How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Disability ramp
You are strictly prohibited from parking in a way that blocks or obstructs a disability ramp or curb cut, which are designed to provide street access for wheelchairs and pedestrians. This rule applies 24/7, regardless of whether there is a specific sign posted or if the curb is painted, and even a partial obstruction by your vehicle's bumper can result in a violation.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Disability ramp
Seeing a parking ticket tucked under your windshield wiper is never a pleasant surprise, but seeing a $100.00 fine for a "Disability ramp" violation in the City of Cambridge can be particularly stressful. This is one of the more expensive non-moving violations because it involves accessibility. The city takes these infractions very seriously to ensure that sidewalks and streets remain accessible to everyone, including individuals using wheelchairs, parents with strollers, and people with limited mobility.
So, what exactly constitutes a disability ramp violation? Essentially, you cannot park your vehicle in front of a curb cut—the lowered section of the sidewalk that connects to the street. It is important to remember that your tires do not need to be touching the ramp to get a ticket. If your bumper, trailer hitch, or any part of your vehicle overhangs the ramp area, a parking enforcement officer can issue a citation. In Cambridge, these rules are enforced strictly because a blocked ramp can force a person in a wheelchair to travel dangerously in the street to find the next available access point.
However, we know that parking in the city can be chaotic, and tickets aren't always fair. There are several angles you might consider if you plan to dispute the ticket. For example, was the curb cut clearly visible? In New England, snow and ice can frequently obscure curb details, making it impossible to see where a ramp begins or ends. Similarly, if the yellow paint on the curb was severely faded or if the ramp was blocked by debris before you arrived, you might have grounds for an appeal. You should also check the ticket itself for clerical errors; if the officer recorded the wrong make, model, or license plate number, the ticket might be invalid.
It is crucial to act fast. Cambridge has a tiered late fee system that punishes procrastination. You have 21 days to pay or appeal the $100.00 fine. If you miss that window, a $10.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unpaid after 67 days, another $20.00 is tacked on. Finally, if you ignore it for more than 104 days, an additional $40.00 penalty is applied. That means a $100.00 ticket can quickly balloon into a $170.00 debt if left unattended.
Fortunately, you don't have to deal with the paperwork or the stress alone. The Busted web app is designed to help you handle your parking tickets quickly and efficiently. We support disputes for the City of Cambridge, meaning we can help you formulate a professional appeal letter based on the details of your situation. If you prefer to just get it over with, we can also facilitate the payment for you. There is no need to download a mobile app or visit a government office; simply use our web app to resolve your ticket today.
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 |