Plymouth County, MA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- State license
- MGL c.101 §22 hawker/pedler
- Issuer
- Division of Standards
- Local permit
- Board of Health, each town
- Police certification
- Required for license
Summary
A food truck working Plymouth County needs two clearances: a state hawker and pedler license issued by the Division of Standards under MGL c.101 §22, and a mobile food permit from the Board of Health in each town where it sells.
The deputy director may grant a license to go about carrying for sale or barter, exposing therefor and selling or bartering any goods, wares or merchandise, the sale of which is not prohibited by section 16
Full Breakdown
Massachusetts treats a mobile food vendor as a hawker and pedler. Under MGL c.101 §22 the state Division of Standards deputy director issues the hawker and pedler license, after the applicant's local police chief certifies good repute. Separately, each town's Board of Health issues the mobile food establishment permit under state food code 105 CMR 590, requiring commissary agreements and vehicle inspection. A truck selling in Brockton, Plymouth, and Marshfield therefore holds one state license plus a Board of Health permit in each community it works. Certain farmers and food producers are exempt from the state license.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the state license or a local Board of Health permit exposes the vendor to fines under c.101, seizure of goods, and an order to stop selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What license does a food truck need in Massachusetts?
Is one permit good countywide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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