How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline
Parking/Standing in Bike Lane
Bike lanes in Brookline are designated exclusively for bicycle traffic to ensure safety and maintain traffic flow. You are prohibited from parking, stopping, or standing your vehicle in these marked lanes at any time, even if you remain in the driver's seat. Blocking a bike lane forces cyclists into vehicle traffic, resulting in strict enforcement and immediate fines.
Guide to Fighting City of Brookline Parking/Standing in Bike Lane
Brookline is known for its beautiful neighborhoods and bustling streets, but it is also known for strict parking enforcement. If you recently returned to your vehicle to find a bright orange envelope tucked under your wiper, you aren't the only one. As the city invests more in cycling infrastructure, enforcement regarding bike lanes has become a top priority. A citation for "Parking/Standing in a Bike Lane" comes with a $50 base fine, and it is a violation the city takes very seriously.
Why are these tickets issued so frequently? The primary reason is safety. Bike lanes are designed to provide a safe, dedicated space for cyclists separate from heavy motor vehicle traffic. When a car blocks this lane, even for a moment, it forces cyclists to merge into the main road, creating dangerous situations. It is important to note the word "Standing" in the violation description. This means you do not have to park and leave your car to get a ticket. Simply pulling over and stopping—perhaps to check your GPS, drop off a passenger, or wait for a friend—is enough to warrant a citation if you are blocking the lane.
However, not every ticket is open-and-shut. There are valid angles for disputing these citations. The most common defense involves visibility. Ask yourself: Were the bike lane markings clearly painted on the pavement, or were they faded, chipped, or obscured by snow, leaves, or construction debris? If a reasonable driver could not identify the lane as a bike lane, you may have grounds for a dismissal. Additionally, look for signage errors or contradictions in the immediate area. Finally, always check the ticket for factual errors, such as an incorrect license plate number, make of the vehicle, or location of the violation.
If you believe you have a case, or if you simply want to pay the fine without navigating the city's complex municipal website, Busted is your solution. Our web app is designed to take the stress out of parking tickets. If you choose to dispute, we help you formulate a clear, professional argument based on your specific circumstances. If you prefer to pay, we facilitate that process quickly and securely, saving you time.
Whatever you do, do not ignore the ticket. The City of Brookline has a structured penalty system for late payments. If the fine remains unpaid after 21 days, a $10 late fee is added. If you wait longer than 42 days, the situation escalates further. The violation is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), incurring an additional penalty and placing a "non-renewal" hold on your registration. This means you will be unable to renew your car's registration until all fines and fees are settled.
Handle your ticket promptly to avoid these extra costs. Whether you want to fight an unfair ticket or just clear your debt, use the Busted web app to resolve your Brookline parking ticket today.
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. | $30.00 |