Ames officials say the best way for city residents, Iowa State student included, to avoid parking fines and towing charges this winter is to stay ahead of the weather.

A city ordinance requires anyone with a car parked on a snow route to move it if the snow ordinance goes into effect, usually when two or more inches of snow falls.

Any cars that are parked along the snow routes — marked by rectangular red, white and blue signs — can be ticketed and towed by the city if the snow ordinance is declared.

Public Works Director Paul Wiegand said the best way to avoid a ticket is to keep up with the changing weather.

“The key is to try to be aware of what the forecast will be. If it looks like more than two inches, try to move your car,” Wiegand said.

Wiegand said any of the local radio stations as well as the three Des Moines television stations should report when a snow ordinance goes into effect.

The snow routes are mainly the more heavily trafficked streets that still allow parking.

Streets such as Welch Ave. 24th St., and Franklin Ave. as well as most bus routes are snow routes.

Clearing the bus routes is especially important, Wiegand said, because “people use the bus system more when it snows.”

Cars only need to be moved until the street is plowed.

“Ordinarily, you wouldn’t have to have it off for more than 5 or 6 hours,” Wiegand said.

Not being able to start your car is not an excuse for leaving it on the street.

Students who leave their cars in Ames when they leave for break, must park off of the snow routes.

In addition, sidewalks must be cleared within 10 daylight hours of a snow fall.

If a complaint because of an uncleared walk is filed, the city will shovel the walk, which could cost a resident about $75.