How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston
Over 1 Foot from Curb
In Boston, parallel parking requires precision; you must position your vehicle so that your wheels are within 12 inches of the curb. If you leave too much space between your car and the sidewalk, you are considered to be obstructing the flow of traffic. Parking further than this 12-inch limit can result in a citation for being over one foot from the curb.
Guide to Fighting City of Boston Over 1 Foot from Curb
Parking in Boston is a competitive sport, and parallel parking is the main event. Unfortunately, even if you manage to snag a spot, you aren't safe until you've checked your distance. The "Over 1 Foot from Curb" violation is exactly what it sounds like: a penalty for parking too far into the street. The city enforces this to ensure that narrow historic streets remain passable for other vehicles, emergency trucks, and cyclists.
The base fine for this violation is $35.00. While that might not sound like a budget-breaker compared to some other infractions, it is still money you probably didn't plan on spending. It is important to address this ticket quickly because ignoring it leads to extra costs. If the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance, the City of Boston adds an $11.00 late penalty, turning a minor annoyance into a nearly $50 headache.
Why are these tickets issued? Usually, it comes down to a rushed parking job or a driver trying to protect their rims from a jagged curb. However, enforcement officers can sometimes be overzealous. They are supposed to visually estimate or measure that the distance exceeds 12 inches. If you are parked on a curve or if the curb itself is damaged or missing, the judgment of "one foot" can become subjective.
If you believe you were parked legally, or if there were mitigating circumstances, you might have grounds to dispute the ticket. Common defense angles include proof that your wheels were actually within the 12-inch limit (photos are crucial here), or that physical obstructions like snow banks or construction debris prevented you from getting closer to the curb. In Boston winters, unplowed snow is a very valid reason for not hugging the curb, provided you haven't blocked the travel lane entirely.
This is where the Busted web app comes in handy. You don't need to download anything or navigate the city's bureaucratic website alone. Through our web-based platform, you can manage your ticket efficiently. If you want to fight the ticket, we can help you assemble a professional dispute letter based on the details of your situation. If you realize you were actually parked too far out and just want to get it over with, you can also pay the fine directly through our service. We make the process simple so you can get back to driving.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
After 21 days A penalty of $11 shall be assessed if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance of a notice of such violation. | $11.00 |