Quiz: Can I park here?

Driving isn’t cheap, and I don’t have the spare money to spend on parking tickets. Fortunately, I have never had one. This is not to say that I understand parking in Boston.<br>This gallery will look at some of the more mystifying parking situations in this city. Do you think you can park in them? You answers come from the Boston Transportation Department.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”><script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247174.js”></script><noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247174/”>Can I park near this fire hydrant?></noscript></div></div>

It is illegal in Boston to park within ten feet of a fire hydrant. This is regardless of where another vehicle is parked in proximity to the hydrant. Due to the serious public safety hazard that parking too close to a hydrant poses, a vehicle parked in violation of this regulation is subject to a $100 fine.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”><script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247292.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247292/”>Can I park on this speed bump?</a></noscript> </div></div>

Drivers should always pay close attention to the posted signs to ensure that their vehicle is parked legally. Parking on a speed bump in the City of Boston is not illegal, unless otherwise posted.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”> <script type=’’text/javascript’’ charset=’’utf-8’’ src=’’http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247315.js’’></script> <noscript><a href=’’http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247315/’’>Can I park where there are no signs?</a></noscript></div></div>

There are four issues to remember here. First, any vehicle parked in the same location on a City of Boston street for 72 hours or more without moving is subject to being written up as an Abandoned Vehicle, which can result in a parking ticket, a tow and even further action if necessary. We understand and strongly support the fact that many city-dwellers do not use their vehicles every day, and instead take the MBTA or walk to work, school and social activities. However, if the vehicle is parked on a public street, the owner has a responsibility to double-check their property on a regular basis and move it accordingly.

Second, it is also important to remember that only one sign per block, or every 200 feet, is necessary to prohibit parking on that block in accordance with a regulation. If there are no signs at all on either side of the street for that block, then a vehicle may park at that location for up to 72 hours. Third, even without signage, commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking on a residential street between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Finally, signage is not needed to prohibit parking in violation of public safety regulations, such as, at handicap ramps, at crosswalks, within 20 feet of an intersection, etc.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”> <script type=’’text/javascript’’ charset=’’utf-8’’ src=’’http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247342.js’’></script> <noscript><a href=’’http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247342/’’>Can I park near this driveway?</a></noscript></div></div>

No, it is not permissible to park on a public street in front of any portion of a driveway for any reason.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”> <script type=’’text/javascript’’ charset=’’utf-8’’ src=’’http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247362.js’’></script> <noscript><a href=’’http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247362/’’>Can I park for more than two hours?</a></noscript></div></div>

Parking is allowed for a maximum of two hours at the vast majority of Boston’s parking meters. After the two hours is up, the vehicle must be moved to a meter on another blockface or run the risk of being ticketed for “Over Meter Limit’’ which carries a fine of $25. It is important to note that a vehicle bearing a Disabled Veteran or HP plate or placard is exempt from overtime regulations.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”> <script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247384.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247384/”>Can I park at these red meters?</a></noscript></div></div>

Red meters indicate that a driver should pay extra attention to the information plate inside the meter and to post signs on the block because parking at these meters will be illegal at some point in the day. One example would be the red top meters located on Cambridge Street in Government Center because the parking lane is turned into an additional travel lane during rush hour, but red tops also indicate parking spaces that turn into Resident Parking zones, Valet zones, and the like.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”> <script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247419.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247419/”>Can I park in Visitor Parking?</a></noscript></div></div>

The City of Boston provides residents with free Resident Parking Permits for their eligible vehicles. However, we do not offer Visitor Parking Permits. Instead, Visitor Parking locations are established in neighborhoods throughout the City to accommodate visitors. Often, there is a two-hour time limit at these spaces and visitors who plan to park longer are encouraged to park in off-street facilities.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”> <script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247425.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247425/”>Can I park in a bus stop that is not being used?</a></noscript></div></div>

No, parking in a bus stop is not permissible at any time. If a resident feels that a bus stop is under utilized and the space should be designated for parking instead, it is recommended that the resident contact the MBTA with this suggestion. As long as the bus stop remains, a vehicle parked at the location is subject to a $100 fine.

<div id=”content” class=”standardGallery gallery”><div class=”tt”><script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/6247471.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/6247471/”>Can I park near a dumpster or construction item?</a></noscript> </div></div>

Dumpsters or construction equipment on the streets must be permitted by Boston’s Transportation and Public Works Departments. Temporary parking restrictions necessary for the work to be carried out must be posted by the permit holder 48 hours in advance of the regulations going into effect on a residential street, and 24 hours in advance in a commercial area. Generally, there is no rule for how far away a vehicle must be parked from a dumpster or construction equipment, but use common sense so that your vehicle doesn’t get damaged from the related work, and pay close attention to the posted signs.