Yes, it's officially declared a time of Misrule in Mobile.
But there ARE rules for Mardi Gras and you'll have a lot more fun (and save a lot of money) if you follow them!
Mobile Police want to remind the public of the following Mardi Gras information and safety tips:
This Carnival Season, MPD will use a temporary impound location for towed vehicles at the dead end on S. Royal Street, just south of Monroe Street. The temporary impound facility will close at 10 p.m. on each parade day. Cash, debit cards, Mastercard, Discover cards and Visa credit cards will be the accepted forms of payment at the temporary impound lot. For information regarding towed vehicles before 10 p.m. on parade days, please call (251) 208-2584. For information about towed vehicles after 10 p.m. and on non-parade days, please call (251) 208-2585.
Most vehicles are towed because of parking violations.
The City of Mobile restricts on-street parking in areas marked with gold and purple Mardi Gras parking signs. These restrictions go into effect two hours before, during, and after each parade. Vehicles found violating these restrictions are subject to being towed to ensure the safety and flow of the parade.
Safety Tips & Things Prohibited
- Attend parades in groups, with family or friends.
- Park vehicles in secure areas and do not leave valuables in plain sight. Utilize the trunk to store valuables.
- Establish a post-parade meeting place for family and friends in case you become separated.
- Choose a well-lit area for night parade viewing.
- If you need police assistance during a parade, go to the nearest intersection and advise a uniformed police officer.
- Glass containers are prohibited by city ordinance.
- Do not follow floats. Violators may be arrested.
- Do not throw any object in the direction of floats, band members or any parade participants. Violators may be arrested.
- Materials known as “Silly String” and “Snap & Pops” along with similar products are illegal. Possession of any these products may result in arrest.
- Do not cross the barricades. Each officer will be carrying a ticket book and will be issuing citations for the offense. The fine for crossing the barricades is $298.
- No underage drinking is allowed. Special undercover police will arrest violators.
- Uniformed and plainclothes officers will be patrolling behind the crowds to identify and arrest persons engaging in criminal activity.
- Golf carts are not allowed on the roadway or sidewalks.
- Skateboards are prohibited.
- Pets and other animals that are not part of the parade are prohibited. Pet means any animal, fowl, reptile, or any other such usual, unusual or exotic pet kept or owned by any person or persons. Any person found in violation will be punished by a fine of $25, not including court costs and fees.
But wait...there's more!
Police are emphasizing that parents make every effort to place an identity card in their child's pocket in the event they become separated from each other. The card should provide the name of the child, address, telephone contact numbers and the name of a relative.
In the event parents and children are separated, children should be instructed to go to the nearest police officer. Police will attempt to contact the parents and the children will be taken to Central Precinct located at 55 N. Water Street until they can be reunited.
Citizens are being asked to refrain from calling 911 or the Mobile Police Department's non-emergency number for Mardi Gras information requests. Those requests should be address by dialing 311, the city's information line, or to www.311.cityofmobile.org.
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