How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Ah, Boston winters. They bring picturesque snowfalls, cozy nights in, and unfortunately, the dreaded Weather Emergency parking ticket. If you’ve walked out to your car only to find that bright orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade (or worse, found an empty spot where your car used to be), you aren't alone. The City of Boston takes weather events seriously, and parking rules tighten up significantly when the flakes start flying.

A Weather Emergency violation is issued primarily during declared snow emergencies. The city designates specific main roads and arteries as emergency routes to ensure that plows, ambulances, and fire trucks can navigate safely. When the Mayor declares an emergency, parking on these specific streets becomes strictly prohibited. The base fine sits at $45.00, but the real pain often comes from the towing fees that usually accompany these tickets if you're blocking a plow route.

Usually, this happens because the signage can be confusing or easy to miss in a blizzard. You might see a sign that says "No Parking During Snow Emergency," but unless you are glued to the local news or signed up for city alerts, you might not realize a ban is currently in effect. Sometimes, the "Blue Light" notification system on main streets isn't noticed until it's too late, or visitors to the city simply aren't aware of the specific rules regarding emergency arteries.

While these tickets are tough to beat because public safety is involved, they aren't impossible to challenge if you have the right evidence. Common angles for disputing a Weather Emergency ticket involve timing and signage. Was the ticket issued before the ban officially started or after it was lifted? Were the signs completely covered by snow or obstructed by construction equipment? If your vehicle was disabled and you were waiting for a tow, providing a receipt from a towing company or a mechanic's report can sometimes serve as a valid defense against the violation.

Dealing with the paperwork for a parking ticket is the last thing you want to do after digging your car out of a snowbank. That’s where Busted comes in. Our web app simplifies the entire process for you. We help you look at the evidence and formulate a professional dispute letter if you believe the ticket was issued in error. If you’d rather just get it over with, we can facilitate the payment process too, ensuring you don't miss any deadlines.

Don't let that $45.00 fine sit in your glovebox. If you wait more than 21 days, the City of Boston tacks on a $15.00 late fee, making a bad day even more expensive. Whether you choose to fight it or pay it, handling it quickly is the best way to melt away the stress. Log into the Busted web app today to get started.