Haverhill, MA Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)

Chapter 240's definitions section, § 240-1, defines 'CURB MARKING, OFFICIAL' as that portion of a curbing whose painting has been authorized by the Chief of Police and which carries the written approval of the Department of Public Works, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That two-step sign-off, Police authorization plus state DPW approval, separates a lawful curb marking, such as a painted no-parking zone or fire lane, from an unauthorized paint job. Section 240-14 makes it unlawful for any person or corporation to place, maintain or display, upon or in view of any street, any unofficial device, sign, signal, curb marking or street marking that purports to be, or resembles, an official one, or that attempts to direct traffic or hides an official marking from view; the Chief of Police may remove any such prohibited marking without notice.

Section 240-11 supplies the penalty that applies across these marking provisions: anyone who willfully defaces, injures, moves, obstructs or interferes with an official traffic sign, signal, street sign or marking, including a curb marking, is liable for a fine of up to $100 for each offense. Section 240-13 rounds out the scheme by making the Chief of Police responsible for erecting and maintaining official traffic signs, signals, markings and safety zones, all of which must conform to Massachusetts Department of Public Works standards, and by providing that street markings governing parking, turning or one-way movement are only enforceable while the matching official signs are actually posted and visible to approaching drivers.