In preparation for the coming months of snow and ice, Madison’s annual winter parking regulations will go into force at 1 a.m. Thursday.

Until spring, residents have to follow a complex system of rules created to help the city clear the streets of snow.

Downtown residents will now have to park on the odd-numbered side of the street from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. on odd-numbered days, and vice versa on even-numbered days.

These parking rules will be in effect seven days a week, with the exclusion of days in November when the temperature is above 65 degrees.

“We realize that most people don’t think about winter parking rules until it snows,” said Streets Division spokesperson George Dreckmann in a statement. “However, our alternate side parking rules are in effect from Nov. 15 until March 15, regardless of weather conditions.”

The only area where the rules are not in effect daily is the Downtown/Isthmus Snow Emergency Zone. The Snow Emergency Zone extends from Park and Proudfit streets on the south and west to Thorton Avenue and the Yahara River on the north, and from Lake Mendota to Lake Monona. In this zone, alternate side parking rules are only in effect during a declared snow emergency.

This emergency zone is a new addition to the complex system.

“Prior to six years ago, everybody had to move their cars every night,” said Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.

Those who ignore the regulations will be fined, Dreckmann said.

“Violations of the alternate side parking ordinance are punishable by fines of $10 for most of the city and $20 in the Snow Emergency Zone,” Dreckmann said. “To avoid fines, people should park their cars on the proper side of the streets. Residents should also remove seldom-used vehicles, boats and other trailers from the streets now to avoid fines.”

Verveer said there is confusion about how long snow emergencies last.

“Snow emergencies almost always remain in effect for 48 hours for crews to clear the roads,” Verveer said. “It becomes a pricey violation if people don’t understand a snow emergency lasts two nights.”

Additionally, for the first time this year, anyone can park in the downtown city parking ramps for free during declared snow emergencies.

“I’m really glad they agreed to this,” Verveer said.

Winter parking information is available by calling 261-9111. Residents can also receive an e-mail notice whenever a snow emergency is declared by going to the winter parking web page at www.ci.madison.wi.us/streets/Winterparking.

“The alternate-side parking ordinance is designed to help the Streets Division get our streets cleared as fast and safely as possible during snow and ice conditions,” Dreckmann said. “By following the rules, Madison residents will avoid tickets and help us get our plowing operations done as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Last school year only one snow emergency was declared.