Towed in Madison
EspañolContesting a City Tow in Madison: Ticket, Winter Rules, Boot Appeal
Answers taken from the rules Towed in Madison uses. Each one gives its official source and the date that source was checked. Which rules apply depends on the facts of each tow; the tool asks about them. Rules current as of October 12, 2026.
We are not a law firm, and we are not your lawyer. This website gives general information and self-help forms that you choose and fill in yourself; it does not give legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Deadlines can end your rights.
How is a City of Madison parking ticket or tow contested, and by when?
The City's citation pages say an online review (for a citation issued in error) must be submitted within ten days of when the citation was issued; if the review is denied, a court date can still be requested. A court date to contest a citation is scheduled by calling Court Services at 608-266-4170; parking court is held Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. by appointment only. A citation on private property is issued only on the property owner's or manager's complaint, and a review of it goes to the owner or manager first.
Source: City of Madison, Citation Payment Methods; Parking on Private Property · Checked on October 12, 2026
What does a City tow in Madison add to the bill, and when does it apply?
Whenever a vehicle is lawfully towed by or at the direction of the Madison Police, Fire or Transportation department, the owner or operator forfeits $115, in addition to the other lawful charges for removal, impounding, storage or disposal.
Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 12.1331(3) · Checked on October 12, 2026
The City's winter parking pages say the fine is $20 when there is no declared snow emergency and $60 during one, and that a towed car adds a $115 towing fee plus the fine. A snow emergency is declared before 9:00 p.m. on the night it takes effect and usually lasts two days. For 2025-26 the City tested starting enforcement only with the first general plow or snow emergency, with ticketing that could pause in dry spells; for 2026-27 it says it is working on a notification system for when enforcement is active or paused.
Source: City of Madison, Winter Parking: Fines & Towing; Declared Snow Emergencies; Alternate Side Parking Program Updates · Checked on October 12, 2026
What do Madison's winter parking rules say?
From November 15 to March 15, between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., vehicles may park only on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered days and the odd-numbered side on odd-numbered days, unless posted or excepted. A street divided by a boulevard or median counts as one street.
Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 12.1335(1) · Checked on October 12, 2026
Inside the Snow Emergency Zone (the isthmus and nearby areas), alternate-side parking applies only during a declared snow emergency. The Street Superintendent declares a snow emergency through public media; it lasts 48 hours unless extended by a second media declaration or cancelled, applies citywide, and is not limited to November 15 to March 15. A violation is subject to towing and fees under § 12.1331.
Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 12.1335(2), (4)(a)-(e) · Checked on October 12, 2026
The alternate-side rule does not apply to blocks that ban parking on one side at all times and allow it on the other, to Jenifer Street between Williamson Street and South Baldwin Street, or to the circles and courts listed in the ordinance.
Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 12.1335(5) · Checked on October 12, 2026
How is a private boot in Madison appealed?
A person who signs a deferral agreement files an appeal with the Transportation Commission, on its form, within 14 days of the boot's removal. The parking enforcer has 14 days to respond; no response is an admission of every material allegation. The enforcer must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the car was illegally parked, that the lot was posted under § 23.56(3), and that the fee was within the $50 limit. If the appellant wins, the enforcer is ordered to pay the appellant an amount equal to the removal fee.
Source: Madison Gen. Ord. § 23.565 · Checked on October 12, 2026
Papers and photos these rules mention
- The ticket, front and back
- Photos of where the car was parked and the nearest signs
- The parking ticket and the tow receipt
- The ticket, with its date and time
- A screenshot of the City's snow-emergency announcement or text alert
- Photos of where the car was parked, with the house numbers on that side
- A screenshot or link of the City's snow-emergency announcement, with its time
- Photos of the block's parking signs on both sides of the street
- Photos of the boot, the notice left on the car, and the signs at the entrance and in the lot
- The deferral agreement or receipt, and the time you called and the time someone came
Towed in Madison asks what happened, lists the rules that apply and works out your deadlines.