facilitate snow removal or prevent obstruction of traffic during heavy snowfall or other emergency.
Parking Rules During a Snow Emergency
All on-street parking is prohibited. During the overnight seasonal ban, parking on streets is prohibited from 12:00 midnight to 7:00 AM during a snowstorm or until snow has been completely cleared. When a full parking ban is declared, residents must remove all vehicles from city streets. Meriden does not use an odd/even side-of-street system.
Designated Snow Emergency Routes
Not specified separately — the ban applies to all public streets.
Fines & Towing
The Meriden Police Department will ticket and tow vehicles that remain parked on the streets during a ban. Vehicles may be removed and impounded at the owner's expense by a person authorized by the Chief of Police. Payment of the total penalty must be made within 30 days. After 30 days, the owner is subject to a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Where to Park During a Ban
The City provides free off-street parking at the following locations during a parking ban:
- Columbus Park (Lewis Ave)
- Washington Park (Liberty St.)
- Ceppa Field (Gale Ave)
- North End Field / Jack Barry Little League Field (Britannia St)
- City Park (Park Ave / Bunker Ave / Warren St)
- Municipal Lot (Catlin St. at Miller Street)
- Municipal Lot (East Main St. at St. Casimir Drive)
- 79 Miller St. (across from Library)
- Corner of Orange St. and Cook Ave
How You'll Be Notified
Tips & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know when a snow emergency has been declared?
Watch for signs posted by the Police Department, and check the City of Meriden website at meridenct.gov. The seasonal overnight ban (November 15 – March 15) activates automatically during any snow, sleet, or freezing rain event.
Q: What happens if I don't move my car?
Your vehicle will be ticketed and may be towed and impounded at your expense. If the fine is not paid within 30 days, you face a penalty of up to $100 or up to 30 days imprisonment, or both.
Q: Where can I park for free during a snow emergency?
Meriden provides nine designated parking locations including Columbus Park, Washington Park, Ceppa Field, City Park, and several municipal lots. See the full list above.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
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