How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston
No Valid Resident Parking Permit/Sticker
In Boston, many neighborhood streets are designated exclusively for residents who display a valid, neighborhood-specific permit sticker on their vehicle. If you park in these zones without the correct sticker or a valid visitor pass during enforcement hours, you are subject to a citation. This rule is strictly enforced to prioritize parking availability for locals living on those streets.
Guide to Fighting City of Boston No Valid Resident Parking Permit/Sticker
Boston is famous for its history, its sports teams, and unfortunately, its incredibly aggressive parking enforcement. One of the quickest ways to ruin a day in the city is returning to your car to find an orange envelope tucked under the windshield wiper. If that ticket cites "No Valid Resident Parking Permit/Sticker," you are looking at a $100.00 base fine. It is a steep price to pay for a parking spot, but you aren't out of options just yet.
Why did this happen? Boston neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, South Boston, and Charlestown are densely populated, and street parking is a limited resource. To protect locals, the City of Boston designates specific streets as "Resident Parking Only." Unless your vehicle displays a valid, unexpired sticker specifically for that neighborhood, you are technically violating the rules. It is important to note that a sticker for Allston doesn't work in the North End; the permit must match the specific zone where you parked. Enforcement officers are diligent, and they patrol these zones frequently to ensure residents have a place to leave their cars.
Before you pull out your credit card, take a breath and look at the evidence. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal, valid disputes often arise from simple errors or lack of visibility. Was the "Resident Parking" sign obscured by overhanging tree branches, covered in graffiti, or knocked down entirely? If the signage was not clearly visible from where you parked, you might have a solid case. Alternatively, did you have a valid visitor pass displayed on your dashboard that the officer simply missed? Glare on the windshield or a hurried patrol can lead to these kinds of mistakes. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, document the scene with photos immediately.
Dealing with municipal bureaucracy can be a headache, but ignoring the problem will only make it more expensive. If you do not pay or contest the ticket within 21 days, the City of Boston assesses a $33.00 late penalty, turning a $100 ticket into a $133 problem. This is where Busted comes in. You do not need to navigate the city's confusing website alone or wait in line at City Hall.
Our web app is designed to streamline the process for you. We can help you assemble a professional dispute based on the details of your situation, or if you prefer to just get it over with, we can facilitate the payment for you securely. There is no need to download anything or clutter your phone with another app; simply use the Busted web app to handle your ticket in minutes. Whether you choose to fight it or pay it, handling it promptly is the best way to keep your wallet safe from those nagging late fees.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
After 21 days A penalty of $33 shall be assessed if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance of a notice of such violation. | $33.00 |