By: Jerry Filmore, Editor in Chief
December 26, 2025
As of 11:22 a.m. today, the City of Worcester has officially declared a Winter Parking Ban to take effect at 8 p.m. tonight. With a significant snowstorm rolling in, the DPW is shifting focus from water main repairs to clearing the city’s primary transit corridors.
If you do not want to start your Saturday at the tow lot, here is the essential breakdown of the rules in effect right now.
1. The Parking Ban Breakdown
The city’s Declared Winter Parking Ban is strict.
- Main Arteries & Bus Routes: Parking is prohibited on both sides of the street. This includes major roads like Main St, Grafton St, and Park Ave.
- Neighborhood Streets: Parking is allowed only on the odd-numbered side of the street unless otherwise posted.
- Free Garages: To assist residents, most municipal garages are free of charge starting at 4 p.m. today.
2. The “10-Hour” Sidewalk Clock
Many residents do not realize that Worcester has a legal “clock” on snow removal. According to the City Snow Removal Ordinance, property owners have exactly 10 hours after the snow stops falling to clear a path on the sidewalk.
- Failure to comply can result in a fine of roughly $75 per day.
- Pro-Tip: If you have a fire hydrant near your house, the city officially requests you clear a 3-foot space around it for emergency access.
3. Don’t Push It (Literally)
It is a violation of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 7B to shovel or plow snow into a public way. Pushing driveway snow into the street creates a hazard for plows and can lead to criminal fines.
📍 Quick-Reference: “No Parking” Zones
During a Declared Ban, parking is prohibited on BOTH SIDES of these critical routes. If you are parked here, you will be towed.
| Route Type | Examples of Affected Streets |
| Emergency Arteries | Belmont St, Chandler St, Highland St, Pleasant St, Salisbury St |
| Major Connectors | Park Ave, Main St, Burncoat St, Grafton St, Millbury St |
| WRTA Bus Routes | Any street with a marked WRTA bus stop or route signage |
| Downtown Core | Most streets within the immediate Worcester Common area |
For a street-by-street search, use the official City of Worcester Parking Ban Viewer.
Action Guide: Storm Resources
- Free Parking (Starting 4 p.m.): Pearl & Elm Garage, Worcester Common Garage, Union Station Garage, and Major Taylor Garage.
- Sand Locations: Pick up free sand at 1065 Millbury St, 22 Albany St, and 299 Clark St before the storm worsens.
- Find a Towed Vehicle: If your car is missing, use the City’s Towed Vehicle search portal.
- Report Plow Issues: Use the Worcester 311 Online Portal to log complaints directly with the DPW.
Stay safe, Worcester. We will keep you updated as the snowfall totals come in.
Have a tip, story idea, or something happening in your neighborhood? Email Editor-in-Chief Jerry Filmore at jfilmore@whatsupworcester.com or press@whatsupworcester.com — because local news starts with the community.
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