The Winter Parking Ban Regulations, made under subsection 202(1) of Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, the Motor Vehicle Act. These regulations, effective from December 15, 2024, to March 31, 2025, aim to address the issue of parking during winter conditions, particularly when snow or ice removal from highways is necessary. The regulations apply to all highways subject to the Public Highways Act and include specific restrictions regarding parking in designated areas.

The primary restriction, as outlined in section 3, is a ban on parking vehicles on highways listed within the communities identified in the appendix between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. This regulation is enforced regardless of existing traffic signs that might otherwise permit parking during certain hours. Additionally, it is prohibited to park in a way that obstructs or hinders snow and ice removal operations unless the vehicle is attended by an authorized person capable of operating it. Furthermore, the regulation prohibits parking from one hour after the commencement of a snowstorm until two hours after it ends, ensuring that vehicles do not impede snow clearing during or immediately after a storm.

However, there are specific exemptions to the parking restrictions. Section 5 outlines these exceptions, allowing certain vehicles to park in the prohibited zones under defined conditions. First, vehicles registered to medical practitioners are exempt if the vehicle is parked near their office or residence and is immediately available for professional calls. This exemption acknowledges the essential need for medical professionals to respond to emergencies during winter conditions. Similarly, vehicles belonging to medical practitioners who are actively engaged in their occupation are also allowed to park near their work location. The regulations also provide exemptions for vehicles registered to law enforcement agencies, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Canadian Forces, recognizing their role in public safety and emergency response. Commercial vehicles that need to park for loading or unloading merchandise are also exempt, as are vehicles registered to public utilities, provided they are parked near the residence of the driver and are available for emergency calls.

The regulations come into effect on December 15, 2024, and remain in force until March 31, 2025, covering the winter months when snow and ice removal is most critical. This period corresponds to the typical winter season in Nova Scotia, ensuring that the regulations address the peak times for snow accumulation and the need for timely road clearance.

The broad scope of the regulations reflects the importance of maintaining clear roads across the province, especially in areas with significant winter weather conditions. The list includes various roads, streets, and communities, from rural villages to more urbanized areas like Halifax Regional Municipality, which encompasses a large portion of the population and infrastructure in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia (242/2024) December 13, 2024