How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline

Parking in the City of Brookline is convenient for visiting the shops in Coolidge Corner or grabbing dinner in Washington Square, but the local parking enforcement is notoriously sharp. If you have returned to your vehicle to find a ticket for a "Meter Space Violation," you are likely frustrated. This is one of the most frequently issued citations in the area. While the base fine of $25.00 might seem manageable compared to neighboring Boston, the penalties for ignoring it are steep and swift.

Understanding why these tickets are issued is the first step in dealing with them. A Meter Space Violation generally occurs when the time you purchased has expired, or if you failed to pay the meter immediately upon parking. Brookline utilizes a mix of multi-space kiosks and single-space meters. It is crucial to note that even if you are sitting in the car, if the meter is unpaid, you can still be ticketed. Additionally, this violation can be issued if your vehicle is not entirely within the painted lines of the parking stall, effectively taking up two spaces or obstructing the flow of traffic.

The financial consequences of procrastination are significant. The initial fine is $25.00. However, the City of Brookline has a strict escalation policy. If payment is not received within 21 days of the issuance date, a $10.00 late penalty is added, bringing the total to $35.00. If the ticket remains unpaid after 42 days, the situation gets much more serious. An additional $40.00 penalty is applied, and the matter is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for "non-renewal." This means you will be unable to renew your driver’s license or vehicle registration until all fines and penalties are paid in full.

Fortunately, you have the right to appeal. If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, you can fight it. Successful disputes often involve evidence of a broken meter. If the meter was malfunctioning, you should note the meter number and report it immediately; this record can be used in your defense. Other common dispute angles include signage visibility issues or clerical errors on the ticket itself, such as an incorrect license plate number or color of the vehicle. Always take photos of the scene, the meter screen, and your vehicle's position as soon as you find the ticket.

This is where Busted comes in. We understand that dealing with municipal bureaucracy is a hassle you don't need. Our web app is designed to streamline the resolution process for you. You don't need to download anything; simply access Busted through your browser. We can help you pay the fine instantly if you just want it gone, or we can assist in generating a professional dispute letter if you choose to fight it. By answering a few questions about your situation, our system helps structure your argument based on local codes. While we cannot guarantee that the hearing officer will dismiss the ticket, using Busted ensures your case is presented clearly, giving you the best possible chance of success without the headache of navigating the city's portal alone.