Baltimore Extends Free City Garage Parking as Snow Emergency Routes Stay Restricted Until Further Notice

Free garage parking extended amid ongoing snow operations

Baltimore has extended free parking for city residents at eight City-owned parking garages as winter storm cleanup continues and snow emergency routes remain off-limits to curbside parking.

Under the current Phase II snow emergency, parking restrictions on designated snow emergency routes began at noon Saturday, January 24, 2026. The restriction applies 24 hours a day “until further notice,” regardless of the specific times printed on posted signs. Vehicles left on these routes after the restriction took effect can be ticketed and relocated, and residents seeking a relocated vehicle are directed to contact 311.

New end time: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27

The free garage program—introduced to clear lanes for curb-to-curb plowing and salting—was initially set to run through 7 p.m. Monday, January 26. City information posted during the storm response states that free garage parking has been extended to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Availability is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed. Residents using the garages are expected to provide proof of Baltimore City residency.

Where else residents can park during Phase II

In addition to garages, the city has opened alternative parking at select Baltimore City school lots during the Phase II snow emergency. Residents using those school lots were instructed to remove vehicles by 7 p.m. Monday, January 26.

• Snow emergency routes: no parking while Phase II remains active; enforcement includes ticketing and relocation.
• City-owned garages: free for residents through 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27; first-come, first-served; proof of residency required.
• Select school lots: offered during the storm response with a stated removal deadline of 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26.

Rules and enforcement details

City guidance for snow emergencies emphasizes that snow emergency route signs are black and white and typically mounted higher than other parking signs on the same pole. During Phase II and Phase III conditions, motorists may not park on designated snow emergency routes. The city’s posted guidance also states that vehicles parked along snow emergency routes may receive a $52 parking fine and be relocated.

Parking restrictions are intended to keep key corridors passable for plows and emergency access while crews prioritize arterial and collector streets and routes to schools and hospitals.

What residents should know now

Residents are urged to confirm that a parked vehicle is not on a snow emergency route, even if typical posted hours would otherwise allow parking. With restrictions remaining in place until further notice, drivers who need off-street options can use the extended free garage program through Tuesday evening, subject to capacity and residency verification.