For decades, Chicagoans have gone to extreme lengths to save their parking spots. Here’s what to know about “dibs” ahead of the first snowstorm of the season.
What Are Dibs?
After residents shovel their cars out from under snow, they leave different objects — like traffic cones, chairs, and even religious icons — to call “dibs” on their spots while they go to work or run errands.
A severe blizzard hit Chicago in 1967. (Robert Abbott Sengstacke / Getty)
How Did Dibs Begin?
When the January 1967 blizzard left the city covered in 23 inches of snow, the Tribune reported Chicago motorists began reserving their spots with folding chairs, carpenters' horses, and other stuff. More than 30 years later, a Tribune columnist is credited with coining the term.
Why Are Dibs Controversial?
Calling dibs is illegal, according to city code. That’s why some residents call 311 to complain about the practice, saying it makes parking more of a hassle in the winter, especially when someone tries to dibs half a block. Meanwhile, people who take the time to shovel get upset when someone else moves their dibs to park in the now-clean spot.
What Else Should You Know?
The Chicago tradition is divisive, which is why some have called for dibs etiquette to be established and others are rocking swag from Transit Tees’ dibs collection.
Wherever you stand on dibs, tell us! We’ll share your answer here.
