The ban usually goes into effect swiftly and automatically when the clock strikes 3 a.m. Dec. 1 — as cars parked on 107 miles' worth of major Chicago roadways are towed.

Some Chicago drivers were in for a rude awakening Monday morning with the city's overnight winter parking ban in effect.

Nearly 250 vehicles were towed yesterday on the second day of Chicago's winter parking ban, officials reported.

The city bans parking on 107 miles of main streets between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Dec. 1 through April 1. It happens every year, and every year drivers are caught off guard.

It's not often Chicagoans get a Christmas miracle when it comes to parking tickets and getting their vehicle unexpectedly towed, but that's exactly what happened overnight Saturday. Every year on Dec.

The ban is in effect through April 1 and prohibits parking from 3-7 a.m. on about 107 miles of major city streets, regardless of snow. Towing fees start at $150.

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation issued warnings instead of towing any cars that violated the ban early Sunday morning.

Even if there isn't snow on the ground, Chicago's overnight winter parking ban is in full effect beginning Dec. 1.

Motorists in Chicago have become used to the city’s prohibition on overnight parking on snow routes, but residents were given a reprieve Sunday morning.