How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline

Parking in the City of Brookline can be a challenge, and finding that perfect spot often feels like a victory. However, returning to your car to find an orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade can quickly ruin your day. If you have received a citation for a Crosswalk violation, you aren't alone. This is one of the more common infractions issued by local parking enforcement, primarily because it involves pedestrian safety.

Why are these tickets issued? In Brookline, keeping crosswalks clear is essential for the safety of everyone walking through the neighborhood. The rule is strictly enforced to ensure that pedestrians, including those with strollers or wheelchairs, have a clear and unobstructed path to cross the street. It is important to note that you can be ticketed even if your vehicle is only partially blocking the painted lines. Sometimes, the violation occurs because a driver didn't notice faded paint, or simply misjudged the length of their bumper relative to the curb cut.

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it. Common angles for contesting a crosswalk violation often involve visibility and signage. For example, if the crosswalk markings were severely faded, covered by snow, or otherwise obscured, you might have a valid case. Additionally, if the signage was confusing or missing, documenting this with photos can be helpful evidence. While there are never any guarantees when fighting a ticket, providing clear photographic proof of the scene can strengthen your appeal.

Ignoring the ticket is rarely a good strategy due to the escalating penalties. The base fine for a Crosswalk violation in Brookline is $25.00. However, the city has a strict timeline for payment. If the payment is not received within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added to the total. If the ticket remains unpaid after 42 days, the situation gets more serious: an additional $40.00 penalty is applied, and the matter is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Once it reaches the RMV, a non-renewal hold may be placed on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing your tags until all fines and fees are cleared.

Fortunately, resolving your ticket doesn't have to be a headache. You can handle the entire process through the Busted web app. Whether you want to pay the fine quickly to avoid those late fees or submit a dispute because you believe the citation was unfair, our platform streamlines the experience. We help you organize your information and submit your response to the City of Brookline efficiently. Just navigate to our website, look up your citation, and follow the prompts to get it sorted out before the deadlines hit.