How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Less than 10 foot lane
In Cambridge, you are required to leave at least 10 feet of clear roadway next to your parked vehicle to allow other cars and emergency vehicles to pass safely. If your car is parked in a way that narrows the travel lane to less than 10 feet, you are blocking traffic flow and will be ticketed. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure fire trucks and ambulances can navigate narrow streets.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Less than 10 foot lane
Parking in the City of Cambridge can often feel like solving a complex geometry puzzle. Between the historic layout of the city and the sheer volume of cars, finding a spot is hard enough without worrying about the specific width of the road remaining beside your vehicle. However, the "Less than 10 foot lane" violation is a common citation issued to drivers who inadvertently create a bottleneck. Essentially, this rule exists to ensure that traffic—and more importantly, emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances—can squeeze past your parked car without obstruction.
When you park, you must ensure that there is at least 10 feet of open roadway between the side of your vehicle and the opposite curb (or the car parked across from you). If a parking enforcement officer determines that you have left less than that amount of space, you will be hit with a base fine of $30.00. While this might not seem like a bank-breaking amount initially, ignoring it is costly. Cambridge has a strict late fee structure. If the ticket remains unpaid or unappealed after 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. This jumps by another $15.00 after 67 days, and a hefty $40.00 is added after 104 days. Suddenly, a $30 ticket can become a significant expense.
Fortunately, you don't have to just accept the ticket if you believe it was issued in error. Disputes are possible, though they require evidence. Common angles for disputing this specific violation involve proving that there was, in fact, sufficient room. If you return to your car and find a ticket, take photos immediately. Try to show the distance from your car to the other side of the street. If you have a tape measure handy, that is the gold standard of evidence. Additionally, check for temporary construction or snow banks that might have artificially narrowed the road, as these can sometimes be valid grounds for an appeal.
Dealing with the bureaucracy of municipal fines is rarely fun, but Busted makes it easier. Our web app is designed to streamline the entire process for you. Whether you want to pay the fine quickly to avoid those escalating late fees or you want to mount a dispute, we can handle the heavy lifting.
If you choose to dispute through Busted, our system helps you organize your evidence and presents your case professionally. We understand the local regulations in Cambridge and can help you navigate the appeal process. If you prefer to just settle the debt, our platform offers a secure and fast way to pay your citation online. Don't let a parking ticket ruin your week—log into Busted and get it sorted out 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. | $15.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |