Boston, MA Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Snow-emergency parking fine
- $45 per violation (§ 6-6.3(Q))
- Late penalty
- $15 added after 21 days unpaid
- Towing authority
- Commissioner of Public Works (§ 11-6.43(A))
- Removal cost cap
- $12 per vehicle
- Storage cost cap
- $0.50 first hour, $0.10 each additional hour
- Exempt vehicles
- Commonwealth, political subdivision, or U.S.-owned
- Enforcing office
- Office of the Parking Clerk, Transportation Dept.
Summary
Boston can tow any vehicle that interferes with plowing or snow removal from a street under Code of Ordinances § 11-6.43, and separately fines $45 for parking in violation of a declared snow or weather emergency under § 6-6.3(Q). Owners of towed vehicles are liable for removal and storage costs, and unpaid emergency fines add a $15 penalty after 21 days.
For the purpose of plowing or removing snow from a street the Commissioner of Public Works or such subordinate or subordinates ... may remove, or cause to be removed, to some convenient place, including in such term a public garage and an open-air parking space, any vehicle in such street interfering with the plowing or removal of snow therein, except a vehicle owned by the commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof or by the United States. ... The owner of every vehicle removed under this Subsection shall be liable for the cost of such removal and of the storage charges, if any, resulting therefrom; provided that the cost of removal shall not exceed $12 and that the cost of storage shall not exceed $0.50 for the first hour (or fraction thereof), or $0.10 for each subsequent hour.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Current through Ordinance 2025 C. 14, passed 11-5-2025).
Full Breakdown
43(A) authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works, or a designated subordinate, to remove "any vehicle in such street interfering with the plowing or removal of snow" to a convenient place, including a public garage or open-air parking lot, whenever plowing is underway, except vehicles owned by the commonwealth, a political subdivision, or the United States. The Commissioner must keep a duplicate record of every removal (registration number, vehicle description, time, and origin/destination) and forward one copy to the Police Commissioner. c. 40, § 21, cl.
16. 3(Q) penalizes parking anywhere in the city during a snow or weather emergency declared by the Commissioner of Transportation: a $45 fine per violation, with a $15 late penalty if unpaid 21 days after the notice issues. c. 30A, § 14.
Violations & Fines
Vehicles blocking plowing may be towed to a garage or open lot, with the owner billed up to $12 for removal plus $0.50 for the first hour of storage and $0.10 per additional hour (§ 11-6.43). Separately, parking during a declared snow or weather emergency draws a $45 fine, plus $15 if unpaid within 21 days (§ 6-6.3(Q)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Boston tow my car if it's blocking a snowplow?
How much does it cost to get a car back after Boston tows it for blocking snow removal?
Is there a separate ticket just for parking during a declared snow emergency?
Can I fight a Boston snow-removal towing notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boston
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Snow Removal Parking Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle snow removal parking rules.