In the City of Boston, parking meters are not enforced on Patriots' Day, which is a recognized city holiday. Consequently, payment is not required at individual meters or through the city's official parking application on this specific day. This policy aligns with the standard practice for major holidays observed by the city's transportation department.
This suspension of meter enforcement, however, does not nullify all other parking regulations. Rules and restrictions unrelated to meter payment remain in effect and are actively enforced. These include, but are not limited to, resident permit parking zones, street cleaning schedules, loading zone time limits, and safety violations such as parking at crosswalks, bus stops, or near fire hydrants. Drivers must still adhere to all posted signage to avoid ticketing or towing.
The practical application of this policy is significantly impacted by the Boston Marathon, which occurs on Patriots' Day. Extensive street closures and temporary "No Stopping" zones are established along the marathon route and in adjacent areas. These restrictions severely limit the availability of on-street parking throughout large sections of the city. Therefore, while meter payment is not required, finding a legal parking space is exceptionally challenging, and motorists are advised to consult official city advisories and consider public transportation.
