How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Resident permit only
In the City of Cambridge, most residential streets are reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying a valid resident parking permit. If you park in these zones without a permit or a properly displayed visitor pass during enforcement hours, you will receive a citation. These rules are strictly enforced to ensure local residents have priority access to street parking near their homes.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Resident permit only
Parking in the City of Cambridge can feel like a competitive sport. Between the bustle of Harvard Square and the density of residential neighborhoods, finding a spot is hard enough without worrying about the strict permit regulations. If you returned to your car to find a bright orange envelope tucked under your wiper, you aren't alone. The "Resident Permit Only" violation is one of the most common citations issued in the city, designed to prioritize street parking for locals in this densely packed area.
So, what exactly happened? Cambridge enforces resident parking zones to prevent commuters and visitors from clogging up neighborhood streets. Unless you have a specific resident sticker on your windshield or a valid visitor pass displayed on your dashboard, these spots are off-limits. The base fine for this violation is $30.00. While that might not sound like a bank-breaking amount, ignoring it is a bad idea. The City of Cambridge has an aggressive late fee structure. If you don't pay or appeal the ticket within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. Wait longer than 67 days, and another $15.00 piles on. If the ticket remains unresolved after 104 days, you're looking at a hefty $40.00 surcharge on top of everything else.
However, receiving a ticket doesn't automatically mean you are guilty or that you have to pay immediately. There are several valid reasons why a Resident Permit Only ticket might be overturned. The most common angle for a dispute involves signage. Cambridge streets can be confusing; sometimes signs are obscured by overgrown tree branches, covered in snow, or knocked askew. If the signage regulating your specific spot was not clearly visible, you may have grounds for a dismissal. Taking photos of the obscured sign from the perspective of your car is crucial evidence.
Another common dispute scenario involves visitor passes. If you were visiting a resident and had a pass, but the officer didn't see it (perhaps it slid down the dashboard or was flipped over), you can often contest the ticket by providing proof that you had a valid pass at the time. Similarly, if you are a new resident who has applied for a permit but hasn't received the physical sticker yet, providing proof of your application and residency can sometimes work in your favor.
Dealing with municipal websites or mailing in checks can be a hassle, which is where Busted comes in. Our web app is designed to streamline the entire process for you. We can help you organize your evidence and submit a professional dispute letter to the City of Cambridge, or simply help you pay the fine quickly if you decide not to contest it. You don't need to download anything; simply log in through your browser. While we can't guarantee a dismissal—the final decision always rests with the city—we make the process of fighting back or settling up significantly less stressful.
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 |