Car Lockout in Hartford, CT

Blue lights and snow bans

Under the City of Hartford's snow parking ban, the mayor may call a snow emergency when heavy snow is forecast. Parking on any street in the city is then off limits, and cars left there are ticketed and towed. The warning is visual: blue lights at 16 major intersections come on six hours before the ban begins. If you see them while your keys are locked in a street-parked car, lead your request with that, because the ban start is a deadline the car has to meet. This is general information, not legal advice.

If a locked car is still running in deep snow, keep the tailpipe clear so exhaust cannot build up inside.

Children, pets and temperature

If a child, a pet or anyone who cannot get out is locked inside, call 911 first and do not wait for a locksmith. NOAA puts Connecticut's average January temperature at 27.2°F, so a car cabin turns cold soon after the engine stops. In summer, a closed car in the sun can overheat even on a mild day.

Where you are and what to send

• The street and nearest cross street, or the name of the lot.
• During a ban, the Blue Light Lot: 130 Sisson Avenue, the lot at Colt, Elizabeth, Goodwin or Keney Park, or the Hartford Public Schools lot by school name.
• Downtown or in the South Meadows, the building, business or lot you are parked at.
• Make, model, color and plate number.
• Where the keys are: on the seat, in the ignition, in the trunk or unknown.
• Photo ID, plus the registration if it is not locked inside.

See car lockout, car key replacement if the keys are lost rather than locked in, the Hartford page or the New Haven page.