How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston
Non-emergency Repair
In the City of Boston, you are strictly prohibited from performing vehicle repairs on public streets unless it is a genuine emergency required to get the car moving again. This regulation prevents public parking spaces from being used as personal garages for routine maintenance like oil changes or bodywork. If an officer observes you performing non-urgent mechanical work curbside, you will be issued a citation.
Guide to Fighting City of Boston Non-emergency Repair
Dealing with parking tickets in the City of Boston is never the highlight of anyone's week, especially when the violation feels a bit subjective. If you have recently found a ticket on your windshield for "Non-emergency Repair," you might be scratching your head. Essentially, the city wants to ensure that public streets remain available for parking and traffic flow, rather than being utilized as makeshift mechanic shops. While it might seem convenient to tune up your car right outside your front door, local ordinances strictly forbid using the curb for routine maintenance.
The base fine for a Non-emergency Repair violation is $40.00. While this might not seem like a budget-breaker initially, it is important to address it quickly. If you leave the ticket unpaid for 21 days, the City of Boston adds a $13.00 late penalty. Ignoring the problem only makes it more expensive, and unpaid tickets can eventually lead to more severe consequences like booting or registration non-renewal. The city defines non-emergency repairs as work that could reasonably be done in a garage or private driveway, such as oil changes, brake pads, or cosmetic bodywork.
However, there are valid reasons to dispute this ticket. The key word in the violation is "Non-emergency." If your vehicle broke down and you were performing a necessary, temporary fix just to get the car moving safely to a repair shop, you may have grounds for a dismissal. For example, changing a flat tire or jump-starting a dead battery is often considered an emergency action rather than a repair. Additionally, if you were simply cleaning your car or checking fluids without performing actual mechanical work, the officer may have misinterpreted the situation.
This is where the Busted web app comes in handy. We understand that navigating the bureaucratic language of parking disputes can be frustrating and time-consuming. Our platform allows you to manage your ticket entirely online without needing to download anything. If you believe your ticket was issued unfairly, you can use our system to create a customized dispute letter based on the specific details of your situation. We guide you through the process, helping you present the best possible argument to the City of Boston.
If you decide that contesting the ticket isn't the right path for you, or if the deadline has passed, you can also securely pay your fine directly through the Busted web app. Our goal is to make the resolution process as seamless as possible, saving you the headache of navigating municipal websites or mailing in checks. Whether you choose to fight the ticket or pay it, handling it promptly is the best way to avoid those pesky late fees.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
After 21 days A penalty of $13 shall be assessed if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance of a notice of such violation. | $13.00 |