How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Overtime
An Overtime violation occurs when your vehicle remains in a parking spot longer than the maximum time limit posted on the street signs, such as a one-hour or two-hour limit. This rule applies even if you have paid the meter for additional time; you must move your car to a different block once the time limit expires. Enforcement officers typically track this by marking tires or using license plate recognition technology.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Overtime
Parking in the City of Cambridge is notorious for being strict. Whether you are grabbing a coffee in Harvard Square or running a quick errand in Central Square, the parking enforcement officers are always on the lookout. One of the most common ways to get snagged is an "Overtime" violation. It can feel frustrating to return to your car only to find that orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade, but understanding why it happened is the first step to resolving it.
So, what exactly is an Overtime ticket? It usually means you stayed in a specific parking zone longer than the maximum time limit posted on the signage. A common misconception among drivers is that as long as you keep feeding the meter, you are safe from tickets. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. If a sign explicitly says "2 Hour Parking," you must move your vehicle to a completely different block after two hours, regardless of how much money you put in the meter. Enforcement officers often track this by chalking tires or using digital license plate readers to see exactly how long a car has been stationary in one spot.
The base fine for an Overtime violation in Cambridge is currently $30.00. While that might not ruin your month, ignoring it certainly can. Cambridge has a tiered late fee structure that kicks in relatively quickly. If you don't pay or appeal the ticket within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. Let it slide between 67 and 104 days, and another $15.00 is tacked on. If you wait longer than 104 days, a massive $40.00 fee is added on top of everything else. Suddenly, a $30 ticket has more than doubled in cost. It pays to handle these things immediately.
Can you fight these tickets? Absolutely. While "I lost track of time" isn't a valid defense, there are legitimate angles for a dispute. First, check the signage. Was it obscured by a tree branch, graffiti, or construction equipment? If the rules weren't clearly visible, you have a case. Second, check the equipment. If the meter was broken or rejected your payment, and you have a reference number or photo evidence, that is a strong defense. Finally, look for errors on the ticket itself. If the officer wrote down the wrong license plate number, color, or make of the car, the ticket could be dismissed due to a factual error.
Dealing with bureaucratic paperwork is never fun, but you don't have to do it alone. That is where the Busted web app comes in. We help you manage the process entirely online. You can use our platform to pay your fine securely if you know you were in the wrong and just want to move on. However, if you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, Busted can help you assemble and submit your dispute letter with the correct evidence attached.
There is no need to download anything to your phone. Simply navigate to our website, upload a photo of your ticket, and answer a few questions about your situation. We handle the heavy lifting so you can get back to your day without the headache of dealing with City Hall directly.
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. | $15.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |