How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Double stopping
Double stopping occurs when you stop your vehicle alongside another car that is already parked at the curb, effectively blocking a lane of traffic. In Cambridge, this is strictly prohibited even if you leave the engine running, turn on your hazards, or are simply dropping off a passenger for a few seconds.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Double stopping
Parking in the City of Cambridge can often feel like a competitive sport, especially in tight squares and narrow residential streets. One of the most common frustrations for drivers—and one of the easiest ways to get a ticket—is a violation known as "Double Stopping." While it sounds technical, you likely know it by its more common name: double parking. It happens when you pull up next to a car that is already parked at the curb, blocking the travel lane. Even if you have your hazard lights on or you are sitting in the driver's seat waiting for a friend to run into a shop, parking enforcement officers in Cambridge are quick to issue citations for this offense.
Why are these tickets issued so frequently? The primary reason is traffic flow and safety. Cambridge streets are often shared with cyclists, buses, and pedestrians. When a vehicle double stops, it forces traffic to swerve into oncoming lanes or creates a bottleneck that jams up the street. Because of this, officers rarely give warnings for double stopping. The base fine is set at $40.00, which might not seem like a bank-breaker initially, but it is certainly an annoyance that ruins your day.
If you have received a ticket for double stopping, you might be wondering if it is worth fighting. While every situation is unique, there are valid angles for a dispute. For example, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical failure and you were waiting for a tow truck, you may have grounds for dismissal provided you have documentation. Additionally, look closely at the ticket itself. If the officer recorded the wrong license plate number, incorrect location, or wrong make of the car, these administrative errors can sometimes invalidate the citation.
However, the most important rule of thumb is to take action quickly. Ignoring the ticket will cost you. Cambridge has a strict escalating fee structure. If the $40.00 fine isn't paid or appealed within 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. Wait another month and a half, and another $10.00 is tacked on. Eventually, the total late fees can exceed the cost of the original ticket. It is always cheaper to handle the issue immediately than to wait.
That is where Busted comes in. We believe that dealing with parking tickets shouldn't require a law degree or a trip to City Hall. Our web app allows you to manage your citation entirely online. If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, you can answer a few questions about your situation, and we can help you formulate a dispute letter to send to the City of Cambridge. If you prefer to just get it over with, we can facilitate the payment process for you, ensuring you don't get hit with those nagging late fees. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal, we make the process transparent and much less of a headache.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-67 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $5.00 |
67-104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $10.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |