How Fall River Handles Parking Rules: A Practical Guide

Fall River maintains 40 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with parking rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fall River falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Street Parking Limits

Fall River enforces street parking regulations under Ch. 70 of the Revised Ordinances. A winter parking ban is declared when 3+ inches of snow are predicted, with a $65 violation fine. General parking violations carry a $25 fine. Parking meters are enforced downtown.

Key details: Code: Ch. 70, Revised Ordinances. Winter Ban Fine: $65 + towing. General Violation: $25. Late Penalty: $45 after 21 days.

General parking violation: $25. Winter ban violation: $65 plus towing. Late payment penalty (after 21 days): $45. Failure to pay may result in reporting to Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fall River's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

RV & Boat Parking

Fall River regulates the parking of trailers, semitrailers, and large vehicles on city streets under §70-320. Commercial buses designed to carry 7+ persons may not be stored on city streets overnight. Violations may result in towing at the owner's expense.

Key details: Code: §70-320 (trailers/semitrailers). Overnight Storage: Commercial buses prohibited. Fine: $25. Towing: At owner's expense by Police order.

Code enforcement notice with correction period. Fines $50 to $500/day after notice. Towing for street violations.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Fall River prohibits overnight street parking of commercial vehicles under §70-319. Commercial buses (7+ passengers) cannot be stored on city streets. The Chief of Police may order towing of non-compliant commercial vehicles at the owner's expense.

Key details: Code: §70-319 (all-night commercial vehicles). Overnight Ban: Commercial vehicles on streets. Commercial Buses: No street storage (7+ passenger). Fine: $25 + possible towing.

Parking citations $25 to $200. Repeat violations: increased fines. Towing for oversized commercial vehicles.

Driveway Rules

Fall River's zoning code Ch. 86 §86-441 requires parking areas to be set back at least 10 feet from front lot lines and from abutting residential property lines. Driveway parking for 3 or fewer vehicles may extend to within 1 foot of the side lot line. No backing onto streets is permitted except for single/two-family dwellings.

Key details: Front Setback: 10 feet minimum from lot line. Residential Driveway: Up to 3 vehicles, 1 ft from side line. Aisle Width: 22 ft perpendicular, 16 ft angled. No Backing: Onto streets (except 1-2 family homes).

Sidewalk blocking: parking citation $25 to $100. Unpaved parking: code enforcement notice. Unpermitted curb cut: $100 to $500.

The Bottom Line

Fall River's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fall River is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fall River's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.