How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Expired meter
Parking meters in the City of Cambridge are strictly enforced to ensure turnover in busy commercial areas. If the time you purchased runs out while your vehicle is still occupying the space, you will be issued a citation for an expired meter. To avoid this fine, you must move your vehicle or add time before the meter indicates that your session has ended.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Expired meter
Getting a parking ticket in the City of Cambridge is practically a rite of passage for local drivers. Whether you were grabbing a coffee in Harvard Square or running a quick errand in Central Square, seeing that citation tucked under your wiper blade is never a welcome sight. An "Expired Meter" violation is one of the most common ways drivers get snagged by parking enforcement, but understanding how it works can help you handle it effectively.
So, how does this happen? It is pretty straightforward. When you park at a metered spot, you are essentially renting that piece of pavement for a specific amount of time. Once that time runs out, the meter flashes red or hits zero, and you are technically parking illegally. Enforcement officers patrol these zones frequently because the city wants to keep traffic moving and ensure spaces open up for new customers at local businesses. Even being just a few minutes late returning to your car can result in a ticket.
The base fine for an expired meter in Cambridge is $30.00. While that might not sound like a budget-breaker initially, ignoring it is a bad idea. The City of Cambridge has a tiered late fee structure that can turn a small annoyance into a significant expense. If you do not pay or appeal within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unpaid between 67 and 104 days, another $15.00 is tacked on. If you let it slide past 104 days, you get hit with an additional $40.00 penalty. Suddenly, that $30 ticket is significantly more expensive.
The good news is that you do not always have to just pay up. There are valid reasons to dispute an expired meter ticket. For example, if the meter itself was broken and would not accept payment, you generally should not be penalized. Similarly, if the signage regarding time limits was obscured by graffiti, foliage, or snow, you might have a case. Sometimes, enforcement officers make mistakes, such as ticketing a car that had paid via a mobile payment system that had not synced to their handheld device yet.
This is where Busted comes in. We make resolving your parking headaches simple. You do not need to download anything; our web app handles everything right from your browser. If you believe your ticket was issued in error, Busted can help you gather your evidence and submit a dispute to the City of Cambridge. We guide you through the process to ensure your appeal is professional and clear.
If you know you were in the wrong and just want to get it over with, you can also use the Busted web app to pay your fine securely. We handle the transaction so you do not have to deal with clunky city websites or mailing in checks. Whether you choose to fight it or pay it, Busted helps you clear your plate and get back on the road without the stress.
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. | $15.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |