Lowell, MA Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Definition
- 540 CMR 2.05 (sec. 266-1)
- Overnight Ban
- 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. and all Sunday (sec. 266-73.1)
- Fine
- $250 residential commercial vehicle (sec. 266-132)
Summary
Lowell Code sec. 266-73.1 prohibits on-street parking of any commercial vehicle (as defined in 540 CMR 2.05, including commercial-plate vehicles) between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and all day Sunday, carrying a $250 fine. Heavy trucks (12,000+ lbs, 24+ ft, or 3+ axles) are also barred at all times from streets in Schedule A except for actual deliveries.
Sec. 266-1. Definitions. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE: As defined in 540 CMR 2.05 of the Massachusetts Code of Regulations. For purposes of Chapter 266, the COMMERCIAL VEHICLE definition shall include Commercial Plates Required Vehicles, as defined in 540 CMR 2.05. ... Sec. 266-36. Commercial vehicles restricted. A. No motor vehicle, with or without trailer attachment, having a gross vehicle weight of 12,000 pounds or more, or exceeding 24 feet in length, or having three or more axles, shall be operated on the named streets listed in Schedule A, filed in the office of the City Clerk, at any time unless making an actual delivery or service to a residence or business on said streets or accessible for such purpose only by said streets. ... Sec. 266-132. Fines established. Schedule of Basic Parking Fines. Category 3 (Low-Volume Nonmeter Violations): Residential commercial vehicle - Violation Code 34 - Parking Fine $250.
Full Breakdown
Section 266-1 defines COMMERCIAL VEHICLE by reference to 540 CMR 2.05 of the Massachusetts Code of Regulations and expressly includes Commercial Plates Required Vehicles. Section 266-73.1 prohibits parking any such commercial vehicle on any City street between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any day, and at any time on Sunday, except during active loading/unloading or under a valid City repair/maintenance permit. Section 266-36 (Schedule A) bars motor vehicles of 12,000 pounds or more gross weight, exceeding 24 feet in length, or with three or more axles from operating on listed streets at any time unless making an actual delivery or service. Section 266-62 lets a commercial vehicle stop in a no-parking area for up to 10 minutes to load/unload goods, unless ordered to move by an officer. The 2025 omnibus amendment broadened the commercial-vehicle definition (drawing on the City of Revere's ordinance) and set a $250 fine for a residential commercial-vehicle violation.
Violations & Fines
Schedule of Basic Parking Fines (sec. 266-132): $250 for a residential commercial vehicle (violation code 34), plus towing under sec. 266-50. Section 266-133(B) adds $5 per violation after notice to the Registrar (MGL c. 90, sec. 20A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park a commercial-plated work truck on my Lowell street overnight?
What is the fine for an illegally parked commercial vehicle?
Sources & Official References
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Commercial & Oversized Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle commercial & oversized vehicles.