How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Boston is aggressively expanding its green infrastructure, which includes designating specific parking spots for Electric Vehicles (EVs). While this is great for sustainability, it introduces new parking rules that can be easy to miss if you aren't paying close attention. If you found a ticket on your windshield for an "Electrical Vehicles Only" violation, it generally means you parked in a spot reserved for EV charging without meeting the requirements. The base fine for this violation is $15.00.

Why are these tickets issued? The city treats these spaces not just as parking, but as utility stations. The most common reason for this ticket is "ICEing," which is when an Internal Combustion Engine (gasoline) car parks in an EV spot, blocking access to the charger. However, EV owners aren't immune. In Boston, these spots are for active charging. If you park your Tesla or Leaf in the spot but fail to plug it in, you are technically violating the rule because you are occupying the resource without using it. Parking enforcement officers monitor these spots closely to ensure turnover and availability for drivers running low on battery.

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it. One of the most common angles for dismissal involves signage visibility. Boston winters can be harsh; if the "EV Only" sign was covered in snow, obscured by an overgrown tree, or if the pavement markings were faded beyond recognition, you may have a valid defense. You should take photos of the obscured signage immediately to support your case. Another potential defense is broken equipment. If you drove an EV and attempted to charge, but the station was malfunctioning, you shouldn't be penalized. In this case, evidence is key—a photo of the error screen on the charger or a screenshot of a report sent to the charging network provider can be very helpful.

Additionally, always check the ticket for clerical errors. If the officer recorded the wrong license plate number, or identified your silver sedan as a red SUV, these factual errors can sometimes lead to a dismissal. However, keep in mind that excuses like "I was only there for five minutes" or "I didn't see the sign" (if the sign was clearly visible) are rarely accepted by the Parking Clerk.

It is important not to ignore this ticket. While $15.00 is relatively low compared to other Boston fines, the city assesses a $5.00 late fee if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance. Ignoring the ticket can eventually lead to registration non-renewal or booting if you accumulate enough unpaid fines.

We can help you resolve this quickly. The Busted web app is designed to streamline the process of dealing with parking tickets. You can use our platform to pay the fine securely or, if you have valid evidence, we can help you submit a dispute to the City of Boston. We help you organize your evidence and present a clear case, saving you the headache of navigating the municipal system on your own. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal, we make the process much faster and less stressful.