How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline

Parking in the City of Brookline requires a bit of precision, especially when it comes to parallel parking. We have all been there—you are in a rush, you spot a space, and you pull in quickly, leaving a bit of a gap between your tires and the sidewalk. While it might seem harmless, leaving your car more than 12 inches from the curb is a violation that local parking enforcement officers watch for closely.

Why is this rule in place? It is primarily about safety and traffic flow. Brookline streets can be narrow, and a car sticking out into the roadway effectively narrows the lane even further. This creates hazards for passing cyclists, slows down traffic, and can even block emergency vehicles or snowplows from getting through. To keep the streets passable, the city enforces a strict 12-inch limit from the curb.

The initial sting of this ticket is a $25.00 fine. While that might not break the bank, the costs escalate if you put the ticket in your glove box and forget about it. If payment isn't received within 21 days, the city adds a $10.00 penalty. Let it slide for 42 days, and you are looking at an additional $40.00 penalty. At that point, the matter is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which can place a hold on your registration renewal. That small gap from the curb can turn into a major administrative headache.

However, you do have options. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it. Perhaps there was a snowbank preventing you from getting closer, or maybe the enforcement officer misjudged the distance. Evidence is crucial here; photos showing your tires were actually within the legal limit can be very persuasive. Mechanical issues that prevented you from maneuvering properly might also be a valid defense, provided you have documentation.

This is where the Busted web app comes in to help. We make handling your parking tickets easier, whether you want to contest the fine or just get it paid without the hassle. If you choose to dispute, our system asks you a few simple questions about the situation and helps generate a professional defense letter based on your answers. We can mail this letter on your behalf, saving you a trip to the post office. If you prefer to just pay the fine and move on, we facilitate that securely as well. There is no need to navigate confusing municipal websites; just use Busted to handle your City of Brookline tickets quickly and efficiently.