Springfield, MA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Chief of Police
- Application deadline
- 96 hours in advance
- Motorcade defined as
- 25+ vehicle procession
- Notified officials
- Mayor, Fire Chief, DPW Director
Summary
Conducting a parade or a motorcade of 25 or more vehicles on a Springfield street, sidewalk, or alley requires a permit from the Chief of Police, applied for at least 96 hours before the event under City Code § 338-46.
It is unlawful for any person to conduct a parade or motorcade in or upon any public street, sidewalk, or alley in the City or to knowingly participate in any parade or motorcade unless and until a permit to conduct such parade or motorcade has been obtained from the Chief of Police.
C. Application for permit.
(1) Any person who wants to conduct a parade or motorcade shall apply to the Chief of Police for a permit at least 96 hours in advance of the date of the proposed parade or motorcade. The ninety-six-hour notice period shall be waived unless the Chief of Police finds that, because of the size or nature of the parade, it will be prohibitively difficult in the time remaining to make the arrangements necessary to prevent serious disruption to public safety or to the flow of traffic, in which case, the Chief shall state in writing his finding and the reason therefor, and communicate the same promptly to the applicant, by personal service if time allows, otherwise by telephone or other means. The application for such permit shall be made in writing on a form approved by the Chief of Police.
(2) In order that adequate arrangements may be made for the proper policing of the parade or motorcade, the application shall contain the following information:
(a) The name of the applicant, the sponsoring organization, the motorcade chairman, and the addresses and telephone numbers of each.
(b)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 338-46 of the Springfield City Code makes it unlawful to conduct, or knowingly participate in, a parade or motorcade on a public street, sidewalk, or alley without a permit from the Chief of Police. A parade is any march or procession of people, animals, or vehicles that does not follow normal traffic rules; a motorcade is an organized procession of 25 or more vehicles. Applicants must apply at least 96 hours ahead, giving the sponsoring organization, route, and assembly and disbanding times and locations. The Chief must grant a timely permit unless the event would unreasonably disrupt traffic, overextend police staffing, conflict with another permitted event, or threaten public safety.
Violations & Fines
Holding or joining a parade or motorcade without a Chief of Police permit is unlawful under § 338-46(B); a granted permit can also be revoked mid-event for the same traffic, staffing, or public-safety grounds that justify denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade in Springfield, MA?
Can Springfield deny a parade permit application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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