Everett, MA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger (people)
- Two hundred (200) or more persons
- Permit trigger (vehicles)
- Fifty (50) or more vehicles
- Issuing official
- Chief of police
- Exempt forces
- U.S. Army or Navy, Commonwealth military, police and fire
- Street closure authority
- Chief of police, with reasonable justification
- Chapter 18 fine ceiling
- $20.00 for each offense, unless otherwise provided
Summary
In the City of Everett, Massachusetts, Section 18-181 requires a permit from the chief of police for any funeral, procession or parade containing two hundred (200) or more persons or fifty (50) or more vehicles. Military forces of the United States and the Commonwealth, and police and fire forces, are excepted from the permit requirement.
No funeral, procession or parade containing two hundred (200) or more persons or fifty (50) or more vehicles, excepting the forces of the United States Army or Navy, the military forces of the Commonwealth, and the forces of the police and fire departments shall occupy, march or proceed along any way except in accordance with a permit issued by the chief of police and such other regulations as are set forth herein which may apply.
Full Breakdown
Section 18-181 of the Everett Revised Ordinances sets the permit trigger for processions in the City of Everett, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. A funeral, procession or parade containing two hundred (200) or more persons or fifty (50) or more vehicles cannot occupy, march or proceed along any way except in accordance with a permit issued by the chief of police and the other regulations set out in the article. The text exempts the forces of the United States Army or Navy, the military forces of the Commonwealth, and the forces of the police and fire departments.
The chief of police is the permit authority. Section 18-4 makes the chief responsible for enforcing the chapter and authorizes designated officers to direct all traffic in person or by visible or audible signals. Section 18-5 separately authorizes the chief of police to close any street or highway temporarily in an impending or existing emergency, or for any lawful assemblage, demonstration or procession, provided there is reasonable justification for the closing.
Once a procession is moving, Section 18-182 sets the driver duties. Each driver in a funeral or other procession keeps as near to the right edge of the roadway as is feasible and follows the vehicle ahead as closely as is practicable and safe. At an intersection where a traffic control signal is operating, the driver of the first vehicle is the only one required to stop for a red or red and yellow indication, and at a lawful stop sign the driver of the first vehicle is the only one required to stop before proceeding through the intersection. Section 18-204(b) requires pedestrians at a traffic control signal to yield the right-of-way to the vehicles of a funeral or other procession, and not to attempt to cross until the procession has passed.
Section 18-181 as printed states no application fee, form or lead time, so organizers in the City of Everett need to take those details up with the Everett Police Department, which issues the permit.
Violations & Fines
Section 18-3 sets the penalty for violations of chapter 18: a fine not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) for each offense, except as otherwise provided. A procession that occupies, marches or proceeds along a way without the required permit breaks Section 18-181. Section 18-4 gives the chief of police the duty to enforce the chapter, and officers designated by the chief direct traffic along the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a parade need a permit in Everett?
Who issues the permit?
Do funeral processions need a permit too?
Who is exempt from the permit requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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