How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston
Other
In the City of Boston, a parking violation marked as 'Other' is a catch-all category for infractions that do not fall under specific violation codes. This is typically issued for minor or unusual parking situations where a specific regulation exists but isn't listed on the standard ticket menu. Essentially, it means you parked improperly in a way that falls outside standard definitions like expired meters or resident zones.
Guide to Fighting City of Boston Other
Getting a parking ticket in Boston is practically a local tradition, but staring at a citation that simply lists the violation as "Other" can be incredibly confusing. Unlike a clear-cut case of parking in a resident zone without a sticker or letting a meter run out, this violation code is ambiguous. It serves as a catch-all for the City of Boston Transportation Department to penalize parking behaviors that don't fit neatly into their standard list of offenses. While the base fine is relatively low at $15.00, the frustration of not knowing exactly what you did wrong can be high.
Why are these tickets issued? Usually, an enforcement officer spots a vehicle that is impeding traffic, parked on a median, blocking a unique type of access point, or violating a temporary regulation that doesn't have its own specific code on the handheld ticketing device. Because the category is so broad, it is crucial to check the officer's notes on the ticket. If the notes are blank or illegible, you might be left guessing why your car was targeted. However, this ambiguity can actually work in your favor if you decide to contest the ticket.
It is important not to ignore this citation just because the fine is small. In the City of Boston, the clock starts ticking the moment the ticket is placed on your windshield. You have 21 days to pay the $15.00 base fine. If you miss this window, a late penalty of $5.00 is assessed. While a $20 total might not break the bank, unpaid tickets can eventually lead to the Registry of Motor Vehicles placing a hold on your registration renewal, turning a minor annoyance into a major bureaucratic headache.
When it comes to disputing an "Other" violation, the vagueness of the charge is often your best defense. For a ticket to be valid, you generally need to be informed of the specific nature of the offense so you can defend against it. If the ticket lacks a description of the specific behavior (like "parked on grass" or "blocking alley"), you can argue that the citation is defective due to lack of information. Additionally, look for evidence of unclear signage or conflicting road markings. Since "Other" implies a non-standard rule, the signage prohibiting your parking spot should have been explicitly clear.
That is where Busted comes in. We believe that dealing with municipal fines shouldn't require a law degree or a trip to City Hall. Our web app allows you to manage the entire process from your browser. If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly—especially given the vague nature of an "Other" violation—we can help you assemble your dispute evidence and submit it to the City of Boston. If you prefer to just get it over with, you can also pay the fine directly through our platform. Just upload the details to the Busted web app, and we will help you resolve the issue quickly so you can get back to your day.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
After 21 days A penalty of $5 shall be assessed if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance of a notice of such violation. | $5.00 |