How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Parking in Boston is a competitive sport, and finding an open meter feels like a victory. However, simply finding the spot isn't enough; you have to fit inside it perfectly. A "Not in Metered Space" violation is issued when your vehicle isn't fully contained within the painted lines of the parking stall. This usually happens when a car straddles the line between two spaces, sticks out too far into the roadway, or is parked in a way that prevents another driver from using an adjacent meter.

The City of Boston enforces this rule to maximize parking density and ensure traffic flow isn't impeded by poorly parked vehicles. Currently, the base fine for this violation is $25.00. While that might not sound like a budget-breaker, ignoring it is a bad idea. If the ticket remains unpaid for 21 days, the city adds an $8.00 late fee. Eventually, unpaid tickets can lead to registration non-renewal or the dreaded parking boot.

Common Dispute Angles

Just because you saw the ticket on your windshield doesn't mean you are automatically guilty. There are valid reasons to contest this specific violation, and evidence is key.

First, check the road markings. Boston winters are tough on pavement paint. If the lines designating the metered space were faded, chipped away, or covered by snow, you might have a strong case. You cannot be expected to park inside lines that are invisible.

Second, look at the meter itself. Was the meter head misaligned with the space? Sometimes the physical post doesn't line up logically with the painted box, creating confusion about where the space actually begins and ends.

Third, consider the dimensions. If your vehicle is standard size but the space is significantly smaller than regulation size due to construction or repainting, you may be able to argue that it was impossible to park legally.

Resolving Your Ticket with Busted

Dealing with the City of Boston's parking clerk can be a hassle, but Busted simplifies the process through our web app. We support disputes for this violation, meaning we can help you formulate a professional defense based on the details of your situation.

To get started, navigate to the Busted web app in your browser. You will answer a few questions about where you parked and upload any photos you took of the scene (photos of faded lines or confusing signage are incredibly helpful). Our system then generates a dispute letter for you to submit. If you'd rather just pay the fine and move on, our web app handles secure payments as well, ensuring you avoid those pesky late fees. While we can't guarantee a dismissal, we make the process of fighting or paying your ticket significantly less painful.