How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
No standing
A "No Standing" violation means you are prohibited from stopping your vehicle in a designated area, even if you stay in the driver's seat with the engine running. While you may be allowed to stop briefly to immediately drop off or pick up passengers, you cannot wait for them or load merchandise. This rule is stricter than "No Parking" and is meant to keep traffic lanes clear.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge No standing
Parking in the City of Cambridge can often feel like navigating an obstacle course, and finding a ticket on your windshield is the last thing anyone wants to deal with. If you have been hit with a "No Standing" violation, you might be confused about what you actually did wrong. This is one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood, parking infractions. While the base fine of $25.00 is relatively low compared to other cities, ignoring it can lead to a cascade of late fees that turn a minor annoyance into a significant expense.
To resolve this effectively, it helps to understand exactly what "No Standing" means. Many drivers believe that as long as they remain inside the vehicle with the engine running, they are immune to ticketing. Unfortunately, in Cambridge, this is a myth. "No Standing" means you cannot stop your vehicle in that spot to wait, regardless of whether you are in the car or not. The only general exception is for the immediate loading or unloading of passengers. If you were waiting for a friend to run into a store or checking your GPS, you were technically in violation of the standing rules.
Tickets are usually issued in these zones to prevent traffic congestion or to keep fire lanes and bus stops clear. However, parking enforcement officers aren't infallible. There are several angles you can look at if you decide to dispute the ticket. First, check the signage. Was the "No Standing" sign obscured by an overgrown tree, graffiti, or construction equipment? If the rules weren't clearly visible, you may have a valid defense. Second, examine the ticket itself for clerical errors. Did the officer write down the wrong license plate number, vehicle color, or make? Significant errors on the citation can sometimes lead to a dismissal. Finally, if you were actively dropping off a passenger and moved immediately, you might be able to argue that you were within the legal allowance for loading passengers.
It is crucial to act fast. The City of Cambridge has a tiered late fee system that punishes procrastination. You have 21 days from the issuance of the ticket to pay or appeal. If you miss this window, a $10.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unresolved after 67 days, another $20.00 is tacked on. By the time 104 days pass, an additional $40.00 penalty is applied. This means your $25.00 ticket could eventually cost you nearly four times the original amount if ignored.
That is where the Busted web app comes in. We know that dealing with municipal websites and paperwork is frustrating. Busted provides a simple, user-friendly interface to handle your parking violations. Since the City of Cambridge allows for disputes, our web app can help you organize your evidence and submit your appeal. If you prefer to simply pay the fine and move on, we facilitate that securely as well. While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, our goal is to make the resolution process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Don't let the fees pile up—visit the Busted web app to take care of your ticket 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. | $20.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |