How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Parking in Boston is often described as a competitive sport, and navigating the rules of the road can feel like a full-time job. One moment you think you have found a creative way to squeeze into a spot on a crowded street, and the next, you are returning to find an orange envelope tucked under your windshield wiper. If you have received a citation for "Angle Parking Prohibited," you are certainly not the first driver to be confused by the regulations. This violation generally occurs when a driver parks diagonally to the curb in an area that is legally designated for parallel parking only.

In the City of Boston, the default rule for street parking is parallel parking. Unless there are specific painted lines on the street or signs explicitly stating that angle parking is permitted, you are expected to align your vehicle parallel to the curb. Parking enforcement officers issue these tickets because cars sticking out at an angle can significantly obstruct traffic flow. In a city known for its narrow, historic streets—like those in the North End or Beacon Hill—an angled car can block bike lanes, impede snow plows, or make it difficult for emergency vehicles like fire trucks to pass through safely. While the base fine is relatively low at $15.00, it is a nuisance that requires your attention.

Is it worth fighting this ticket? That depends entirely on the circumstances of your specific case. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it. Common angles for contesting this violation often involve signage and visibility. For instance, if the street markings were faded to the point of being invisible, or if fresh snow covered the pavement lines making it impossible to know angle parking was prohibited, you might have a valid defense. Additionally, if there were conflicting signs on the block that created confusion, or if a police officer specifically directed you to park that way, you can build a case. Evidence is crucial here; clear, timestamped photos of the lack of signage, the position of your car relative to others, or the condition of the road markings can strengthen your appeal significantly.

If you want to contest this ticket or simply get it paid without the headache of navigating the city's municipal government site, Busted can help. Our web app is designed to streamline the administrative process for you. If you choose to dispute, we can help you formulate your argument and generate a professional defense letter to send to the City of Boston. We analyze the details of your violation and guide you through presenting the best possible explanation.

If you would rather just pay the fine and move on with your week, we can facilitate that transaction for you as well. It is important to act relatively quickly. While a $15.00 fine is manageable, ignoring it leads to unnecessary penalties. If the fine remains unpaid 21 days after the notice was issued, the City of Boston assesses a $5.00 late fee. Don't let a small fine turn into a bigger headache or a boot on your car down the road. Use the Busted web app to resolve your parking ticket today.