How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Parking in Boston is often described as a competitive sport, and finding a legal spot in neighborhoods like Southie, Dorchester, or the North End can feel like a miracle. However, squeezing into a tight space near a house can sometimes lead to that sinking feeling of seeing an orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade. If you have received a violation for blocking a driveway, you aren't alone, but you need to act quickly to handle it.

In the City of Boston, a Driveway violation is issued when a vehicle obstructs the "curb cut"—the dip in the sidewalk that allows cars to enter a garage or parking area. While the base fine for this violation is relatively low at $25.00, the real danger often lies in the inconvenience and the risk of being towed. Driveway violations are frequently complaint-driven, meaning a resident likely called the Boston Transportation Department because they couldn't get in or out of their property. Because of this, enforcement officers are strict about even partial obstructions. If your bumper is hanging over the start of the slope of the curb cut, you are technically in violation.

It is crucial not to ignore this ticket. While $25.00 might seem manageable, the City of Boston imposes late penalties to encourage prompt payment. If the fine remains unpaid 21 days after the notice is issued, a penalty of $8.00 is added to your total. Ignoring it further can lead to non-renewal of your registration and other administrative headaches.

However, not every ticket is open-and-shut. There are valid angles for disputing a driveway ticket. For example, was the curb cut clearly defined? In some older parts of Boston, the curb might be damaged or the paint faded, making it difficult to distinguish a legal driveway from a regular curb. Additionally, if you can prove via timestamped photos that your vehicle was not actually encroaching on the access point, you may have a case. Another common point of confusion is parking in front of your own driveway; while some residents believe this is legal, it is generally prohibited unless specific local ordinances say otherwise, as the street is public property.

This is where Busted comes in. We have built a web app designed to take the confusion out of the process. Rather than navigating the city's municipal site or mailing in a check, you can manage your ticket directly through our browser-based platform. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, Busted can help you formulate your dispute by organizing your evidence and presenting your case to the city. If you simply want to pay the fine and move on before that 21-day deadline hits, we facilitate that securely as well.

While we cannot guarantee a dismissal—parking hearing officers have the final say—we make the process significantly less painful. Whether you choose to fight the ticket or pay it, handling it immediately via the Busted web app is the best way to ensure a $25 annoyance doesn't turn into a more expensive problem.