How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Parking in Boston is rarely a straightforward affair. Between street cleaning schedules, resident permits, and snow emergencies, finding a legal spot can feel like winning the lottery. However, one of the most common and frustrating violations drivers encounter is parking "Within 20 feet of an Intersection." It is a ticket that often surprises drivers because it doesn't always require a specific sign to be enforced, making it a silent budget-buster for many locals and visitors alike.

Why does this rule exist? While it might feel like a revenue trap, the regulation is primarily about safety and geometry. Large vehicles, particularly fire trucks and emergency responders, need a wide turning radius to navigate Boston’s notoriously narrow and winding streets. If a car is parked right up to the corner, it chokes the intersection, potentially blocking essential services or forcing other drivers to make blind turns. Additionally, keeping the corners clear ensures that pedestrians trying to cross the street are visible to oncoming traffic. Because this is a general traffic ordinance in Boston, the city is not required to post a "No Parking Here to Corner" sign at every single intersection; drivers are expected to know and adhere to the 20-foot buffer zone automatically.

Despite the safety logic, these tickets are frequently issued in error or based on rough estimates. Parking enforcement officers often pace off the distance rather than using a measuring tape, leading to subjective calls. This is where you have room to challenge the citation. If you return to your car and find a ticket, your first step should be to look for evidence. Was your bumper actually within 20 feet of the intersection lines? If you have a tape measure handy, use it. If not, take photos that clearly show the distance between your car and the corner, using sidewalk squares or other fixed objects as a reference for scale. Furthermore, check the curb. In some neighborhoods, the 20-foot zone is marked by yellow paint or specific curb cuts. If the paint is faded or misleading, that can be a valid angle for a dispute.

If you believe you were parked legally, or if the signage was contradictory, you don't have to simply accept the $40.00 fine. Busted can help you navigate the process without the headache of dealing with municipal websites or mailing in paper forms. Our web app allows you to upload your ticket details and your evidence directly through your browser. We analyze the violation and help you formulate a professional dispute letter to send to the City of Boston.

Even if you decide not to contest the ticket, or if the dispute isn't successful, staying on top of the payment is crucial. Boston adds a $13.00 late fee if the ticket remains unpaid after 21 days. You can use the Busted web app to securely pay your fine instantly, ensuring you don't get hit with those escalating penalties. Whether you want to fight the ticket or just get it paid and forgotten, Busted is your co-pilot for handling Boston parking violations.