Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
Generally no. State law says no meter fee or penalty applies to vehicles with Massachusetts disability plates or the special placard, or another state's or a Canadian province's identification. Misuse in metered spaces is penalized.
- The exemption covers vehicles with the distinctive plates or special parking placard, and vehicles bearing another state's or a Canadian province's official identification.
- A person who wrongfully displays a placard in a regular metered space faces a $500 fine for a first offense and $1,000 for a second or later offense.
- Wrongful use can also lead to a license suspension of 60 days or more under state law.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“No fee shall be exacted and no penalty shall be imposed for the parking of any vehicle owned and driven by a disabled veteran” (M.G.L. c. 40, section 22A (parking meters; exemption for persons with disabilities))
“in a regular metered space or in a commercial parking space” (M.G.L. c. 90, section 2 (handicapped plates and placards))
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles issues placards to people who meet the state's handicapped-plate eligibility rules. State law exempts vehicles bearing another state's or a Canadian province's official identification from meter fees and time-limit penalties.
- The statute lists qualifying conditions such as blindness or permanent loss of use of feet or hands, and lets the medical advisory board set other standards.
- A placard may be used in a designated space while the authorized user enters or exits, including immediate drop off or pick up (within ten minutes).
- Only the authorized user may use the placard, and it must be readily visible through the windshield.
- Full application steps are on the RMV website, which we could not open; check mass.gov.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The registrar may also furnish a special parking identification placard bearing the designation ''International Symbol of Access'' to any person who meets the eligibility requirements” (M.G.L. c. 90, section 2 (handicapped plates and placards))
“or for any vehicle bearing the official identification of a handicapped person issued by any other state or any Canadian Province.” (M.G.L. c. 40, section 22A (out-of-state identification))
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits and overstay fines are set by each city or town; check posted signs. State law says placard holders cannot be penalized for staying past a posted limit.
- State law lets cities and towns make their own vehicle rules and set penalties.
- No penalty may be imposed on a vehicle with disability plates or a disability placard (or another state's or Canadian province's identification) for parking longer than the posted time.
- Parking tickets must be answered with the city or town parking clerk; the tag lists the fine schedule and says unpaid tickets within 21 days can affect license and registration renewal.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“for parking such vehicle on any way for a longer period of time than permitted by said ordinances, by-laws, rules or orders” (M.G.L. c. 40, section 22 (city and town vehicle regulation; disabled persons excepted from parking violations))
“Failure to obey this notice within twenty-one days after the date of violation may result in the non-renewal of the license to drive” (M.G.L. c. 90, section 20A1/2 (parking violations; tags; parking clerk))
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Snow and street-cleaning rules are local. State law lets cities and towns have vehicles towed if they impede snow or ice removal. Boston example: during a declared snow emergency, cars on posted snow emergency arteries are ticketed and towed.
- State law: a city or town that accepts the law may adopt rules authorizing towing of vehicles that impede plowing or removal of snow or ice, with the owner liable for removal and storage costs.
- Boston example: parking on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency can get you ticketed and towed.
- Boston example: space savers may be used only when the city declares a snow emergency, and for 48 hours after it ends; they are banned in the South End and Bay Village.
- Street-cleaning schedules and other towns' snow rules vary; check your own city or town.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“or to impede in any way the removal or plowing of snow or ice” (M.G.L. c. 40, section 22D (removal of vehicles parked in violation of law))
“You will be ticketed and towed if you park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared snow emergency.” (City of Boston: Winter and snow emergency information (city example))
“You can only use a space saver when the City declares a snow emergency.” (City of Boston: Winter and snow emergency information (space savers))
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
Massachusetts has no single statewide rule; overnight street parking is set by each city or town. Boston example: many streets are Resident Parking Only, which the city says prevents long-term parking by non-residents.
- We could not find a state law on overnight street parking, so rules depend on the city or town.
- Boston example: resident permit stickers give residents preferential access to on-street spaces in some neighborhoods.
- Check local signs and your city or town's parking office.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The program prevents long-term parking by non-residents on residential streets.” (City of Boston: Resident Parking Permits (city example))
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
Fines are set by each city or town. State law lets cities and towns tow vehicles blocking curb ramps, disabled spaces or snow removal, and caps towing and storage charges. In Boston, call 617-343-4629.
- Accessible parking violations carry a local penalty of $100 to $300 and towing under state law.
- Removal and storage charges are capped at maximum rates set by state regulators; the contractor is liable for negligent damage.
- Each city or town sets its own fine schedule for parking tags.
- Boston example: search the towing database or call the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Liability may be imposed for the reasonable cost of such removal, and for the storage charges” (M.G.L. c. 40, section 22D (removal of vehicles parked in violation of law))
“shall contain a penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $300” (M.G.L. c. 40, section 22A (restricted accessible spaces))
“If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, search the towing database or call the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629” (City of Boston: Winter and snow emergency information (towed cars, city example))
Ask about parking rules
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General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
