Massachusetts: Parking rules
Where you may not park, parking on hills and next to curbs, parallel parking, disability parking spaces, and the fines for parking violations. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Parking rules — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “When you stop or park, how wide a clear roadway must you always leave for traffic to pass?”
StartParking rules — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “Who generally enforces parking regulations in Massachusetts?”
StartParking rules — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “How close to a fire hydrant or fire lane may you not park?”
StartAll 48 Parking rules questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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When you stop or park, how wide a clear roadway must you always leave for traffic to pass?
- At least 8 feet
- At least 10 feet
- At least 12 feet
- At least 15 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 12 feet
The manual says you must always leave at least a 12-foot wide, clear roadway for traffic to pass.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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What does state law require when you leave your vehicle by itself?
- Stop the motor, set the parking brake, lock the ignition, remove the key, and lock the door
- Stop the motor, set the parking brake, leave the key in the ignition, and lock the door
- Stop the motor, put the shifter in neutral, turn on the hazard lights, and leave the door unlocked
- Set the parking brake, leave the motor idling, and lock only the driver's door
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop the motor, set the parking brake, lock the ignition, remove the key, and lock the door
State law requires you to stop the motor, set the parking brake, make sure the ignition is locked, remove your key, and lock the door.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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What must you do when you pull away from the curb?
- Signal and ease out so that passing vehicles slow down to let you in
- Wait for passing vehicles in the lane, then signal and move out slowly
- Honk your horn to warn traffic and then pull out into the lane at once
- Turn on your hazard lights and move into the travel lane right away
Show answer
Correct answer: Wait for passing vehicles in the lane, then signal and move out slowly
The manual says you must wait for vehicles in the travel lane to pass, then signal that you are pulling out and move slowly into traffic.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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If you park in a business or residential district, your vehicle must be no more than how far from the curb?
- 6 inches
- 18 inches
- 24 inches
- 12 inches
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 inches
The manual says that in a business or residential district your vehicle must be no more than 12 inches from the curb.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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What is the only exception to the rule that you must park no more than 12 inches from the curb in a business or residential district?
- Where angled parking is allowed
- Where a parking meter is present
- Where the street has no sidewalk
- Where a loading zone is posted
Show answer
Correct answer: Where angled parking is allowed
The manual says the only exception to the 12-inch curb rule is if angled parking is allowed.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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When you pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space for parallel parking, how much room should you leave between your vehicle and the parked one?
- About six inches
- About five or six feet
- About two or three feet
- About one foot
Show answer
Correct answer: About two or three feet
The manual says to leave about two or three feet between your vehicle and the parked one.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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Before you back into a parallel parking space, what should you check?
- Look only to your left, since traffic comes from there
- Look in your mirrors only, without turning your head
- Look behind you both ways for pedestrians and other traffic
- Look only at the curb ahead of you to judge the gap
Show answer
Correct answer: Look behind you both ways for pedestrians and other traffic
The manual says to look behind you both ways to check for pedestrians and other traffic.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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Which way do you turn the steering wheel when you slowly begin backing into a parallel parking space?
- All the way toward the curb
- All the way away from the curb
- Halfway toward the curb
- Straight, until your rear wheels touch the curb
Show answer
Correct answer: All the way toward the curb
The manual says to slowly back up and turn the steering wheel all the way toward the curb.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 109 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 109)
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While you back into a parallel parking space, what should you look through?
- Your rear-view mirror, with a quick glance over your shoulder
- Your side mirror on the curb side, turning your head only when needed
- Both side mirrors and the rear-view mirror at the same time
- Directly out your rear window, without using your mirrors
Show answer
Correct answer: Directly out your rear window, without using your mirrors
The manual says to look directly out your rear window and not to use your mirrors.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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When your front passes the rear bumper of the parked vehicle while you back into a parallel parking space, what do you do with the steering wheel?
- Straighten it and stop backing up
- Turn it the opposite way and keep backing up
- Keep it turned toward the curb until you stop
- Turn it further toward the curb and pull forward
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn it the opposite way and keep backing up
The manual says that when your front passes the parked vehicle's rear bumper, you turn the steering wheel the opposite way and continue backing up.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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When you finish backing into a parallel parking space, what should you leave in front of and behind your vehicle?
- Enough space so that other vehicles can get out
- Only a few inches so more cars can fit on the block
- About two or three feet, the same as when you pulled up
- Enough room for a bicycle to pass between
Show answer
Correct answer: Enough space so that other vehicles can get out
The manual says to keep enough space in front of and behind you so that other vehicles can get out.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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You are parking on a hill and your vehicle has a manual transmission. Besides setting the parking brake, what should you do?
- Shift into neutral
- Shift into park
- Leave the vehicle in gear
- Keep the clutch pedal pressed down
Show answer
Correct answer: Leave the vehicle in gear
The manual says to set the parking brake and leave a manual-transmission vehicle in gear when parking on a hill.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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You are parking on a hill and your vehicle has an automatic transmission. What should you do?
- Leave it in drive with your foot on the brake
- Set the parking brake and shift into park
- Shift into neutral and set the parking brake
- Shift into park and leave the parking brake off
Show answer
Correct answer: Set the parking brake and shift into park
With an automatic transmission, the manual says to set your parking brake and shift into park.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Why must you turn your front wheels in the proper direction when you park on a hill?
- To make it easier to pull out of the space later on
- To keep the tires from wearing unevenly on the slope
- To keep the steering wheel from locking while parked
- To stop the vehicle from rolling downhill if the brake fails
Show answer
Correct answer: To stop the vehicle from rolling downhill if the brake fails
The manual says you must turn your front wheels in the proper direction to stop the vehicle from rolling downhill if the brake fails.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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You park on a hill where there is no curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?
- Toward the travel lane
- Straight ahead
- Toward the center of the road
- Toward the edge of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Toward the edge of the road
With no curb, the manual says to turn your wheels inward, toward the edge of the road.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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You park uphill against a curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?
- Toward the curb
- Away from the curb, toward the travel lane
- Straight ahead
- Parallel to the road, with the wheels centered
Show answer
Correct answer: Away from the curb, toward the travel lane
Parking uphill against a curb, the manual says to turn your wheels outward, toward the travel lane.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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You park downhill against a curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?
- Toward the travel lane
- Straight ahead
- Toward the curb
- Toward the center line
Show answer
Correct answer: Toward the curb
Parking downhill against a curb, the manual says to turn your wheels inward, toward the curb.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Who generally enforces parking regulations in Massachusetts?
- Local cities and towns
- The State Police only
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles
- MassDOT inspectors
Show answer
Correct answer: Local cities and towns
The manual says parking regulations are generally determined by state law and enforced by local cities and towns.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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How do the parking regulations adopted by cities and towns compare with the state regulations?
- They are always identical to the state regulations
- They are often, but not always, similar
- They are never the same as the state regulations
- They are always stricter than the state regulations
Show answer
Correct answer: They are often, but not always, similar
The manual says municipal parking regulations are often, but not always, similar to the state regulations.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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What color are the road lines that often mark parking spaces?
- Yellow
- Blue
- Green
- White
Show answer
Correct answer: White
The manual says parking spaces are often marked by white road lines.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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When parking spaces are marked by white road lines, where must you park?
- Between the lines, without taking part of two spaces
- With one wheel on the line to leave room for others
- Across two spaces if the lot is mostly empty
- Over the line nearest the curb
Show answer
Correct answer: Between the lines, without taking part of two spaces
The manual says you must park between the lines and may not take part of two spaces.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Which of these is a place where you may not park in Massachusetts?
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
- In a bicycle lane
- Parallel to the curb, within 12 inches of it, in a business district
Show answer
Correct answer: In a bicycle lane
The manual lists a bicycle lane among the places where you may not park your vehicle.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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You may not park your vehicle in which of these places?
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
- In a taxi stand
- On a RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY street, if you have a permit
Show answer
Correct answer: In a taxi stand
The manual lists a taxi stand among the places where you may not park your vehicle.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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In which of these situations is parking prohibited in Massachusetts?
- In a zone and at a time posted for street cleaning
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- Parallel to the curb, within 12 inches of it, in a business district
Show answer
Correct answer: In a zone and at a time posted for street cleaning
The manual says you may not park in a zone and at a time posted for street cleaning.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Where among these may you not park in Massachusetts?
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
- On a RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY street, if you have a permit
- In a posted loading zone
Show answer
Correct answer: In a posted loading zone
The manual lists a posted loading zone among the places where you may not park.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Which of these zones is one where you may not park?
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- A zone posted with a NO PARKING, NO STANDING, or NO STOPPING sign
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
- Parallel to the curb, within 12 inches of it, in a business district
Show answer
Correct answer: A zone posted with a NO PARKING, NO STANDING, or NO STOPPING sign
The manual says you may not park in a zone posted with a NO PARKING, NO STANDING, or NO STOPPING sign.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Within how many feet of an intersection may you not park?
- 20 feet
- 5 feet
- 15 feet
- 30 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 feet
The manual says you may not park within 20 feet of an intersection.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Which of these is a place where you may not park?
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- In front of a handicap-access ramp
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
Show answer
Correct answer: In front of a handicap-access ramp
The manual says you may not park in a crosswalk, in front of a driveway, or in front of a handicap-access ramp.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Who may park in a zone posted for HP-DV parking only?
- Any driver who is only picking up or dropping off a passenger there
- Drivers with disabled person plates or placards, or disabled veteran plates
- Any driver with a resident permit or a special visitor's placard
- Any driver who parks there for less than fifteen minutes at a time
Show answer
Correct answer: Drivers with disabled person plates or placards, or disabled veteran plates
The manual says you may not park in an HP-DV zone unless you have disabled person plates or placards, or disabled veteran plates.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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What is the fine for a first offense of parking in a zone posted for HP-DV parking only without the required plates or placard?
- $100
- $200
- $400
- $300
Show answer
Correct answer: $300
The manual states that the fine for a first offense of parking in an HP-DV zone without the required plates or placard is $300.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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What is the fine for wrongful use of a disabled person or veteran plate or placard?
- A minimum of $100
- A minimum of $250
- A minimum of $1,000
- A minimum of $500
Show answer
Correct answer: A minimum of $500
The manual says the fine for wrongful use of a disabled person or veteran plate or placard is a minimum of $500.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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Who may park in a striped crosshatch area next to an HP-DV space?
- Only drivers with disability plates or a placard
- No one, even a driver with disability plates or a placard
- Drivers with disability plates or a placard, but only briefly
- Only drivers who park there for more than an hour
Show answer
Correct answer: No one, even a driver with disability plates or a placard
The manual says you may not park in the striped crosshatch area next to an HP-DV space, even if you have disability plates or a placard.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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How close to a fire hydrant or fire lane may you not park?
- Within five feet
- Within fifteen feet
- Within ten feet
- Within twenty-five feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within ten feet
The manual says you may not park within ten feet of a fire hydrant or fire lane.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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Which of these is a place where parking is prohibited?
- On a center traffic island
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
- Parallel to the curb, within 12 inches of it, in a business district
Show answer
Correct answer: On a center traffic island
The manual says you may not park on a sidewalk, curb, center traffic island, or median.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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When may you not park your vehicle in Massachusetts?
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- During a weather or roadway emergency
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
- On a RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY street, if you have a permit
Show answer
Correct answer: During a weather or roadway emergency
The manual lists a weather or roadway emergency among the times when you may not park.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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Which of these ways of parking is prohibited?
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- Parallel to the curb, within 12 inches of it, in a business district
- Facing the wrong way against traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Facing the wrong way against traffic
The manual says you may not park facing the wrong way against traffic.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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Where among these may you not park unless you are authorized?
- On a state or an interstate highway
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
- Parallel to the curb, within 12 inches of it, in a business district
Show answer
Correct answer: On a state or an interstate highway
The manual says you may not park on a state or an interstate highway, unless authorized.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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What is the range of fines for parking on the Massachusetts Turnpike?
- $25 to $250
- $50 to $500
- $15 to $100
- $100 to $300
Show answer
Correct answer: $15 to $100
The manual states that fines for parking on the Massachusetts Turnpike range from $15 to $100.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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Which of these is a place where you may not park?
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- Parallel to the curb, within 12 inches of it, in a business district
- On a roadway in a rural area or outside a thickly settled district
- On a RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY street, if you have a permit
Show answer
Correct answer: On a roadway in a rural area or outside a thickly settled district
The manual says you may not park on a roadway in a rural area or outside a thickly settled district.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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Where among these is parking prohibited?
- In a traffic lane next to a row of parked vehicles
- Between the white lines of a marked parking space
- At a metered space, within the posted time limit, after paying the fee
- In angled parking, where angled parking is allowed
Show answer
Correct answer: In a traffic lane next to a row of parked vehicles
The manual says you may not park in a traffic lane next to a row of parked vehicles, which is called double parking.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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In Massachusetts you may not park your vehicle in certain places or to do certain things. Which of these is something you may not park to do?
- Wait in a legal marked space for a passenger
- Pay a meter in a space with a time limit
- Park within 12 inches of the curb in a business district
- Make nonemergency repairs to your vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Make nonemergency repairs to your vehicle
The manual says you may not park your vehicle to make nonemergency repairs to it.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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What is the penalty for parking in a posted bus stop?
- $25
- $100
- $50
- $200
Show answer
Correct answer: $100
The manual says the penalty for parking in a posted bus stop is $100.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
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Who sets the fines for most of the parking violations the manual lists?
- City or town ordinance, so the fines vary by city or town
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the same fine everywhere
- State law, with one fixed fine for every violation
- The courts, case by case, for each driver
Show answer
Correct answer: City or town ordinance, so the fines vary by city or town
The manual says the fines for most of the listed violations are set by city or town ordinance and vary depending on the city or town.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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What can unpaid parking tickets stop you from doing?
- Applying for or renewing a learner's permit
- Scheduling a road test at an RMV Service Center
- Renewing your license or vehicle registration
- Registering to vote in your city or town
Show answer
Correct answer: Renewing your license or vehicle registration
The manual says unpaid parking tickets can stop you from renewing your license or vehicle registration.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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When do the rules and time limits at coin-fed parking meters usually apply?
- Only on weekdays
- During posted days and hours
- Only during rush hour
- At all times, day and night
Show answer
Correct answer: During posted days and hours
The manual says rules and time limits at meters usually apply during posted days and hours.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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What may happen if you park longer than a meter allows or fail to pay the meter fee?
- Your license is automatically suspended
- Your vehicle is always towed away at once
- You must retake the road test
- You may be issued a parking citation
Show answer
Correct answer: You may be issued a parking citation
The manual says that if you park longer than allowed or fail to pay the meter fee, you may be issued a parking citation.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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A street has RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY signs. What do you need to park there?
- A receipt showing you paid a meter
- Written permission from the local police
- A placard from the Registry of Motor Vehicles
- A permit or a special visitor's placard
Show answer
Correct answer: A permit or a special visitor's placard
The manual says that without a permit or a special visitor's placard, you may not park on streets with RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY signs.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
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Whom do you contact to find out how to get a resident parking permit?
- The Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Your local city or town
- The State Police
- The nearest RMV Service Center
Show answer
Correct answer: Your local city or town
The manual says to contact your local city or town to find out how to get a permit.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)