Stop Blocking My Driveway

Just out of this shot is another 10 feet of this guys truck and my driveway.

The parking laws in Massachusetts are developed by the state and then enforced by the cities and the towns. As such, this means that the cost of the fines for parking violations can vary from one town to another. 

Follow the parking laws

If you are parking in a business or residential district, you need to make sure your vehicle is no more than 12 inches from the curb. There is only one exception to this, and that is when angled parking is allowed. In those cases, you must make sure your vehicle is parked within the indicated lines. You cannot take up more than one space with your vehicle, or you will get a ticket.

Massachusetts drivers are not allowed to park their vehicles at a bus stop, or at a taxi stand. You also need to be aware of street cleaning signs. They will let you know when the regular scheduled cleanings occur, and when you are able to park in those locations. You cannot park in a posted loading zone or within 20 feet of an intersection.

Drivers cannot park in a crosswalk, nor can they park in front of a driveway. You must park at least five feet from a driveway or alley. This would be a massive inconvenience for anyone who needs to use the driveway. In addition, when you are parking near a curb, or even in a parking lot, you need to be careful that you do not park in front of a handicap access ramp. Never park in a disabled parking area unless you have the plates or placards that will allow it.

You cannot park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire lane, or on a curb, a center traffic island, or a median. If there is a roadway emergency or a weather emergency, you are not allowed to park on the side of the road. Never park facing the wrong way in traffic. 

In Massachusetts, you cannot park your vehicle on a rural roadway or outside a “thickly settled district.” Double parking is also against the law. This would impede traffic and it could become a hazard, even if you are only there for a few minutes. It is also illegal to park on the side of the road to make non-emergency repairs to your vehicle.

If you do not follow the laws, you could get a citation and a fine. Always check for signs and any other indication that you are not allowed to park in certain locations before doing so.

updated 7 23 2018
~CG