If you have a New England car rental, it’s important to follow the regulations laid out by the city you’re in. Unfortunately, these can be extensive. Boston, in particular, has strict policies regarding parking. This is due to their narrow streets and lack of parking garages. Included in this article are regulations to remember while driving in Boston. This will help you ensure you don’t get ticketed in your New England car rental!
Parking Meters in Boston
If you have a New England car rental, chances are you’ll need to make use of parking meters. Make sure your rental is within the lines for your meter, that your front bumper is perpendicular with the meter, and that the meter is in order. You could get ticketed for residing within a spot with an out of order meter or for staying in the spot for longer than the stated time limit.
Residential Permits
Unfortunately with a New England car rental, this is not beneficial to you. A majority of neighborhoods in Boston have begun to designate spots specifically for residents with residential parking permits. Only these cars can park on streets labeled as “resident parking only”. The only exception is the 3 hour allowance for commercial vehicles. Fortunately, however, there are designated nonresident parking spots. Be certain to park in one of these to avoid being ticketed.
Basic Rules and Regulations
There are a few basic, straightforward rules to follow while in Boston. Valid license plates and inspection stickers are necessary to park in Boston. Also, you may not park in these areas:
- intersections
- crosswalks
- bus stops
- sidewalks
- in front of or otherwise blocking handicap ramps
- in front of driveways
- within ten feet of fire hydrants
- further than a foot from the curb
Also, ensure that your car is facing the same direction as traffic, leaving a 10-foot lane on a one-way street and 20 feet on streets with two lanes.
Parking Signs
Among these regulations are some that prohibit parking where certain signs are.
- No parking within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the adjacent side of the station, or 75 feet on the opposite side of the street by the driveway
- No parking without a permit in a handicapped zone
- No parking in a Public Hackney Carriage Stand
- In assigned no-parking areas
Follow these straightforward regulations and you’ll go without ticket on your New England car rental.
Street Cleaning Regulations
From April 1 to November 30, Boston streets are cleaned weekly. Regulations prohibit parking on one side of the road within these cleaning hours. For information on street cleaning schedules during your stay in Boston, visit the City of Boston website.
Snow Emergency Regulations
With a New England car rental, it can be extra difficult to find parking during snow emergencies. Parking on main streets is prohibited. While those with valid residential stickers are entitled to discounted parking during these times, visitors will need to find other parking. However, be aware of stricter law enforcement. This especially includes the law against parking more than a foot from the curb and parking within 20 feet of an intersection. You must also be sure to never park on streets declared as “Emergency Snow Arteries” or “Tow Zone – SNOW Emergency”. You may see “space savers” on spots that have been cleared for residents. This is for residents only and, within 48 hours of the emergency, must be removed.
To avoid tickets in Boston, it is important to be aware of their regulations. Nothing ruins a trip like getting a ticket on your New England car rental. Luckily, you just have to follow these rules and your trip will be ticket free!
