Take Advantage of Boston Traffic Rules

• Short-term stops are an asset for drivers who are running errands. Unless a parking sign has a "no standing" rule, vehicles can often stop in "no parking" zones as long as the driver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle is not blocking traffic. As long as a driver remains behind the wheel of the car, he should not be ticketed. He may, however, be asked to leave by a parking enforcement officer or police officer.
  
  Parking meter times are not enforced on Sundays and holidays. As long as the meter does not have time of day restrictions, a driver can park at one for as long as he needs on Sundays and holidays.
  
  

Parking Times

• In Boston, feeding the meter by regularly refilling it is a ticketable offense, though the rule is not uniformly enforced. Drivers should focus on short-term metered parking areas that have high turnover rates, will become vacant more often and offer the best opportunity to locate a spot quickly. Driving through long-term metered parking areas should be an action of last resort, as these are often taken early in the morning and have a low chance of vacancy.
  
  In addition, many commercial areas lift their parking restrictions in the evenings. For example, commercial parking restrictions in the North End are lifted after 7 p.m. Delaying activities and arriving later in the day can increase a driver's chances of finding a spot quickly.
  
  

Locations

• Rather than wasting time looking for parking in the middle of the city or meandering down packed side streets, drivers can look for parking around the outskirts of the city and use the MBTA to make their way towards the city center. Drivers should also try to avoid major stops along MBTA lines, choosing smaller local lines instead, as they will also have heavier traffic. Finding a suitable parking area will likely involve some trial and error
  
  

Long-Term Parking

• For the Boston resident who does not need to drive regularly, long-term parking may be the best option. Rather than paying the steep prices for apartments and real estate that come with parking spaces, residents can buy long-term space along MBTA routes so that they can quickly access their vehicle when necessary, but don't have to deal with daily parking hassles and weekly street cleanings. Drivers considering long-term options should shop around for the best rates and discounts that suit their parking needs.