Residents of District of Columbia who had their vehicles parked in an emergency route under the snow during Winter Storm Jonas have been waved from paying all the penalties. The snow emergency that was declared does not allow cars to park on snow emergency roads.

Mayor Muriel Bowser waved all the fines of about 5,500 vehicle owners that reached up to $1.3 million in total. Each of the drivers would have to pay $250 if Bowser did not cancel the tickets.

"Citations issued for parking on snow emergency routes on Friday, January 22nd will be voided. #DCDigOut," Bowser tweeted,  according to The Hill. Those who have paid will get a refund.

"Residents who have paid their citations for violations that occurred on Friday, January 22nd will receive a refund. #DCDigOut," Bowser added.  

The parking tickets and fines have accumulated for six days, from Jan 22 to Jan. 27. There was a total of 669 vehicles that were towed, as well, according to FOX DC. The heavy outpour of snow ended on the evening of Jan. 27.

Residents were thankful for the Mayor's decision. "I feel like there are a lot of people who maybe got their cars stuck trying to get home, so I feel like it's kind of a bummer to get a ticket for something you didn't mean to do," Kelly Tucker said, according to USA Today. 

"I think it's a very nice thing to do, I really do. It takes a village," another resident Sharon Sens said.

Vehicle owners who had their cars towed may contact Department of Public Works Customer Service Center at (202) 541-6083 or visit their website, here.

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