How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Parking in Boston can feel like a competitive sport, and finding a spot is often a victory in itself. However, returning to your car to find an orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade is a quick way to ruin that victory. If that ticket says "Over Meter Limit," you might be confused, especially if the meter still had time on it. Here is the lowdown on why this happens, what it costs, and how you can handle it.

First, let’s talk about the cost. The base fine for an Over Meter Limit violation in the City of Boston is $40.00. While that might not break the bank, it is certainly annoying. It is important to address this quickly because the city does not have much patience for unpaid fines. If you leave the ticket unpaid for 21 days, a late penalty of $8.00 is added to the total. Ignoring it further can lead to registration non-renewal, so it is best to deal with it sooner rather than later.

The logic behind this ticket often trips people up. Many drivers assume that as long as they keep feeding quarters or paying via an app, they are safe to stay. Unfortunately, that is known as "meter feeding," and it is exactly what this rule prevents. Meters have time limits (often two hours) to encourage turnover so that other drivers can visit shops and restaurants. Once you hit that max limit, you are legally required to move your car to a different block, not just feed the meter again.

However, that doesn't mean you are without options. Mistakes happen. Parking enforcement officers are human, and equipment fails. When considering a dispute, look at the details. Was the meter actually broken and unable to accept payment? Were the time limit signs obscured, missing, or contradictory? Did you actually move your car to a different block, but the officer thought you were still in the same spot? These are valid angles for a dispute. Evidence is your best friend here, so photos of the signage, the meter, and your car's position relative to landmarks are crucial.

If you believe your ticket was issued unfairly, you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy of the Office of the Parking Clerk alone. The Busted web app is designed to make this process smoother. We can help you organize your evidence and formulate a professional dispute letter. You don't need to download anything or clutter your phone with another app; simply log in through your web browser, answer a few questions about your situation, and let us help you challenge that $40 fine. Whether you decide to pay it or fight it, the most important thing is to take action before that 21-day late fee kicks in.