How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Loading zone
In the City of Cambridge, loading zones are designated spaces reserved strictly for the active loading and unloading of passengers or merchandise. You are not permitted to park in these areas for extended periods or leave your vehicle unattended if you are not in the process of moving items to or from the curb. A violation occurs when a vehicle is stationary in these zones without active loading taking place.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Loading zone
Parking in Cambridge is competitive, and finding that perfect spot near Harvard Square or Central Square can feel like a victory. However, that victory is short-lived if you return to find a ticket tucked under your wiper blade. If you have received a citation for a Loading Zone violation, you aren't alone. These zones are crucial for the city's commerce, keeping traffic flowing and allowing businesses to receive deliveries, but they are also frequent traps for drivers who just need to run a quick errand.
Unlike a standard parking meter where you pay for time, a Loading Zone is a functional space. The City of Cambridge defines these areas specifically for the active loading or unloading of passengers or materials. The most common reason for this ticket is treating the zone like a 15-minute parking spot. Even if you put your hazard lights on, if the parking enforcement officer doesn't see you actively moving items or people, they are liable to issue a ticket. The base fine for this violation is $50.00, which is a steep price to pay for a convenient spot.
Fortunately, you have options. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it. Common angles for disputing a Loading Zone ticket include proving that you were, in fact, actively loading at the time. This usually requires evidence, such as a delivery receipt, a bill of lading, or a timestamped photo showing the activity. Another valid defense involves signage visibility. If the loading zone sign was obscured by graffiti, tree branches, or snow, or if the curb markings were faded beyond recognition, you may have grounds for a dismissal. Additionally, checking the ticket for factual errors—like an incorrect license plate number or the wrong vehicle color—can sometimes invalidate the citation.
It is important to act quickly. Cambridge has a strict timeline for penalties. If the ticket remains unpaid or is not appealed within 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. While that seems small, ignoring it further leads to much higher costs; after 104 days, a significant $40.00 penalty is tacked on. This can nearly double the cost of your original fine.
That is where Busted comes in. We believe that managing parking tickets shouldn't require a law degree or a trip to City Hall. Through the Busted web app, you can easily manage your citation. If you choose to dispute the ticket, our platform guides you through the process, helping you organize your evidence and present a clear argument to the city. If you prefer to just get it over with, you can also pay your fine securely through our service. We don't promise that every ticket will be dismissed, but we do promise to make the resolution process as headache-free as possible.
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. | $0.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |