How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Boston

Let’s be honest, finding a convenient parking spot in the City of Boston can sometimes feel like a competitive sport. However, parking in a fire lane is one foul you really want to avoid. If you have returned to your vehicle to find a ticket tucked under your windshield wiper for being "Within a Fire Lane," you are looking at a $100.00 base fine. It is a steep price to pay for convenience, but the city enforces these violations rigorously to maintain public safety standards.

Fire lanes are designated specifically to ensure that fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles can get close to buildings when every second counts. These zones are usually marked by "No Parking - Fire Lane" signs or distinct curb markings. Because these areas are critical for emergency response, parking enforcement officers patrol them frequently. It generally does not matter if you were just running in for a coffee or if you sat in the car with the engine running; if you are blocking that lane, you are liable for a citation.

Ignoring the ticket will not make it go away; in fact, it will only get more expensive. The City of Boston allows you 21 days to pay the $100.00 fine. If you miss that window, a late penalty of $33.00 is added to the balance. Suddenly, a $100 mistake becomes a $133 headache. It is always in your best interest to address the citation immediately, either by paying it or contesting it before the deadline hits.

While fire lane violations are strict, mistakes do happen, and you have the right to dispute the ticket if you believe it was issued unfairly. When considering a dispute, look at the physical evidence. Was the signage missing, damaged, or obscured by overgrown tree branches? Was the curb paint so faded that it was impossible to distinguish the fire lane from a legal parking spot? Additionally, check the ticket itself for clerical errors. If the officer wrote down the wrong license plate number, make, or model of your vehicle, you might have grounds for a dismissal. Evidence is your best friend here, so photos of the scene are crucial.

Dealing with the bureaucratic maze of city parking websites can be frustrating, but you don't have to do it alone. Busted offers a streamlined way to manage your parking citations directly through our web app. Since we support disputes for the City of Boston, we can help you formulate a professional appeal based on your specific situation. If you would rather just get it over with, we can facilitate the payment process for you as well. There is no need to download anything; simply navigate to the Busted web app, upload your ticket details, and let us help you resolve this $100 problem quickly and stress-free.