Car Lockout in Rochester, MN

Parking rules and a locked car

Rochester's winter alternate-side rule, City Code Section 11-6-49, applies citywide from November 1 to April 1, between 2 a.m. and 3 p.m. On even-numbered dates, the car belongs on the even-numbered side of the street; on odd dates, the odd side. The required side follows the date from 2 a.m., so a car locked with the keys inside on a January evening may be on the wrong side by morning. Say which side you are on and whether it becomes the wrong side overnight. Cars in the round part of a cul-de-sac follow the rule too, and a posted sign takes priority over the calendar.

Downtown, in the Central Business District, snow-event parking restrictions are posted on affected meters, so read the meter before you walk off to wait. This is general information, not legal advice.

Heat, cold and anyone inside

If a child or a pet is locked in the car, call 911 now and do not wait for a locksmith. A closed car turns dangerously hot in summer sun and dangerously cold on a winter night. If the engine is running with the keys inside, say so; in a snowy city, snow piled around a running car can block the tailpipe and push exhaust back into the cabin.

Where you are parked

Give the full street name with its direction suffix, such as 7th Avenue SW, and the nearest cross street with its suffix. In a downtown ramp, give the ramp's name, the level and the nearest stall or elevator.

• Make, model, year and color.
• Where the keys are: in the ignition, on a seat, in the trunk, or lost.
• Whether a child, a pet or a running engine is involved.
• Photo ID, and the registration if you can reach it.

If the keys are lost rather than locked in, see car key replacement. Other City rules that affect a parked car are on the Rochester page.