How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline

Parking in the City of Brookline can sometimes feel like a geometry test, especially on the older, narrower residential streets. One of the more specific violations you might encounter is the "Less Than 10 feet Unobstructed Lane" citation. While it sounds technical, the concept is straightforward: when you park your car, you cannot turn the street into a bottleneck. There must be enough room left on the roadway—specifically 10 feet—for other vehicles to get by safely.

This rule exists primarily for public safety. While it is annoying when a delivery truck can't squeeze by, it is dangerous if a fire engine or ambulance is blocked by a poorly parked car. In Brookline, enforcement officers are vigilant about this, particularly on two-way streets that allow parking on both sides. If your vehicle protrudes too far into the lane, or if the street is naturally narrow and you park opposite another large vehicle, you risk receiving this ticket.

The base fine for this violation is $25.00. While that might seem manageable compared to other cities, ignoring it is a bad idea. Brookline has a strict escalation policy for unpaid tickets. If you wait longer than 21 days to pay, a $10.00 penalty is tacked on, bringing the total to $35.00. If the ticket remains unpaid after 42 days, the situation gets much worse: a $40.00 penalty is added, and the matter is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Once it hits the RMV, you won't be able to renew your vehicle registration until the fines are cleared.

Fortunately, you have options. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can dispute it. Perhaps the officer estimated the distance incorrectly, or maybe the street conditions (like snow banks or construction) made the 10-foot rule impossible to gauge accurately. Evidence is your best friend here; photos showing the actual width of the lane next to your car can be compelling. Was there actually plenty of room for traffic to pass? If so, you may have a valid case for dismissal.

Whether you decide to contest the violation or just want to get it paid and over with, the Busted web app is the easiest way to handle it. We help you manage your ticket entirely online, saving you the hassle of dealing with paper checks or navigating confusing municipal websites. You can upload your ticket details, review your options, and let us handle the logistics of the dispute or payment process. Don't let a $25 ticket turn into a registration hold—handle it quickly with Busted.