How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
No parking
A 'No Parking' violation in the City of Cambridge typically occurs when a vehicle is left in a zone where parking is explicitly prohibited by posted signage or city ordinances. This can include areas near intersections, crosswalks, driveways, or temporary construction zones where signs indicate that vehicles cannot remain stationary. To avoid this, drivers should verify all signs on the block before leaving their vehicle unattended.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge No parking
Parking in the City of Cambridge can often feel like a competitive sport, especially around Harvard Square or Central Square. Finding a spot is hard enough, but finding a ticket on your windshield when you return can ruin your whole week. If you have received a "No parking" violation, you are certainly not alone. This is one of the most common citations issued by local parking enforcement, often catching drivers off guard due to confusing signage or temporary restrictions.
Why was this ticket issued? Generally, a "No parking" ticket means your vehicle was stationary in an area where local regulations strictly forbid it. This isn't just about blocking a fire hydrant or a driveway; it often involves specific zones marked by signs that might be hard to see at night or obscured by trees. Sometimes, these restrictions are time-based, meaning a legal spot at 2:00 PM becomes a tow zone by 4:00 PM. The base fine for this violation is $25.00, which might not sound terrible initially, but ignoring it is a costly mistake.
The City of Cambridge has a strict timeline for payments. If you do not pay or appeal the ticket within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unpaid between 67 and 104 days, another $20.00 is tacked on. If you let it slide past 104 days, a hefty $40.00 fee is applied. That original $25.00 ticket can quickly balloon into a much larger debt, so acting quickly is essential.
Can you fight it? Absolutely. While paying the fine is the path of least resistance, many drivers successfully dispute these tickets. Common angles for disputing a "No parking" violation include poor visibility of signs. If the sign prohibiting parking was knocked down, covered by graffiti, or hidden behind overgrown branches, you may have a valid case. Additionally, check the ticket for factual errors. Did the officer write down the wrong license plate number or incorrect vehicle color? These administrative mistakes can sometimes lead to a dismissal. Evidence is key, so photos of the scene and the ticket are your best friends in this process.
If you want to handle this without the headache of navigating municipal websites or mailing in checks, the Busted web app is here to help. We support disputes for the City of Cambridge, meaning we can help you formulate your appeal based on the details of your situation. If you prefer to just get it over with, we can also facilitate the payment process. There is no need to download anything; simply access Busted through your browser, upload your ticket information, and let us help you resolve the issue efficiently.
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 |