How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Driving in Boston is rarely a relaxing experience, and finding a legal parking spot can feel like winning the lottery. However, if you have recently returned to your vehicle to find a ticket for a "Bike or Bus Lane" violation, that winning feeling probably evaporated pretty quickly. The City of Boston has been aggressively expanding its network of dedicated bus and bike lanes to improve transit reliability and cyclist safety. Unfortunately for drivers, this comes with strict enforcement and a hefty $100.00 base fine.

Why were you ticketed? The rule is strict liability, which generally means intent doesn't matter. Whether you parked there for an hour to grab lunch, or you just pulled over for thirty seconds to drop off a passenger or check your GPS, blocking these lanes is a violation. Parking enforcement officers patrol these zones frequently, and in some areas, automated enforcement cameras may assist in identifying violators. The city views these lanes as vital arteries for traffic flow, so they have zero tolerance for obstructions.

Is it worth fighting? Since Busted supports disputes for the City of Boston, you absolutely have the option to contest the ticket if you believe it was issued in error. While you can't argue your way out of it just because you "didn't see the sign," there are valid angles for a dispute. Common defenses include faded or missing road markings that made the lane indistinguishable, obscured signage, or factual errors on the ticket itself (like the wrong license plate number or vehicle color). Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical breakdown and you have a tow receipt or repair bill to prove it, this is often a valid reason for dismissal.

It is important to act fast. Boston imposes a late penalty if the fine remains unpaid. Specifically, a penalty of $33.00 shall be assessed if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after the issuance of the notice. Ignoring the ticket will only make it more expensive and could lead to registration non-renewal.

That is where the Busted web app comes in. You don't need to navigate the city's confusing government portals alone. Our service is designed to make resolving parking tickets as painless as possible. Through our website, you can easily manage your ticket. If you choose to dispute, we help you formulate your argument and generate the necessary professional correspondence to send to the city. If you prefer to just pay it and move on, we can facilitate that securely as well. There is no need to download a mobile app; everything is handled directly through your browser for your convenience.