How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Obstructing bike lane
In the City of Cambridge, parking, stopping, or standing in a designated bicycle lane is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of cyclists. This rule applies even for brief stops, such as loading or unloading passengers, as blocking the lane forces bikes into moving traffic. You must keep these lanes clear at all times to avoid a citation.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Obstructing bike lane
Getting a parking ticket is never the highlight of anyone's day, especially when it's for something like obstructing a bike lane in the City of Cambridge. If you’ve found that ticket tucked under your wiper blade, you aren’t alone. Cambridge is known for its extensive network of cycling infrastructure, and the city is quite vigilant about keeping those lanes clear to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
So, why were you ticketed? The rule is pretty straightforward: vehicles are not allowed to park, stop, or stand in marked bicycle lanes. This is strictly enforced because forcing a cyclist to merge into general traffic to get around a parked car can be dangerous. Even if you were just popping into a store for a minute or waiting for a friend to run downstairs, blocking the lane is a violation that carries a $50.00 base fine.
It is crucial to keep an eye on the calendar. According to the city's regulations, you generally have 21 days to take action on your ticket. If you ignore it past this window, you risk facing penalties. While the initial fine is $50.00, letting it linger in your glove box or forgetting about it can lead to complications. The city notes that tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee, so prompt action is your best strategy.
The good news is that you don't always have to just pay up and move on. There are valid reasons to dispute these tickets. For example, was the bike lane clearly marked? In New England, road markings can fade or be obscured, making it unclear where the lane actually begins and ends. Alternatively, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical emergency, or if you were directed to stop there by a police officer, you may have grounds for a dismissal. Evidence is key here, so photos of the scene are always helpful.
This is where Busted comes in. We make handling your City of Cambridge parking tickets significantly less stressful. You don't need to navigate confusing government websites on your own. Our web app is designed to help you dispute your ticket if you believe it was issued in error, or pay it quickly if you just want to get it over with.
If you choose to dispute, we guide you through the process to present your case clearly. If you decide to pay, we handle that securely for you. The goal is to resolve the issue efficiently so you can get back to your day without that $50.00 worry hanging over your head. Just remember to act within that 21-day window to keep things simple!
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-67 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $0.00 |
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. | $0.00 |