MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A number of electronic signs should help alert motorists avoid getting ticketed and towed in Minneapolis this winter.

The variable message signs located at a number of intersections in downtown Minneapolis will carry alerts if snow emergencies are declared, warning drivers to be aware of parking restrictions in effect.

“We have so many different ways for people to know when we have a Snow Emergency, and now we have one more: electronic-message signs downtown,” Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said.

The City of Minneapolis also said that they would be using 12 digital billboards in Minneapolis to provide extra warnings whenever snow emergencies are declared.

This digital sign strategy was in place last year, but as there were no snow emergencies declared in the city last winter, this may be the first season they are utilized.

“Everyone who drives in Minneapolis should sign up for Snow Emergency alerts. We hope the variable message signs and the digital billboards will let us reach those drivers who have yet to sign up,” City Council Member Sandy Colvin Roy said. She chairs the Transportation and Public Works Committee.

A full rundown of snow emergency rules in Minneapolis can be found here. Resident can also call the automated 612-348-SNOW hotline. For St. Paul rules, click here.