Car Lockout in Stamford, CT

Parking rules that shape a lockout

Where the car sits matters as much as the lock. On certain narrow Stamford streets, alternate-side parking begins automatically once snow accumulation passes two inches, with no declaration needed. From 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. the next day, an even-numbered date means the even-numbered side of the street, and an odd-numbered date means the odd side.

In a major storm the mayor may declare a snow emergency. Cars are meant to stay off Snow Emergency Routes, which carry red and white signs and include Atlantic, Bedford, Hope and Main streets and Glenbrook Road. The Bell Street, Summer Street and Bedford Street garages can take vehicles during a snow emergency.

If your keys are locked in a car on a restricted side or route, say so in your request, because the city's parking rules decide where the car may stand while you wait.

Anyone inside the car

Never leave a child or pet in a parked car. If one is locked inside, call 911 before doing anything else. A closed car gets hot in summer sun and cold in winter, so the situation can worsen while the request is being made.

If you are waiting on your own, stay somewhere warm and dry where you can still see the car, such as a nearby lobby or shop, rather than standing beside it.

What location details to send

• The street, the nearest cross street and which side of the street the car is on.
• Whether the spot is on a Snow Emergency Route or under alternate-side rules that day.
• For a garage, the garage name and the level.
• The make, model and color, and whether the keys are visible inside.
• Whether the engine is running, and whether a child, pet or other person is inside.

Send these through the contact page. The service is described on the car lockout page. If the keys are lost rather than locked in, see car key replacement.