How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Obstructing driveway or alley
In the City of Cambridge, you are prohibited from parking your vehicle in a way that blocks a private driveway or a public alley. Even if you only partially block the entrance or the curb cut, you can be cited for restricting access to residents or service vehicles.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Obstructing driveway or alley
Parking in Cambridge is often described as a competitive sport, where finding a convenient space feels like a major victory. However, that feeling of success can vanish instantly if you return to your car and find an orange envelope tucked under the windshield wiper. One of the most common frustration points for drivers in the city is the violation for obstructing a driveway or alley. While it might seem like you left enough room, Cambridge parking enforcement is strict about maintaining access for residents and service vehicles.
This violation occurs when any part of your vehicle encroaches on the "curb cut"—the lowered section of the sidewalk that allows cars to enter a driveway or alley. It is not necessary for your car to be fully blocking the entrance to warrant a ticket; even overlapping the edge of the driveway by a few inches can prevent a resident from turning in safely or a delivery truck from accessing an alley. The city enforces this to ensure that property owners have 24/7 access to their land and that emergency or utility vehicles aren't hindered by street parking.
The base fine for obstructing a driveway or alley in Cambridge is $25.00. While this is lower than some other moving violations, it is not a sum to be ignored. The City of Cambridge has an aggressive late fee structure designed to encourage prompt payment. If you do not pay or appeal the ticket within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unresolved after 67 days, another $20.00 is tacked on. Finally, if the ticket ages past 104 days, an additional $40.00 penalty is applied. This means a simple $25.00 ticket can eventually cost you nearly four times the original amount if you let it sit in your glovebox.
Fortunately, you have options if you believe the citation was unfair. There are valid angles for disputing this ticket. For example, was the curb cut clearly visible, or was it obscured by snow, debris, or severe damage? Is the "driveway" actually a functional entrance, or is it a paved section leading to a fence or wall that is no longer in use? Additionally, photographic evidence is key. If the enforcement officer's photos do not clearly show an obstruction, or if your own photos prove you were within legal boundaries, you may have a case for dismissal.
This is where the Busted web app becomes your best resource. We know that navigating municipal government websites can be confusing and time-consuming. Busted simplifies the entire experience. By using our web app, you can easily manage your ticket without needing to download anything. If you choose to dispute the ticket, we can help you organize your evidence and present a professional argument to the city. If you prefer to simply pay the fine and avoid those escalating late fees, our secure payment system handles it in just a few clicks. While we cannot guarantee that every dispute will be successful, we can promise a smoother, more user-friendly experience than dealing with the bureaucracy on your own.
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 |