Car Lockout in Grand Rapids, MI

Odd/even parking and a locked car

From November 1 through April 1, Grand Rapids streets with seasonal parking signs follow the city's odd/even rule. From 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. on an odd-numbered date, cars park on the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses; on an even date, the even side. Between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. either side is allowed, but by 1 a.m. each car must be on the side for the coming date. This is general information, not legal advice.

That puts a clock into a winter car lockout here. A car locked with its keys inside at 11 p.m. has a deadline that a car in a driveway or private lot does not. Look at the signs on your block and note which side you are on.

Cold, heat and safety

Michigan swings from cold winters to warm, humid summers, according to NOAA. A closed car loses its warmth on a winter night and builds heat in summer sun.

• If a child or a pet is inside, call 911 now. Do not wait for a locksmith.
• If the engine is running with the keys inside and the car is in a closed garage, leave the garage and call 911.
• While you wait, stay somewhere warm or shaded nearby rather than beside the car.

Location details to send

1. The street address or nearest cross streets and the side of the street, odd or even addresses; in a ramp or lot, the level and row.
2. Whether the block has seasonal parking signs, and the time the lockout happened.
3. The make, model and year, and whether the car has push-button start.
4. Where the keys are: in the ignition, on a seat, in the trunk or lost. If the engine is running, say so.

If the keys are lost rather than locked inside, you need car key replacement rather than getting the car opened. Car lockout describes the service in general; the Grand Rapids page holds the other local notes.