New Bedford's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In New Bedford, Massachusetts, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under §23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must comply with all general parking regulations including snow emergency bans. Specific streets may have posted commercial vehicle restrictions.

Key details: Code: §23-23 heavy traffic parking restricted zones. Restrictions: Certain streets/zones restricted. Snow Ban: All vehicles subject to $50 fine + towing. Enforcement: Traffic Commission / New Bedford PD.

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

Street Parking Limits

New Bedford enforces snow emergency parking bans during winter storms under Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances. During a snow ban, parking is allowed on the north side of east-west streets and the east side of north-south streets. Violations result in $50 tickets plus towing.

Key details: Snow Ban Fine: $50 per ticket + towing. Hydrant Clearance: 10 feet required. Corner Clearance: 20 feet required. Free Parking: Designated school lots during bans.

Snow ban violation: $50 ticket + towing at owner's cost. Snow on roadways: $50 fine.

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

Driveway Rules

New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-street parking must comply with zoning district setback requirements. Building permits may be required for new driveway construction.

Key details: Driveway Blocking: Prohibited — no parking in front of driveways. Zoning Compliance: Ch. 9 setback requirements apply. Permit: May be required for new driveways. Enforcement: Traffic Commission / Building Dept.

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

RV & Boat Parking

New Bedford regulates vehicle parking under Chapter 23 (Traffic) of the Code of Ordinances. Heavy traffic vehicles are restricted in certain zones under §23-23. Oversized vehicles including RVs must comply with general street parking rules and snow emergency restrictions.

Key details: Code: Ch. 23 Traffic — heavy vehicle zones. Snow Ban: All vehicles subject to $50 fine + towing. Hydrant Rule: 10 feet clearance required. Enforcement: Traffic Commission / Parking Clerk.

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

The Bottom Line

New Bedford'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 New Bedford is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that New Bedford can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.