Storm status
Check Boston’s winter notice
See current snow-emergency declarations, city operations, and resident instructions.
Open Boston winter guidanceBoston, MA winter guide
Boston snow plow and parking guide.
During a declared Boston snow emergency, vehicles must leave posted emergency arteries. The city clears major routes first, while residents must clear a 42-inch sidewalk path within the city deadline.
Reviewed September 1, 2026City of Boston
SIDEWALK WIDTH42 inches
AFTER SNOWFALLWithin 3 hours
CITY NETWORKAbout 800 miles
Start with the official answer
Three useful ways to check Boston
These links go directly to the city tools residents need during a storm.
Parking
Find legal emergency parking
Review snow-emergency arteries and the listed discounted garages available to eligible residents.
Check emergency parkingRequest help
Use Boston 311
Report an eligible missed city street or winter condition after the active route work.
Open Boston 311How the response unfolds
What happens before your street is finished
Boston follows a local sequence. Knowing the phase explains why one road can be clear while another is still waiting.
- 1Before the storm
Declare and clear arteries
Boston can declare a snow emergency and require vehicles to leave posted emergency arteries before plowing begins.
- 2During the storm
Keep major routes moving
Crews focus on emergency arteries and primary travel routes before neighborhood cleanup is finished.
- 3After snowfall
Widen streets and restore access
Crews continue cleanup while residents clear sidewalks, corners, and access points.
Before leaving the car
Boston parking rules that matter
- Do not park on a posted snow-emergency artery during a declared emergency; vehicles can be ticketed and towed.
- Park at least 20 feet from an intersection and within one foot of the curb unless a stricter sign applies.
- Space savers are allowed only during a declared emergency and for up to 48 hours after it ends; they are not allowed in the South End or Bay Village.
Resident checklist
What to do during the storm
- 1
Clear a sidewalk path at least 42 inches wide.
- 2
Finish within three hours after snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if it ends overnight.
- 3
Clear nearby curb ramps, hydrants, and building access without pushing snow into the road.
- 4
Check whether the street is city, state, or parkway responsibility before filing a request.
Service boundaries
Who clears what in Boston
The city plow department is not responsible for every road, sidewalk, driveway, alley, or parking area.
City of Boston
Plows city-maintained streets and emergency arteries and handles eligible requests through Boston 311.
MassDOT and MassDCR
MassDOT handles I-93 and other state facilities; MassDCR handles designated parkways.
Property owners and occupants
Clear adjoining sidewalks and pedestrian access within the required deadline.
If the street looks missed
Make sure Boston owns the road
Wait until the city’s priority route work has reached the neighborhood. State highways and parkways must go to the agency responsible for them.
- 1Check the current snow-emergency notice.
- 2Identify whether Boston, MassDOT, or MassDCR maintains the location.
- 3Send Boston 311 the exact address for a city-maintained missed street.
Local questions answered
Boston snow plow FAQ
Short answers for the questions residents usually have during an active storm.
Can I use a space saver?
Only during a declared snow emergency and for up to 48 hours after it ends. Space savers are prohibited in the South End and Bay Village.
Who plows Boston parkways and I-93?
MassDCR handles designated parkways, and MassDOT handles I-93 and other state facilities. Boston handles city-maintained roads.
How soon must the sidewalk be cleared?
Clear a 42-inch path within three hours after snowfall ends, or within three hours after sunrise when snow ends overnight.
Verify the answer
Official Boston sources
Storm conditions and emergency rules change. These are the public-agency pages used for this guide.
More official guides