Traffic Unit

The mission of the Malden Police Traffic Unit is to enhance public safety through the fair, impartial, and reasonable enforcement of traffic laws. The primary goal is to promote the safe flow of vehicular traffic and reduce the number and severity of collisions. Such a reduction decreases the number of personal injuries and the amount of property damage caused by motor vehicle crashes. The Traffic Unit also strives to address quality of life issues in the city such as abandoned cars, parking complaints, and persistent traffic congestion. Use of Radar and Lidar speed detection devices and immediate access to the Registry of Motor Vehicles database allow members of the unit to make full use of their time and training.

The Traffic Unit also performs the following functions:

Follow-up investigation of Hit and Run crashes
Escort duties for parades and funerals
Targeted enforcement for specific problems
Seizure of Revoked registration plates
Conduct simulated OUI crash incident prior to high school prom season

Resources on this page:

Traffic & Parking News & Information

Traffic Safety Columns

Frequently Asked Questions

Links of Interest

Traffic & Parking News & Information

Snow Emergency Off-Street Parking Information 11/5/2009

Winter Parking Regulations are in effect from November 1st through April 1st 10/22/2009

Regent Road Parking Information and Application 10/22/2009

2009-2010 Resident Parking Permits Now Available 5/12/2009

Street Sweeping Parking Regulations are in effect from May 1st through October 31st. 4/14/2009

Child Booster Seat Law Effective July 10, 2008 7/10/2008

Resident Permit Parking Regulations are in effect year-round

Traffic Safety Columns

February Topic

March Topic

April Topic

May Topic

Winter Driving

Safety Belts

Motorcycle Safety

Young Drivers

June Topic

Speeding

Traffic & Parking FAQ

Q: When do I need a resident parking sticker?

A: Click here for resident permit parking regulations

Q: How will I know if a snow emergency is declared and what should I do?

A: When it is determined that parked vehicles may impede the plowing or removing of snow or ice and thereby impair the free flow of traffic, a SNOW EMERGENCY will be declared. During a declared snow emergency, there shall be no parking on either side of posted streets. Violations - $25.00 fine in addition to towing fee as regulated by D.P.U. Click here for a list of affected streets. Vehicles must be cleared of snow and moved within 24 hours of the lifting of a Snow Emergency.

The beginning and the end of a snow emergency will be announced by means of radio, television, and the City's Code Red Emergency Notification System.

Malden residents who do not have off-street parking may utilize one of the following parking areas during declared snow emergencies:

The CBD Parking Garage at 170 Centre St. - parking is allowed during a declared snow emergency. Vehicles entering the garage before the snow emergency begins will be charged until the snow emergency is declared. Vehicles must be removed by 8:00am or immediately after the snow emergency is lifted. Vehicles removed after 8:00am are subject to posted rates. Questions can be directed to the CBD Garage at 781-324-2090.

Parking is allowed during a declared snow emergency at the following areas. All vehicles must be removed by 5:00am or immediately after the emergency has been lifted.

- Beebe School (401 Pleasant St.)

- Ferryway School (150 Cross St.)

- Salemwood School (529 Salem St.)

- Forestdale School (74 Sylvan St.)

- Linden School (29 Wescott St.)

- Early Learning Center (257 Mountain Av.)

If your vehicle was towed during a snow emergency, contact the Malden Police at 781-397-7171

Q: What do I do if I am involved in an accident?

A: If there are any injuries, call 9-1-1 for assistance. Unless there is an immediate threat of further injury (such as a vehicle fire) do not remove anyone from their vehicles, you could make an injury worse. Stay clear of the roadway. Have your license and registration ready. If there is an injury or if the damage to any one vehicle or property exceeds $1,000, or if the crash was a hit & run, the police will file a crash data report. You will have to file an operator's crash report within 5 days of the crash. You should not file a report if the crash occurred on a private road, driveway, private parking lot or other private way. Send completed crash reports to the police department where the crash occurred, the RMV, and your insurance company.

Q: What if I am stopped by a police officer?

A: If a police officer performs a traffic stop of your vehicle, keep in mind that officers are frequently assaulted or killed during traffic stops and will assume a defensive posture until they feel that there is no threat. Stay in your vehicle unless requested to exit. Turn on the interior light if stopped at night. Provide your license and registration when asked to do so, this is required under Massachusetts law.

Q: What if I get a citation?

A: If the officer has cause to issue a citation, he/she has the option to issue a written warning, a civil motor vehicle infraction, or a criminal application. In some cases, such as Operating Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol, an arrest may be made. If the citation is a warning, no action on your part is required, however three or more warnings within one year may cause the RMV to suspend your license. If the citation is a civil infraction, there will be a fine indicated on the citation. You may either pay the fine or contest it (within twenty days). You can pay the fine by mail, by telephone, or online at www.mass.gov/rmv. If you wish to contest the citation, the process is detailed on the back of the citation. If the citation is for a criminal complaint, you have only four days to request a hearing. In any case, you will have to appear in court to answer to the charges.

Q: What if I get a parking ticket?

A: If your receive a parking ticket in Malden, you may pay the fine or request a hearing. If you wish to pay the fine, you may do so in person in room #317 at Malden City Hall, or mail a check in the attached envelope. A request for a hearing may be made in writing to the Hearing Clerk, Room #317, Malden City Hall, 200 Pleasant Street. Click here to download a copy of the appeal form. Five or more unpaid parking tickets could result in your vehicle being towed and impounded until the fines are paid.

Links of Interest

The Malden Police Department disclaims all responsibility for accuracy and completeness, or errors and omissions of the information contained herein. Although the Department tries to assure the accuracy of all information presented, you should confirm all information before making any decisions based on it.