How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Brookline

Let’s be honest: finding a parking spot in the City of Brookline is rarely a walk in the park. It often involves circling the block multiple times, checking signs, and squeezing into tight spaces. One of the most frustrating violations to receive during this process is for parking "Within 20 Feet of an Intersection." It’s a common ticket because it often feels subjective, especially if you thought you left enough room for cars to turn. However, understanding why this rule exists and how to handle it can save you a headache—and money.

Why does this rule exist? It isn't just about the city trying to collect revenue. The 20-foot rule is primarily a safety measure. When cars park right up to the corner, they block the "sight triangle" for drivers turning onto the street and for pedestrians trying to cross. If a large SUV is parked on the corner, a driver turning left might not see an oncoming car or a child stepping off the curb. Additionally, emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances need that extra clearance to make wide turns without clipping parked cars.

The tricky part about this violation in Brookline is that it is often a "general regulation." This means the city doesn't have to post a "No Parking Here to Corner" sign at every single intersection for the rule to be enforceable. As a driver, you are expected to know that the 20-foot buffer zone is the law of the land. This leads to many drivers parking in what looks like a legal, unmarked spot, only to return to a $25 ticket on their windshield.

Can you dispute it? Absolutely. While the lack of a sign isn't usually a valid defense in Massachusetts, there are other angles to explore. The most common defense is simple math. Parking enforcement officers often estimate distances visually, and they don't always get it right. If you believe you were actually 20 feet or more away from the intersection, go back to the scene. Take photos of your car relative to the corner. If you can safely use a tape measure to show the distance from the intersection line to your bumper is over 20 feet, that is compelling evidence. You might also have a case if the intersection itself is poorly defined or if faded curb markings made the boundary unclear.

This is where the Busted web app comes in handy. We know that dealing with municipal bureaucracy is tedious. You don't need to download anything; simply access Busted through your browser. Our platform guides you through the process of paying your fine securely or contesting the ticket if you believe it was issued in error. If you choose to dispute, we help you structure your argument and organize your evidence to present the best possible case to the City of Brookline.

Whatever you do, don't just throw the ticket in your glove box and forget about it. The base fine is $25, which is reasonable compared to some other violations, but it increases quickly. If you wait longer than 21 days, a $10 late fee is added. If you ignore it for 42 days, the city adds another $40 penalty and notifies the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Once the RMV gets involved, they can prevent you from renewing your license or registration until the debt is paid. It’s much easier to handle it immediately via the Busted web app than to deal with the RMV later.