How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline
Storage (Over 24 Hours)
In the City of Brookline, you are prohibited from parking a vehicle in the same location on a public way for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours. This "storage" ban applies to all drivers, regardless of resident permit status, to ensure street cleaning and parking turnover.
Guide to Fighting City of Brookline Storage (Over 24 Hours)
Finding a parking ticket on your windshield is never the highlight of anyone's day, especially when you are parked in a quiet neighborhood in the City of Brookline. One of the more confusing violations for residents and visitors alike is the "Storage (Over 24 Hours)" citation. Unlike an expired meter or a "No Parking" zone, this rule catches many drivers off guard because the car was legally parked when they walked away from it. The issue isn't where you parked, but rather how long you stayed there without moving.
The logic behind the storage rule is simple: public streets are not meant to be private garages. The City of Brookline enforces this ordinance to ensure that parking spaces turn over frequently, allowing fair access for everyone, and to prevent vehicles from being abandoned on public ways. Enforcement officers typically track this by marking tires with chalk or logging license plates and valve stem positions. If they return 24 hours later and see the vehicle in the exact same position, a ticket is issued. It is important to note that simply rolling the car forward a few inches might not be enough to avoid a ticket; the vehicle generally needs to be moved to a different location or driven significantly to clear the "storage" status.
While the base fine is $25.00, ignoring the ticket can lead to much bigger headaches. If you fail to pay or dispute the citation within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unresolved after 42 days, the penalty jumps significantly with an additional $40.00 fee, and the matter is referred to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Once the RMV is involved, a non-renewal hold is placed on your vehicle registration, meaning you cannot renew your tags until all fines and penalties are paid. This can turn a small inconvenience into a major administrative nightmare.
Fortunately, you have options. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it. Common angles for disputing a storage ticket include proving that the vehicle was moved within the 24-hour window (using GPS data, dashcam footage, or receipts from other locations) or providing evidence that the vehicle was disabled and waiting for a tow. You might also have a case if you were away due to a verified medical emergency, though these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The Busted web app makes handling this process much easier. We support disputes for the City of Brookline, allowing you to challenge the validity of the ticket without the stress of navigating complex municipal websites alone. Our platform guides you through the necessary steps to present your evidence clearly. If you prefer to simply pay the fine and move on, you can also handle the payment securely through our service. Whether you choose to fight it or pay it, using the Busted web app ensures your ticket is handled correctly before those escalating late fees kick in.
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. | $40.00 |