How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Over 1 foot from curb
Parking in Cambridge requires precision; you must position your vehicle so that your wheels are within 12 inches of the curb. If you park further out than one foot, you risk obstructing traffic or bike lanes and receiving a citation. This rule applies to every street in the city to ensure the safe flow of vehicles and cyclists.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Over 1 foot from curb
Cambridge is known for its historic charm, bustling squares, and unfortunately, its very narrow streets. If you have returned to your car only to find an orange envelope tucked under the wiper for being "Over 1 foot from curb," you are certainly not the first. This is one of the most common parking violations in the city, primarily because space is at a premium and keeping traffic flowing is a top priority for local enforcement.
The specific rule is straightforward, even if it feels strict: your passenger-side wheels need to be within 12 inches of the curb edge. While it might feel like you did a decent job parallel parking, enforcement officers are diligent about this distance. This regulation exists to ensure that cars do not protrude into the travel lane. In a city like Cambridge, which heavily prioritizes cycling infrastructure, a car sticking out too far can force cyclists into moving traffic, creating significant safety hazards.
While a $25 base fine might not seem like a financial disaster, nobody wants to pay a penalty if they do not have to. There are several angles to consider if you believe the ticket was unfair. First, consider the evidence. Was the distance actually measured with a tape, or was it a visual estimate by the officer? If you have photos taken at the time of parking showing you were within the 12-inch limit, that is your strongest defense. Second, look at the environment. Was the curb broken, jagged, or obscured by snow mounds that made it impossible to get closer? Contextual evidence regarding the condition of the street can sometimes lead to a dismissal.
It is crucial to act fast regarding this ticket. The City of Cambridge utilizes a tiered late fee structure that can quickly turn a minor annoyance into a larger expense. You have a 21-day window to either pay the fine or file an appeal. If you miss this deadline, a $10 late fee is added immediately. If the ticket remains unresolved after 67 days, another $20 is added, and after 104 days, a final $40 penalty is tacked on. Ignoring the ticket will not make it disappear; it simply makes it significantly more expensive.
If you want to contest the violation, the Busted web app is here to streamline the process. You do not need to be a lawyer to fight a parking ticket, and you don't need to navigate the city's complex website alone. By using our web-based platform, you can answer a series of simple questions about your parking situation and upload a photo of your citation. We help you compose a clear, professional defense letter to submit to the city. There is no app to download or install; simply access Busted from your browser to get started on resolving your Cambridge parking 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 |