How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Let’s face it: parking in Boston is practically a competitive sport, and finding a legal spot can feel like winning the lottery. However, that feeling of relief can vanish pretty quickly when you return to your car and find a bright orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade. If that ticket says "Bus Stop or Stand," you are looking at a $100.00 base fine. It is one of the more expensive non-moving violations in the city, and for good reason—blocking a bus stop disrupts the flow of public transit and creates safety hazards for passengers trying to board or exit the bus.

So, why were you issued this ticket? Boston Parking Clerk officers are notoriously strict about bus zones. These areas are legally required to remain clear so that large MBTA buses can pull all the way to the curb. This is crucial for ADA compliance and keeping traffic moving on narrow Boston streets. You might have received this ticket because your bumper was slightly over the line, or perhaps you pulled over "just for a minute" to check your GPS or drop a friend off. Unfortunately, the law in Boston defines this as a "Stop or Stand" violation, meaning the engine running or your hazard lights flashing won't save you from the fine.

However, getting a ticket doesn't always mean you are guilty. There are valid reasons to dispute a Bus Stop violation. The most common defense involves poor visibility. Boston winters and general wear-and-tear can wreak havoc on curb paint and signage. If the red and white paint on the curb was faded to the point of being invisible, or if the "No Stopping" sign was obscured by an overgrown tree or construction scaffolding, you may have a case. Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical failure and you were waiting for a tow, providing a receipt from the towing company can sometimes serve as a valid defense.

If you believe you were ticketed unfairly, or if you just want to handle the payment without the headache of navigating the city's municipal website, the Busted web app is here to help. We have streamlined the process to make dealing with Boston parking tickets as painless as possible. You don't need to download anything; simply access Busted through your browser.

Through our platform, you can securely pay your fine or initiate a dispute. If you choose to contest the ticket, we will guide you through a series of questions to understand your specific situation. Based on your answers—whether it was missing signage or a medical emergency—we help you structure your defense. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal, we ensure your argument is presented clearly and professionally. Just remember to act fast; if the fine remains unpaid for 21 days, the City of Boston adds a $33.00 late penalty, turning a $100 headache into a $133 problem.