Securing a Boston moving permit is supposed to guarantee a legal space for your moving truck. You pay the city, you post the official signs at least 48 hours in advance, and in theory, the curb is yours for the day. But anyone who has moved in Boston knows the truth. Even with the permit and signs, there is always the risk that someone will park there anyway. When that happens, you need to know exactly what to do and how the process works so your move stays on track.

Check Your Reserved Area Early

The biggest mistake people make is assuming the spot will be clear when the truck arrives. Always check your permitted area a couple of hours before your scheduled start time. This matters even more in busier neighborhoods like the North End, Beacon Hill, or any area with tight parking and high turnover.

If a car is sitting in your tow zone, do not wait for your Boston movers. Solve the problem before they pull up so you don’t end up paying a crew to stand around while the city sorts things out.

How to Report a Car in Your Moving Permit Zone

Boston requires police involvement before a vehicle can be removed from a posted moving permit area. To start the process, call 911. When the operator answers, immediately say this is not an emergency. This keeps the call in the correct queue and avoids tying up actual emergency resources.

Explain that you obtained an official Boston moving permit, the tow zone signs were posted more than 48 hours prior to the move, and a vehicle is parked in the reserved space. Give them the license plate number and any helpful details about the make and model.

What the Police Will Do

The Boston police will run the plate and attempt to contact the vehicle owner. This is the preferred outcome because it lets the driver move the car voluntarily without facing towing fees. If the owner cannot be reached or refuses to move the vehicle, the officer will authorize a tow.

Boston only allows an officer to request the tow. You cannot call a towing company yourself. The police decide whether the vehicle will be removed and which tow yard will take it.

Expect Delays

This is the part most residents underestimate. Even when you do everything correctly, it can take two hours or longer for an officer to arrive and decide to call the tow truck. Remember, you told 911 it was not an emergency, so you are waiting in line behind more urgent calls.

If your movers are on the clock, you will still be responsible for their time. For many residents, this delay becomes the most expensive part of the situation, not the towing.

Plan Ahead

The best strategy is simple. Wake up early on moving day. Check the spot long before the truck arrives. If there is a problem, get the process started immediately. You will save time, avoid frustration, and keep your move from spiraling into an expensive delay.