How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Boston is making strides toward a greener future, and part of that initiative involves installing dedicated charging stations for electric vehicles throughout the city. However, these spots come with strings attached. They aren't just convenient, front-row parking spaces for EV owners; they are functional utility spots. If you park your electric vehicle in a designated charging bay but fail to plug it in, you are technically blocking the infrastructure for someone who actually needs the juice. That is why the City of Boston issues tickets for "Electric Vehicle Not Actively Charging."

The rule is simple: if the car isn't drawing power, it shouldn't be in the spot. Parking enforcement officers patrol these areas specifically looking for the charging cable. If they see an EV sitting idle without a connection to the station, they will write a ticket. It is also worth noting that this rule exists to encourage turnover. In a busy city like Boston, charging infrastructure is a shared resource. When a vehicle occupies a spot without charging, it prevents others from fueling up. While the base fine of $15.00 might seem small compared to other Boston parking violations, it is a nuisance that can grow if ignored. If you leave the ticket unpaid for 21 days, a $5.00 penalty is tacked on.

Is it worth fighting? That depends on the circumstances. There are valid reasons why a ticket might be issued in error. For example, perhaps the charging station itself was malfunctioning, preventing you from charging despite your best efforts. Maybe the signage indicating the "Active Charging Only" rule was missing, graffiti-covered, or obscured by snow or foliage. Or, in some cases, you might have actually been plugged in, but the enforcement officer simply missed the cable due to the angle or lighting conditions. Evidence is key here—photos of the broken charger or the hidden sign can make a big difference in a dispute.

Dealing with the bureaucracy of the City of Boston parking clerk can be a headache, even for a small fine. That is where Busted comes in. We have streamlined the process to help you handle your parking tickets without the stress. Our web app allows you to manage the situation entirely online, without needing to mail in checks or visit city hall.

If you believe the ticket was unfair and want to contest it, Busted can help you assemble your defense based on the details of your situation. We look at the evidence and help present your case to the city. If you would rather just get it over with, you can also pay the fine directly through our platform. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal, we can ensure that your dispute is filed correctly and professionally. Don't let a $15 ticket turn into a paperwork nightmare; let Busted handle the heavy lifting for you via our web app.