Checkered flag or tow flag? Parking without getting burned

Risk zones during the Grand Prix

Temporary signs are orange and installed 48 hours in advance. They override any existing signage, including the paid meters still visible.

• Old Port and de la Commune Street: near-total ban from Thursday evening to Monday morning.
• Notre-Dame Street near Concorde Bridge: lanes reserved for official shuttles.
• Saint-Antoine and Viger: pedestrian-priority traffic zones.
• Everywhere around Jean-Drapeau station on the Montréal side: automatic towing.

How to read temporary signage

An orange sign with a two-way arrow means 'no parking, immediate tow'. A single arrow points to the restricted direction. The hours written at the bottom add to regular rules — they do not replace them.

If in doubt, snap a photo of the sign before leaving. You will have proof if you need to dispute later.

The risk-free alternative: a booked Pema spot

Rather than roll the dice, book a spot in one of the six downtown Pema garages. 1000 de la Gauchetière and Place Victoria sit under 2 minutes from a metro station, your car stays secure 24/7, and you pay nothing on top of the displayed rate.

No tow risk, no ticket, no nasty surprise after the race.