How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Disability parking only
This violation occurs when a vehicle is parked in a space designated for people with disabilities without displaying a valid placard or license plate. These spaces are identified by specific signage or blue pavement markings and are reserved 24/7 to ensure accessibility.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Disability parking only
Seeing that bright orange envelope on your windshield in Cambridge is never the highlight of anyone's day, especially when it comes with a hefty $120 price tag. A "Disability parking only" violation is one of the more serious parking infractions because it involves accessibility rights. However, we know that honest mistakes happen—sometimes a placard slides off the dashboard, or the signage was impossible to see in the dark.
In the City of Cambridge, these tickets are issued when a Parking Control Officer spots a vehicle in a designated HP (Handicapped Parking) space without a clearly visible, valid disability placard or license plate. These spots are usually marked by vertical signs featuring the International Symbol of Access or distinct blue markings on the pavement. The city enforces these zones strictly to ensure that individuals with mobility challenges have safe and convenient access to sidewalks and buildings. If the officer cannot see your permit, they are required to write the citation.
If you found a ticket despite having the right to park there, or if the situation was unclear, you might have grounds to dispute it. One of the most common successful appeals involves drivers who actually possess a valid placard but forgot to hang it up or had it obscured by items like sunshades. Often, providing a copy of your valid placard and registration along with your appeal can lead to a dismissal. Other potential angles for appeal include poor visibility of signs due to obstructions like overhanging tree branches, construction equipment, or faded pavement markings that make it unclear the spot was restricted.
Time is of the essence when dealing with Cambridge parking tickets. You have a strict 21-day window from the date of issuance to either pay the fine or file an appeal. If you miss this deadline, the city begins adding late fees. A $10 fee is added if unpaid after 21 days. If the ticket remains unresolved between 67 and 104 days, that fee increases to $20. After 104 days, you are looking at a $40 late penalty on top of the original $120 base fine. Ignoring the ticket won't make it go away; it just makes it significantly more expensive.
This is where the Busted web app comes in handy. You don't need to navigate the city's bureaucratic website alone or worry about drafting a formal legal letter from scratch. We have built a platform specifically designed to help you contest these tickets efficiently. By using our web app, you can answer a few simple questions about your situation and upload a photo of your ticket. We use that information to generate a customized defense package for you to submit.
Whether you simply forgot to display your permit or the signage was genuinely confusing, Busted helps you present your case professionally. While there are no guarantees in the world of parking enforcement, presenting a clear, well-documented argument significantly improves your odds. Visit our website to get started and take the stress out of resolving your ticket.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-67 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $10.00 |
67-104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $20.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |