Updated Oct. 29, 2026. No snow emergency is in effect. We update this page whenever the city declares or lifts one.
When Boston declares a snow emergency, parking is banned on the city’s posted snow emergency arteries so plows can clear them curb to curb. If you leave a car on one of those streets, you’ll be ticketed and towed. This page covers how a ban works, where to park, what a tow costs and how to find out when the ban ends. It uses the City of Boston’s own lists and rules.
Quick explainer: A snow emergency is a declaration by the mayor. A city parking ban follows it, and it covers only the posted arteries, not every street.
How a Boston snow emergency works
- Where: Parking is banned on both sides of every posted snow emergency artery. Look for the red-and-white signs. Boston doesn’t use an odd/even side rule.
- Discount garages: They open to residents two hours before the ban starts.
- After the ban: Move your car out of a discount garage within two hours of the ban lifting, or you may pay the full rate. The Prudential Center garage sets its own 9 a.m. next-day deadline.
- Space savers: You can leave one in a spot you shoveled for up to 48 hours after the emergency ends. They aren’t allowed in the South End or Bay Village.
- Everywhere else: Park at least 20 feet from an intersection and within one foot of the curb so plows and fire trucks can get through.
How do I know if there’s a snow emergency right now?
The city announces each one on boston.gov, through BOS:311 and Alert Boston text alerts, and on its social accounts. We post it on our Snow Day & Storm Center as well. The last one ended at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2026.
Which streets are restricted
The city’s restricted-streets list names 290 street entries across 20 neighborhood groups, plus a separate list of state-owned roads such as Gallivan Boulevard, the Jamaicaway, the Riverway and William J. Day Boulevard. Dorchester has the most, followed by Charlestown and Roxbury. Major roads like Blue Hill Avenue, Centre Street, American Legion Highway and Massachusetts Avenue show up in several neighborhoods. The list is a reference. The posted sign on your block is what counts.
Where to park: discounted garages and lots
These garages and municipal lots offer residents a snow-emergency rate. Most require a Boston resident parking sticker or proof of address. Some serve only certain neighborhoods, and space is first come, first served.
| Garage or lot | Address | Snow rate | Neighborhoods served |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 Stuart Street Garage | 200 Stuart Street | No fee for Bay Village residents; $10/24 hrs for all other Boston residents | Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Downtown, Fenway / Kenmore, North End, South End, West End |
| Channel Center Garage | 116 West First Street | $10/day (credit cards only). Each new day starts at 3:30 a.m. | Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Downtown, Fenway / Kenmore, North End, South Boston, South End, West End |
| Harvard University / Soldiers Field Park Garage | 111 Western Avenue | No charge | Allston, Brighton |
| Motor Mart Garage | 201 Stuart Street | $10/24 hrs | Allston, Brighton, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Downtown, Fenway / Kenmore, North End, South End, West End |
| Municipal Lot #002 | 398 Market Street | No charge | Allston, Brighton |
| Municipal Lot #003 | 125 Harvard Avenue | No charge | Allston, Brighton |
| 100 Clarendon Street Garage | 100 Clarendon Street | $14/24 hrs | Back Bay, Bay Village, South End |
| Auditorium Garage | 50 Dalton Street | $13 for each 24-hour period | Back Bay, Bay Village, South End |
| Christian Science Plaza Garage | 235 Huntington Avenue | $10/24 hrs | Back Bay, South End |
| Lafayette Garage | One Avenue De Lafayette | $10/24 hrs | Back Bay, Chinatown, Downtown, West End |
| Greenhouse Apartments | 150 Huntington Avenue | $14/24 hrs | Back Bay, South End |
| Prudential Center Garage | 800 Boylston Street | $12/24 hrs | Back Bay, South End |
| Boston Common Garage | Zero Charles Street | $2/day | Beacon Hill |
| MGH Shipyard Garage | 199 13th Street | No fee | Charlestown |
| 660 Washington Street Garage | 660 Washington Street | $10/24 hrs | Chinatown |
| 33 Arch Street Garage | 33 Arch Street | $14 for each 24-hour period | Downtown |
| Gainsborough Garage | 10 Gainsborough Street | 50% of variable rate (max $22 per 24-hour period) | Fenway / Kenmore, Roxbury, South End |
| Renaissance Park Garage | 835 Columbus Avenue | 50% of variable rate (max $22 per 24-hour period) | Fenway / Kenmore, Roxbury, South End |
| Dock Square Garage | 20 Clinton Street | $15 for each 24-hour period | North End |
| Crosstown Center Garage | 7 Melnea Cass Boulevard | $10/24 hrs | Roxbury |
| South Parking Lot | 415 Summer Street | No fee | South Boston |
| Marine Park Garage | 12 Drydock Avenue | $1 per night | South Boston |
If your car is towed
A tow from a snow emergency artery costs $132, plus $35 for each day in storage, and you’ll also get a parking ticket. To find a towed car, call the city’s tow line at 617-343-4629. Our calculation: a car left in storage for three days costs $237 before the ticket.
Property owners must also clear their sidewalks. The city’s fines are $50, $100 or $200 depending on the size of the property. Our winter services guide explains how snow affects street cleaning and trash pickup.
Related guides
- Boston Snow Day & Storm Center: live storm coverage and school closings
- Boston snow emergency parking rules explained
- Boston trash, recycling and leaf pickup schedule
- MBTA closures and shuttle buses
- Help with heating bills this winter
Frequently asked questions
Is there a snow emergency in Boston today?
Not as of Oct. 29, 2026. The last one ended at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2026. We update this page when the city declares or lifts one.
Where can I park during a Boston snow emergency?
Use one of the city’s discounted garages or lots for your neighborhood, or any legal spot that isn’t on a posted artery. Rates run from free to $15 per 24 hours, with the Gainsborough and Renaissance Park garages capped at $22.
How much does it cost if my car is towed?
The tow is $132, plus $35 a day in storage, plus a parking ticket. Call 617-343-4629 to find your car.
How long can I keep a space saver out?
Up to 48 hours after the snow emergency ends. Space savers aren’t allowed in the South End or Bay Village.
Does Boston use odd/even parking during snow?
No. Parking is banned on both sides of posted snow emergency arteries, and other streets follow normal rules.
Sources
- City of Boston: Snow Emergency Parking (restricted streets and garages)
- City of Boston: Managing winter and snow
Additional sources
Featured image: Photo: Fuhvah, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.