Now that there is significant snow on the ground, Police Chief Brian Krueger wants to remind Austin residents that 12-hour parking is being enforced throughout the city.

“People should be aware that you need to move your vehicle every 12 hours,” Krueger said.

Krueger specified that cars need to be moved even if a snow emergency has not been declared. If vehicles are not moved, they will be ticketed the first day and towed the second.

Individuals can also be ticketed for driving with an icy or snowy windshield, Krueger said. Windshields and rear windows need to be cleaned off for safety and visibility purposes.

Sidewalks, driveways and pathways should be cleared after a snowfall, as well. This is a safety precaution not only for homeowners and individuals who use sidewalks, but also for mail carriers.

Austin Police Department is also participating in an increased DWI enforcement wave throughout the month of December. In the last three years, 112 traffic deaths have occurred statewide in the month of December. Thirty-four of those were alcohol related, Krueger said.

“It’s much better to get a call (for a sober ride) at 2 or 3 in the morning than to get a knock on the door from the Sheriff’s Department that there’s been an accident,” Krueger said.