How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Other
In the City of Cambridge, an "Other" violation is a catch-all category used for parking infractions that do not fall under standard codes like expired meters or resident permit zones. This typically includes offenses such as parking more than 12 inches from the curb, blocking a driveway, or facing against the flow of traffic. It is crucial to check the officer's notes on the physical ticket to identify exactly what rule was broken.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Other
Seeing a parking ticket tucked under your wiper blade is never a great start to the day. It is even more frustrating when you pull the ticket out and see the violation description simply reads "Other." You might be scratching your head, wondering what exactly you did wrong. In the City of Cambridge, this vague classification is used for infractions that don't fit neatly into the standard boxes like street cleaning or expired meters, but it is still a valid ticket that requires your attention.
While the base fine for this violation is set at $25.00, ignoring it can turn a minor annoyance into a significant expense. The City of Cambridge enforces a strict timeline for payments and appeals. If you do not pay or contest the ticket within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unresolved between 67 and 104 days, another $20.00 is tacked on. Finally, if you let it slide past 104 days, a hefty $40.00 fee is applied. Suddenly, that manageable $25 ticket has ballooned due to non-payment penalties.
So, what actually constitutes an "Other" violation? Because the description is broad, it acts as a catch-all for miscellaneous parking rules. Common reasons for this ticket include parking more than 12 inches from the curb, parking in the wrong direction (against the flow of traffic), or obstructing a posted temporary zone that doesn't have its own specific code. Because the category is so broad, the parking enforcement officer is usually required to leave specific notes on the ticket or in the digital record explaining the infraction. This is often where your best opportunity for a dispute lies.
When considering a dispute, the first thing you should do is look for those officer notes. If the ticket says "Other" and there is no further explanation describing the vehicle's position or the specific ordinance violated, the ticket may be considered defective due to vagueness. Additionally, if the violation refers to a restriction that wasn't clearly signposted—like a temporary construction zone with knocked-down signs—you may have valid grounds for dismissal. Evidence is key here; photos of your car, the curb, and the surrounding signage can make a significant difference in the outcome of your hearing.
If you believe your ticket was issued in error or the description is too vague to be valid, Busted can help you navigate the process. Our web app is designed to streamline the dispute experience. You simply answer a series of questions about your parking situation and the ticket details, and our system generates a professional dispute letter tailored to your specific case. We can also help you pay the fine securely if you decide that contesting it isn't worth the time. Whether you choose to fight it or pay it, handling it through the Busted web app ensures you stay on top of those deadlines and avoid those escalating late fees.
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 |