Haverhill, MA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 185, Parades and Processions, requires a permit from the Chief of Police before any funeral, procession or parade of 50 or more persons or 20 or more vehicles may occupy, march or proceed along a Haverhill way, under § 185-1. The forces of the United States Army or Navy, Massachusetts military forces, and the City's own Police and Fire Departments are exempt from that permit requirement. Section 185-2 requires a vehicle funeral procession to be visibly identified as such, and § 185-3 sets traffic rules for participants: each driver must stay near the right edge of the roadway and follow the vehicle ahead closely and safely, and only the lead vehicle in the procession must stop for a red or yellow signal or a stop sign, so the rest of the procession can follow through.

Road races, defined in § 185-4A as any foot race, walk or bicycle race using a City way (excluding high school track meets and events confined to parks and playgrounds), need their own Police Chief permit under § 185-4B; sponsors must file an official form describing the date, time, route and requested street use at least 60 days before the event, and the Chief has sole discretion over the safety of the proposed route. Section 185-4C makes it City policy to waive police-detail fees for charity races when possible, though the Chief may still require paid details if public safety demands it, filled first by auxiliary officers, then reserve or volunteer regular officers. Section 185-4D allows civilian flagmen if state and local law permits and the Chief certifies the route safe for them.