Massachusetts Courthouse Security Line Wait Times & Hours (2026)

Short answer: Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously. Updated 2026-11-04

Morning security checkpoint wait times in Massachusetts range from 10 to 25 minutes during peak 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM docket call. The longest typical queue is at Middlesex County Courthouse (Cambridge) (~25 mins). Massachusetts Trial Court updated its Trial Court Policy on Possession & Use of Cameras and Personal Electronic Devices to allow cell phones in almost all courthouses, though select high-security courts enforce courtroom pouches or check-in.

County CourthouseCitySecurity line wait timesPhone LockersJuror Parking
Middlesex County
Middlesex County Courthouse (Cambridge)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (25 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Cambridge ~25 mins peak (arrive 35 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Worcester County
Worcester County Courthouse (Worcester)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (18 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Worcester ~18 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Essex County
Essex County Courthouse (Salem)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (18 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Salem ~18 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Suffolk County
Suffolk County Courthouse (Boston)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (18 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Boston ~18 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Norfolk County
Norfolk County Courthouse (Dedham)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Dedham ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Bristol County
Bristol County Courthouse (Taunton)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Taunton ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Plymouth County
Plymouth County Courthouse (Brockton)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Brockton ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Hampden County
Hampden County Courthouse (Springfield)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Springfield ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Going to Court Without a Lawyer?

Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in MA

If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in MA, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive for an 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM court date in Massachusetts?

Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously.

How is this courthouse policy data verified?

We verify every county against official Court Administrative Orders (.gov), Jury Commissioner instructions, and Sheriff Court Security directives. Last verified 2026-11-04.

More Courthouse Rules in Massachusetts

Security line wait times in Other States