Orleans MA Parking Rules and Regulations

When you think of Cape Cod, peaceful beaches, scenic drives, and small-town charm likely come to mind. But whether you're a year-round resident or a summer visitor, it's essential to understand the Orleans MA Parking rules and regulations or risk a costly fine.

The Select Board in Orleans has adopted a comprehensive parking ordinance designed to ensure road safety, protect access to critical infrastructure, and preserve quality of life for residents. Updated most recently on April 26, 2023, these rules cover everything from Zero Emission Parking zones to Snow Removal Area restrictions and detailed time-limited residential parking enforcement.

This guide walks you through all the parking do’s and don’ts in Orleans so you can confidently explore the town without getting ticketed.

Why Are These Parking Regulations Important?

Orleans is one of Cape Cod’s most visited towns, especially during the summer months. High tourism means limited space for both visitors and locals. Improper parking can clog narrow roads, block emergency routes, and obstruct visibility at intersections.

To avoid these issues, Orleans has enforced a variety of parking prohibitions and rules around resident parking, special use areas, and time-restricted access to preserve safety and fairness for all.

General Parking Prohibitions: What Not to Do

Here are the most common parking violations to avoid in Orleans:

1. Zero Emission Only

Designated Zero Emission Parking zones are reserved exclusively for electric vehicles, particularly near EV Charging Stations. These are clearly marked and enforced.

2. Parking Wrong Way on Street

Your vehicle must face the direction of travel. Parking against traffic, even in legal zones, is a ticketable offense.

3. Less than 10 ft Lane

If your parked car leaves less than 10 feet of lane clearance, you're violating regulations. This ensures that fire trucks and emergency vehicles can pass safely.

4. Blocking a Driveway or Private Road

Parking across a driveway is strictly prohibited. You cannot impede access to or from any private road or driveway.

5. Within 20 ft of an Intersection

Blocking sightlines at corners is a hazard. Vehicles must not be parked within 20 feet of an intersection.

6. Prohibited Area

These include areas where signage or markings explicitly prohibit parking. This may also include temporary no-parking zones issued during events or emergencies.

7. Double Parking

Don’t pull up next to another parked car. Double parking causes serious traffic disruption and is always illegal.

8. Parking in a Safety Zone

Safety Zones may be designated for construction, public works, or emergency access. Parking here can result in a fine or immediate tow.

9. More than 1 ft from Curb

If you're parallel parked and more than 12 inches from the curb, you could be ticketed (exceptions apply to angled parking).

10. Snow Removal Area

Parking in designated snow removal zones during winter operations is forbidden. Always check signage during the off-season months.

11. Within an Intersection

Even partially parked within an intersection? You’re in violation. Parking within any intersection is banned.

12. Bus Stops, Taxi Stands

Only buses and taxis may use these designated spots. They are not loading or waiting zones for private vehicles.

13. Construction Site Obstructing Traffic

If there's active construction and your car blocks or slows traffic, it's a violation, even without signage.

Fire Safety and Accessibility Zones

Public safety is a major priority in Orleans. The following areas have enhanced regulations:

• Within 10 ft of a Fire Hydrant: Clear space is essential for emergency access.
• Within a Fire Lane: These are typically marked with red paint or signage.
• Handicapped Parking: Only vehicles with valid placards can park here. Violating this rule carries the highest fine of all.

Seasonal Restrictions: June 15 – September 15

From June 15 to September 15, parking restrictions become stricter, particularly near water access points. During these peak months, Resident Parking Permits (also called Resident Parking Stickers) are required in several locations.

Here’s where you’ll need a valid sticker:

Location	Time Restrictions
Cove Road Landing	Anytime
Doane Road Landing	Anytime
Mill Pond Landing	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
141 Portanimicut Road	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Priscilla Landing	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Snow Shore Landing	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tonset Landing	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
17 Wildflower Lane	No parking 11:00 p.m. – sunrise (year-round)

 

Want to know how to get your sticker? See our post on Orleans passes and permits for full details.

Residential Streets with Restricted Parking

The following streets also require a Resident Parking Sticker during the summer:

• Mill Pond Road (Northerly side, 400’ from town landing)
  
• Priscilla Road (Westerly side from Iyanough to Alden)
  
• River Road (Easterly side from Lucy’s Lane to the landing)
  
• Snow Shore Road (Northerly side from the landing to Seal Lane)
  
• Tonset Road (Northerly side from the landing to Weeset Proprietors Lane)

These rules are in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., June 15 – September 15.

Full-Time No Parking Zones

Some areas have permanent, year-round no-parking policies:

• Mill Pond Road: Westerly side
  
• Portanimicut Landing
  
• Priscilla Road: Both sides in designated stretches
  
• River Road: Westerly side
  
• School Road: No trailer parking on either side
  
• Snow Shore Road: Southerly side
  
• Wildflower Lane: No parking on either side

These roads are often narrow or serve sensitive infrastructure. Avoid at all times unless signage says otherwise.

Schedule of Fines: What You’ll Pay

Breaking Orleans parking laws comes at a cost. Fines are divided into two tiers:

Orleans MA Parking Fines Table

Violation	Fine
Zero Emission Only	$50
Parking Wrong Way on Street	$50
Less Than 10 ft Unobstructed Lane	$50
Blocking Driveway or Private Road	$50
Within 20 ft of an Intersection	$50
Prohibited Area (including Temporary Zones)	$50
Parking on Crosswalk or Sidewalk	$50
Double Parking	$50
Parking in a Safety Zone	$50
More Than 1 ft from Curb	$50
Parking in Snow Removal Area	$50
Parking Within an Intersection	$50
Parking in a Bus Stop or Taxi Stand	$50
Obstructing Traffic at Construction Site	$50
Parking Within 10 ft of a Fire Hydrant	$50
Parking in a Fire Lane	$50
No Valid Resident Parking Permit/Sticker	$50
Temporary No Parking Zone Violation	$50
Handicapped Parking Without Placard	$100

 

Fines are strictly enforced and can be paired with towing at the discretion of the Police Chief.

Tips for Visitors to Avoid Parking Trouble

Whether you're coming for the weekend or staying the summer, follow these best practices:

• Know the peak times: Especially during holidays and weekends.
• Read signage carefully: Don’t assume parking is allowed just because others are doing it.
• Use designated lots: Especially near popular beaches like Skaket Beach.
• Obey time windows: Many areas are fine to park, just not all day.
• Avoid blocking anything: Driveways, crosswalks, or narrow streets.
• Keep your EV charged legally: Use only approved EV Charging Stations in marked Zero Emission Parking areas.

Parking During Peak Season in Orleans

For summer travelers, it’s especially important to know that parking demand spikes dramatically during peak season. From late June through Labor Day, most town landings and beach areas are full by mid-morning.

Planning a visit? See our full guide to peak season in Orleans MA, to make your trip smoother.

Resident Parking Permits: A Must-Have

If you're a resident, applying for your Resident Parking Sticker is one of the best ways to secure stress-free access to landings and preferred roads.

Details on how to apply can be found in our passes and permits guide.

Final Thoughts

The Orleans, MA Parking Rules and Regulations are designed to make life easier for both residents and visitors. From maintaining safety zones to promoting green transportation through Zero Emission Parking, these rules help ensure everyone can enjoy the town responsibly.

Knowing where and when to park can save you from a ticket and help preserve the charm and orderliness that make Orleans so special.

 

Works Cited

Town of Orleans. Revised Parking Rules and Regulations. Adopted 19 May 2021, Revised 26 Apr. 2023.