Not in Boston? Your space saver is likely illegal

"Most cities and towns outside Boston have banned the practice, with some issuing fines up to $100 for anyone caught trying to save a parking space. In a Facebook post, Haverhill Police said the city is not South Boston, and that it does not permit space savers after finding a bright yellow chair, an orange cone, and a plastic container in use."

"The time-honored, at times controversial, tradition of space-saving in Boston is city-sanctioned - at least sometimes. Boston allows car owners to use a space saver only when the city declares a snow emergency, and only until 48 hours after that snow emergency ends."

"On Somerville's parking page, it states, 'We are all in it together when bad weather strikes, so please be considerate,' the parking rules said. 'Shovel out your own space ... and don't take a spot shoveled out by someone else.'"

Following a major blizzard, Boston residents creatively used various objects to reserve shoveled-out parking spaces, a practice most other Massachusetts communities prohibit. While Boston permits space savers during declared snow emergencies for up to 48 hours, cities like Haverhill, Cambridge, Somerville, and Malden enforce bans with potential fines. These communities emphasize fairness and community cooperation during winter weather, encouraging residents to shovel their own spaces without claiming reserved spots. Some cities, including Malden, showed leniency by temporarily allowing space savers after significant storms while reminding residents of official policies. The practice remains controversial, with most municipalities viewing it as unfair rather than a legitimate way to protect hard work.

Read at Boston.com