The city prohibits the use of “space savers,” or objects put on the street to reserve parking spaces, per Section 12-18 of City Code of Ordinances. Objects used to save parking spaces may be collected and disposed of.
During a Snow Emergency:
When winter begins in an even-numbered year – like the winter of 2022-23, parking will only be allowed on the even-numbered side of streets during a snow emergency. Parking on a limited number of streets will not alternate during snow emergencies. For an explanation of why some streets have posted exceptions to the general rule, click here.
You have four hours after a snow emergency is declared to move your car to the even-numbered side of the street, or to municipal lots (map) available for resident use during a snow emergency. Parking is not allowed in school lots during snow emergencies.
You can also park at meters on the even-numbered side of a street during a snow emergency, as long there is no sign stating otherwise. Meters and time-parking rules are not enforced during snow emergencies. The City does not enforce an ordinance prohibiting cars from being parked in the same spot for more than 48 hours.
Your vehicle will be ticketed and towed if you do not follow the above Snow Emergency parking rules. Fines include:
- Failure to Move Car to Proper Side of Street: $100
- Tow Zone / Obstructing Plow: $100
- Parked within 10 feet of Fire Hydrant/Designated Fire Lane: $100
- Parked within 20 feet of an Intersection (state law): $100
The towing charge is $108, along with a $35 per day storage fee. Call Pat’s Towing at 617-776-5810 if your car gets towed.
After a Snow Emergency:
- You need to move your car from municipal lots within two hours after the snow emergency ends.
- The Parking Department will begin enforcing permit parking rules within 24 hours after a snow emergency ends.
- The Parking Department will begin enforcing the rule prohibiting cars to remain in the same spot for more than 48 hours within 48 hours after a snow emergency ends.
- You must shovel your car out within 48 hours after a snow emergency ends. Visit the Snow Shoveling Assistance Program page if you need help shoveling.
The City prohibits the use of “space savers,” or objects put on the street to reserve parking spaces, per Section 12-18 of City Code of Ordinances. Objects used to save parking spaces may be collected and disposed of.