How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston
Overnight Heavy Vehicle in Residential Area (12,000 lbs. GVW)
In Boston, vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) exceeding 12,000 lbs. are prohibited from parking on residential streets during overnight hours. This regulation is intended to preserve the quiet nature of neighborhoods and ensure narrow residential streets remain accessible by keeping large commercial trucks and heavy machinery in designated commercial zones. If your vehicle is over this weight limit, you must find alternative off-street or commercial parking overnight.
Guide to Fighting City of Boston Overnight Heavy Vehicle in Residential Area (12,000 lbs. GVW)
Boston is famous for its winding streets and historic neighborhoods, but it is also famous for strict parking enforcement. If you drive a larger vehicle for work or personal use, you might have woken up to a nasty surprise on your windshield: a ticket for "Overnight Heavy Vehicle in Residential Area." While these trucks are essential for the city's economy, the City of Boston Transportation Department is very particular about where they sleep at night.
This specific violation targets vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 12,000 lbs. or more. This usually includes box trucks, large heavy-duty pickups, and various commercial vehicles. The logic behind the rule is simple: these vehicles take up considerable space on already narrow residential streets and can create noise disturbances in the early morning or late at night. The city requires these heavier vehicles to park in commercial districts or private lots rather than taking up curbside spots in front of homes.
However, getting a ticket doesn't always mean you are in the wrong. There are several angles to look at if you are considering a dispute. First, check your vehicle's registration. Is your GVW actually over 12,000 lbs? Officers sometimes estimate weight based on the look of the truck, and they can be wrong. Second, verify the zoning. Was the street actually classified as residential? Boston zoning can be complex, and mixed-use areas sometimes create gray areas. Finally, check for conflicting signage that might have permitted parking during certain hours, leading to reasonable confusion.
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, or if you simply want to handle the fine without mailing a check, the Busted web app is here to help. We support disputes for this specific violation in Boston. Our platform guides you through the process of gathering evidence and formulating a defense without the need to navigate the city's confusing government websites. You don't need to download an app or clutter your phone; everything is accessible directly through our website.
If you decide the ticket is valid and you just want to move on, you can also pay the $100 base fine directly through Busted. It is crucial to act fast, as the City of Boston adds a $33 late penalty if the ticket remains unpaid after 21 days. Whether you fight it or pay it, Busted makes the administrative headache a little less painful.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
After 21 days A penalty of $33 shall be assessed if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance of a notice of such violation. | $33.00 |