Parking rules keep traffic flowing and roads safe. They're generally set by state law and enforced by cities and towns, whose rules are often, but not always, the same as the state's.
Whenever you stop or park:
- Don't create a traffic hazard
- Leave at least a 12-foot wide clear roadway for traffic to pass
- Business or residential district: park within 12 inches of the curb (unless angle parking is allowed)
Know the rule
When you leave your vehicle unattended, state law requires you to stop the motor, set the parking brake, make sure the ignition is locked, remove your key and lock the door.
Handbook p. 117 ↗Know the rule
When you pull away from the curb, wait for vehicles in the travel lane to pass, signal, and move slowly into traffic.
Handbook p. 117 ↗Know the rule
Park between the white lines marking a space; you may not take up part of two spaces.
Handbook p. 118 ↗Never park:
- In a zone posted NO PARKING, NO STANDING or NO STOPPING
- In a bicycle lane, a taxi stand, or a posted loading zone
- In a posted bus stop (penalty: $100)
- In a zone and at a time posted for street cleaning
- Within 20 feet of an intersection
- In a crosswalk, in front of a driveway, or in front of a handicap-access ramp
- Within ten feet of a fire hydrant or fire lane
- On a sidewalk, curb, center traffic island or median
Also never park:
- During a weather or roadway emergency
- Facing the wrong way against traffic
- On a state or interstate highway unless authorized, or on the Mass. Turnpike (fines $15-$100)
- On a roadway in a rural area or outside a thickly settled district
- In a traffic lane next to a row of parked vehicles (double parked)
- To make nonemergency repairs to your vehicle
Disability parking fines
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Parking in an HP-DV space without plates or placard (1st) | $300 |
| Wrongful use of a disabled person/veteran plate or placard | At least $500 |
Know the rule
Never park in the striped crosshatch area next to an HP-DV space, even if you have disability plates or a placard.
Handbook p. 119 ↗Know the rule
Most parking fines are set by the city or town, and unpaid parking tickets can stop you from renewing your license or registration. On RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY streets you need a permit or visitor's placard.
Handbook p. 119 ↗It is also illegal to:
- Drive on a bet or wager, or drag race
- Throw anything out of your window while driving
- Throw garbage or glass onto a roadway or onto public or private land
- Throw lighted cigarettes or anything that can cause a fire near a forest or open field
- Bypass or cut out your vehicle's muffler system
Know the rule
Return used motor oil, transmission fluid and other hazardous materials to the place you bought them; the seller is responsible for disposing of them.
Handbook p. 120 ↗Put it into practice
You find a curbside spot 15 feet from a corner and 12 feet from a hydrant. The hydrant gap is fine (more than ten feet), but you're within 20 feet of the intersection, so you can't park there.