How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston
Upon any Sidewalk
You are strictly prohibited from parking your vehicle on any part of a sidewalk in Boston, regardless of whether you leave room for pedestrians to pass. This rule applies to the entire vehicle, meaning even having two wheels or a bumper blocking the paved path can result in a citation. The regulation is in place to ensure safe accessibility for all pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities.
Guide to Fighting City of Boston Upon any Sidewalk
Let’s be honest: finding a legal parking spot in Boston often feels like a competitive sport. Between resident-only zones, street cleaning schedules, and snow emergencies, drivers are often left scrambling for any available inch of space. However, one area that is strictly off-limits is the sidewalk. If you have received a ticket for the violation "Upon any Sidewalk," you are facing a base fine of $65.00. While it might seem harmless to pop two wheels onto the curb to protect your side mirror on a narrow street, the City of Boston enforces this rule rigorously.
Why are these tickets issued? The primary reason is pedestrian safety and accessibility. Sidewalks are designed to provide a safe haven for people walking, pushing strollers, or using wheelchairs. When a vehicle obstructs this path, it forces pedestrians into the street, creating a dangerous situation. Consequently, parking enforcement officers are instructed to ticket any vehicle that impedes the right-of-way, even if the car is only partially on the pavement or if the stop was intended to be momentary.
Despite the strict rules, there are valid reasons to dispute these tickets. Not every patch of concrete is a public sidewalk, and mistakes do happen. Common angles for disputing this violation include ambiguity regarding where the street ends and the sidewalk begins, especially in areas with construction or degraded curbing. If the area was actually private property or a driveway apron rather than a public sidewalk, you may have a case. Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical emergency and you moved it to the safest possible location, this context can sometimes lead to a dismissal if properly documented.
It is crucial to act quickly. Boston does not go easy on procrastinators. If your fine remains unpaid 21 days after the notice is issued, a $21.00 late penalty is assessed. This brings the total cost from an annoying $65.00 to a frustrating $86.00. Ignoring the ticket will not make it go away; it will only make it more expensive and potentially lead to registration non-renewal marks.
Fortunately, resolving your ticket doesn't have to be a headache. The Busted web app is designed to help you handle your parking citations without the stress. Whether you want to pay the fine securely or fight the ticket, our platform streamlines the entire process. If you choose to dispute, we help you organize your evidence and present a clear, professional argument to the city. There is no need to download an app or visit city hall; simply access Busted through your web browser, upload your ticket details, and let us assist you in resolving the issue efficiently.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
After 21 days A penalty of $21 shall be assessed if the fine remains unpaid 21 days after issuance of a notice of such violation. | $21.00 |