How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Parking in Boston is famously difficult. Between resident-only zones, street cleaning schedules, and snow emergencies, finding a legal spot can feel like winning the lottery. In the desperate search for pavement, it is often tempting to squeeze your vehicle onto a paved area that looks like a parking space but is actually a traffic island or a center strip. Unfortunately, the City of Boston is strict about keeping these areas clear.

The violation for "Island/Center Strip/Street Car Reservation" is issued when a vehicle is found parked on the physical dividers between lanes or, more dangerously, on the tracks reserved for streetcars. In Boston, this often refers to the Green Line reservations. These rules exist to ensure that traffic flows smoothly, pedestrians have safe refuge areas when crossing, and public transit isn't delayed by a bumper sticking out into the trolley path. The base fine for this infraction is $40.00.

While $40.00 might seem manageable compared to some of the city's steeper fines, ignoring the ticket is a bad idea. If the fine remains unpaid for 21 days after the notice is issued, a late penalty of $13.00 is assessed. This turns a minor annoyance into a more expensive headache. Furthermore, unpaid tickets can lead to registration holds or the dreaded parking boot.

The good news is that you have the right to contest these citations, and Busted supports disputes for the City of Boston. There are several angles you might consider when fighting this ticket. First, check the ticket for factual errors. If the officer recorded the wrong license plate number, make, or model of your car, the ticket may be invalid. Second, consider the visibility of the area. In Boston winters, snow accumulation can sometimes obscure the curb or the layout of a traffic island, making it impossible to distinguish from the road. If you have photos proving the area was not clearly defined due to weather or poor maintenance, you may have a valid defense.

Another common defense involves vehicle breakdowns. If your car stalled and you pushed it onto a median or center strip to avoid blocking active traffic lanes, this is generally considered a valid emergency. However, you will need to provide documentation, such as a tow truck receipt or a mechanic's bill, to prove the vehicle was inoperable at the time.

Resolving these issues doesn't have to be a solo mission. The Busted web app simplifies the process of managing your parking tickets. Instead of navigating the City of Boston's municipal site or mailing in a check, you can handle everything through our platform. If you choose to dispute, we help you organize your evidence and present a professional argument. If you prefer to just pay and move on, we facilitate that too. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal—parking enforcement is ultimately up to the city—our goal is to make the resolution process as seamless and stress-free as possible.