Boston Issues Over $200K in Snow Removal Fines

Thousands of fines handed out after January winter storm

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The city of Boston issued over 2,300 snow removal-related fines totaling $219,050 between January 19 and February 2 following a winter storm that brought over a foot of snow to the region. City officials state that property owners are responsible for shoveling sidewalks and maintaining a 42-inch path of travel, with residents having three hours after snowfall to clean up. Part of the challenge for residents has been a string of cold weather limiting snow melt.

Why it matters

Boston's aggressive enforcement of snow removal rules highlights the city's efforts to maintain safe and accessible public spaces during harsh winter weather, though the high volume of fines also reflects the ongoing challenges residents face in quickly clearing snow amid extended cold temperatures.

The details

According to city data, 2,341 snow-removal related fines between $50 and $200 were issued in the weeks following the January 18 winter storm. The total fines amounted to $219,050. Boston requires property owners to shovel sidewalks and maintain a 42-inch path of travel, with a 3-hour window after snowfall to complete the work.

  • The snow-related fines were issued between January 19 and midnight on February 2, 2026.
  • The January 18 winter storm brought over a foot of snow to the Boston region.

The players

City of Boston

The local government of Boston, Massachusetts that issued the snow removal fines.

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The takeaway

Boston's aggressive enforcement of snow removal rules highlights the ongoing challenges residents face in quickly clearing snow during extended cold weather, though the high volume of fines also demonstrates the city's commitment to maintaining safe and accessible public spaces during harsh winter conditions.