Car Lockout in Buffalo, NY

The overnight bus-route rule

From November 15 to April 1, Buffalo bans parking from 1:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on streets where passenger buses run, under Chapter 479, Section 15.45 of the City Code. The city's route list for 2025-2026 names streets such as Delaware Avenue, Main Street, Grant Street, Seneca Street, Elmwood and Hertel avenues, Niagara Street and part of Broadway. The city says the list can change, and on some routes only one side of the street is restricted.

A car locked with its keys inside on one of those streets late on a winter evening will still be parked there when the ban begins. Say in the request that it is on a bus route, which side of the street it is on, and when you parked, so the timing is clear from the start. This is general information, not legal advice.

Business districts and lots

The city's snow-removal procedures also list business districts, including Chippewa Street, Allen Street and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. On streets like those, give the storefront or building the car is parked in front of, not just the street name, since a long commercial street has many similar blocks. In a lot or garage, give the lot's name, the level, and the row or space number.

Cold, heat and anyone inside

If a child or pet is locked in the car, call 911 first, in any season. A closed car can become dangerously cold in winter and dangerously hot in summer.

If the engine is running with the keys locked inside and snow has built up around the car, keep the tailpipe clear so exhaust cannot collect around the vehicle.

Location and vehicle details

• the street and nearest cross street or address, and which side
• whether the street is a winter bus route
• make, model, year, color and plate
• where the keys are: in the ignition, on a seat, in the trunk, or lost
• whether the engine is running

If the keys are lost rather than locked inside, you need car key replacement instead. The car lockout page explains the service; the Buffalo page summarizes winter parking.