How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Sidewalk
Parking on the sidewalk is prohibited throughout the City of Cambridge to ensure safe passage for pedestrians. This includes partially blocking the pavement with your bumper or parking across the sidewalk while in a driveway. You must leave the entire walkway clear at all times to avoid a citation.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Sidewalk
Parking in the City of Cambridge can be a challenge, and finding an orange envelope tucked under your windshield wiper is never a welcome surprise. A "Sidewalk" violation is particularly frustrating because it often happens when you think you are safely parked in a driveway or pulled over to the side. However, the city enforces this rule strictly to keep paths clear for pedestrians, strollers, and those with accessibility needs. Even if you are just unloading groceries or your bumper is hanging over the line by a few inches, you are technically in violation.
The base fine for a sidewalk violation in Cambridge is $40.00. While that might not seem astronomical, ignoring the ticket can lead to a spiraling cost. The city applies a tiered late fee structure that kicks in faster than you might expect. If you don't pay or appeal within 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unresolved for 67 days, another $10.00 is tacked on. If you let it slide past 104 days, a hefty $40.00 fee is applied. This means your original $40 ticket can eventually cost you nearly double or triple if you forget about it.
So, why are these tickets issued? Beyond the obvious cases of parking fully on the pavement, many drivers get ticketed for "overhang." This occurs when your tires are on the street or in a driveway, but the body of your vehicle extends over the sidewalk. Parking enforcement officers are vigilant about this because blocked sidewalks force pedestrians into the street, creating significant safety hazards. It is not enough for the car to fit in the spot; the airspace above the sidewalk must also remain clear.
If you believe you were ticketed unfairly, you have the right to dispute the citation. Common angles for appealing a sidewalk ticket include factual errors by the officer (such as the wrong location or license plate number) or situations where the boundary between the street and the sidewalk was poorly defined due to construction or weather conditions. Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled and you were waiting for a tow truck, providing a receipt or service record can sometimes serve as a valid defense.
Dealing with municipal bureaucracy is rarely fun, but the Busted web app makes it easier. We simplify the process of managing your parking citations so you don't have to navigate confusing city portals alone. Whether you want to pay the fine instantly to avoid those nagging late fees or you want to file a dispute because the ticket was issued in error, our platform guides you through the steps. Just log in to the Busted web app, enter your ticket details, and let us help you resolve the issue. While we can't guarantee a dismissal, we can ensure a much smoother, stress-free experience.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-67 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $5.00 |
67-104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $10.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |