Snow rules
Salem, MA
CallDepartment of Public Services: 978-744-3302After hours: 978-744-0171 ext. 166 (police snow emergency line)
Ban alertsSalem CodeRED signupaccountportal.onsolve.net
School closingsSalem Public Schoolssalemk12.org
- Winter parking ban
- No published rule found
- Snow emergency
- Declared when 2+ inches are predicted; the ban starts automatically.
- Odd / even side
- No published rule found
- Where to park during a ban
- Museum Place, South Harbor and Hampton Inn garages $5/24 hrs; free lots incl.
- Tow lot and fees
- Cars left in snow emergency locations or on streets are ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.
- Sidewalk clearing and fines
- Clear sidewalks and curb ramps within 6 hours after snow stops, or before noon if it stops at night.
- Where snow can and cannot go
- Plowing, shoveling or blowing snow back into the street is banned by city ordinance.
- Hydrants
- The city asks residents to shovel out the hydrant and catch basin near home (a request).
- Trash and recycling in storms
- Salem announces delays per storm, usually one day: put bins out the day after your usual pickup (Jan 20, 2026 notice).
MBTA: Salem has a Newburyport/Rockport Line commuter rail station. Service alerts: mbta.com/alerts
My car goes:
My side this winter:
Neighbor to check on: