How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline
Across Street from Fire Station
Parking on the street directly opposite a fire station entrance is prohibited in Brookline to allow emergency vehicles the necessary room to maneuver when exiting. Fire trucks require a wide turning radius, so a car parked across the street can physically block them from responding to a call. This rule applies 24/7, regardless of whether the station lights are flashing.
Guide to Fighting City of Brookline Across Street from Fire Station
Finding a lime-green envelope tucked under your windshield wiper is a sure-fire way to ruin a day in Brookline. If that ticket cites you for parking "Across Street from Fire Station," you might feel particularly confused. Most drivers are well aware that blocking a fire hydrant or the station driveway itself is a major no-no, but fewer realize that the curb space on the opposite side of the street is often just as restricted.
Here is the logic behind the rule: Fire engines, particularly the ladder trucks used in dense areas like Brookline, are massive vehicles. They are long, heavy, and require a significant turning radius. When a truck needs to exit the station in an emergency, it often needs to swing wide into the opposing lane to make the turn without hopping the curb or hitting parked cars. If your vehicle is parked directly across from the station apron, you effectively create a bottleneck that can trap the fire truck or force the driver to make dangerous maneuvers. Because seconds count during a fire or medical emergency, the City of Brookline takes this violation seriously.
The base fine for this infraction is $25.00. While that might not sound like a bank-breaker initially, ignoring it is a bad idea. The City of Brookline has a strict escalation policy for unpaid tickets. If payment isn't received within 21 days, a $10.00 late penalty is added. If the ticket remains unpaid after 42 days, the matter is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). At that point, a hefty $40.00 penalty is tacked on, and the RMV may place a "non-renewal" hold on your registration, preventing you from legally driving until the debt is settled.
Can you fight this ticket? Yes, disputes are possible. Common defense angles often involve signage and markings. If the area across from the station was not clearly marked with "No Parking" signs, or if the red curb paint was faded to the point of being invisible, you may have grounds for a dismissal. Additionally, if the officer wrote down the wrong location or if you can prove via photos that your car was not actually within the prohibited zone relative to the station driveway, you should contest it. Evidence is key here; clear photos of your car's position relative to the station and street signs are essential.
This is where Busted comes in. You don't need to navigate the city's bureaucratic website or mail in a check. Our web app allows you to manage your parking tickets entirely online. If you want to pay the fine and be done with it, we handle the transaction securely. If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, Busted can help you formulate your dispute. We guide you through the process of gathering evidence and submitting your appeal to the City of Brookline. While we cannot guarantee that the hearing officer will dismiss the ticket, we ensure your argument is presented professionally and clearly.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-42 days If payment is received after 21 days, an additional $10 penalty is added. | $10.00 |
After 42 days If payment is not made and the matter is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) an additional $40 penalty is applied. A registration renewal hold may also be placed. | $40.00 |