How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Parking in the City of Boston is a competitive sport, and finding a spot can feel like a victory in itself. However, that feeling of triumph can vanish instantly if you return to your car and find an orange envelope tucked under your windshield wiper. If you have been cited for a Hydrant violation, you are looking at a base fine of $100.00. It is a steep price to pay for a parking spot, but don't panic just yet. Understanding why this happened and knowing your options is the first step toward resolving it.

Why are these tickets issued? The logic is purely about public safety. Firefighters need immediate, unobstructed access to water sources in the event of an emergency. In Boston, the law requires that you leave at least 10 feet of clearance on either side of the fire hydrant. A common misconception is that the curb must be painted yellow or that there must be a "No Parking" sign present. In reality, the hydrant itself serves as the warning. Whether you were just running in for a quick coffee or you misjudged the distance by a foot, parking enforcement officers are strict about this rule because the stakes are high.

Is it possible to fight a hydrant ticket? While these are difficult violations to contest, they are not impossible. There are a few common angles that drivers use when disputing these citations. The most common is the "invisible hydrant" defense. If the hydrant was completely obscured by a snowbank, overgrown vegetation, or construction debris, you might have a valid case. Another angle involves measurement disputes. If you believe you were actually more than 10 feet away, but the officer estimated the distance incorrectly, photographic evidence is your best ally. Photos taken from multiple angles, ideally with a tape measure or a reference object, can help prove your case.

This is where Busted comes in. You don’t need to navigate the City of Boston’s bureaucratic maze alone, and you certainly don't need to mail in a check if you have a valid defense. Our web app allows you to handle the entire process from your browser. We can help you organize your evidence and present a professional dispute letter if you believe the ticket was issued in error. If you simply want to pay the fine and move on with your life, we provide a secure and fast way to settle the debt without the hassle of government websites.

Whatever route you choose, speed is of the essence. Boston imposes strict penalties for procrastination. If your $100.00 fine remains unpaid for 21 days, a late fee of $33.00 is added to the total. This turns an already expensive ticket into a significant financial burden. By using the Busted web app today, you can either file your dispute or pay the fine instantly, ensuring you avoid those pesky late fees and keep your driving record clean.