Parking Meter Rates in Downtown Framingham
Parking meters in downtown Framingham cost $1.25 per hour or $2 for two hours. You face a 2-hour maximum stay at most spots. Meters run Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking stays free on Sundays and city holidays.
Smart meters sit on Concord Street, Hollis Street, Howard Street, Park Street, and Union Avenue. Pay with coins or a credit card. Concord Street, Hollis Street, and Union Avenue offer free parking through January 2, 2026. Howard Street and Park Street charge the standard rates. Overstay the limit or park across two spaces and pay a $15 fine to start. Other rules break fines from $25 to $300. Commercial plates follow extra rules. No overnight parking on city streets. Sunday limits apply too.
Nearby blocks in the Framingham Downtown Zone allow up to 3 hours. These spots lack meters. Read every sign to confirm you park in a 3-hour zone and not a metered one.
Check this table for current street details:
| Street | Current Rate | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concord St | Free | 2 hours | Free until Jan 2, 2026 |
| Hollis St | Free | 2 hours | Free until Jan 2, 2026 |
| Union Ave | Free | 2 hours | Free until Jan 2, 2026 |
| Howard St | $1.25/hour or $2 for 2 hours | 2 hours | Standard rate |
| Park St | $1.25/hour or $2 for 2 hours | 2 hours | Standard rate |
Tips to Avoid Tickets and Save Time
- Pay with coins or credit card at smart meters. Keep any receipt that prints.
- Set a phone timer for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Move your car before the limit hits.
- Park on free blocks at Concord, Hollis, or Union Streets. These spots fill up fast, so arrive early.
- Hunt 3-hour zones without meters for longer stays. Check signs right at the curb.
- Drive a 2024 Honda Pilot? Pick longer curb spaces. Leave room for turns. Skip tight spots that make you straddle lines.
- Keep all wheels inside the space. Stay off crosswalks, hydrants, and corners to dodge big fines.
- Live nearby? Buy a resident parking sticker for $25 per vehicle. Bring proof of address to apply.
Plan for busy times. Sundays work best for errands with no meter checks. Always scan posted signs for updates. Sidekick tracks local parking rules and rates to help you plan costs and skip tickets.