How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Taxi stand
Parking in a taxi stand is strictly prohibited in the City of Cambridge unless you are operating a licensed taxicab. These zones are reserved 24/7 for pick-up and drop-off, meaning private vehicles cannot stop or park there for any duration. Violating this rule results in an immediate citation, regardless of how long the vehicle was stationary.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Taxi stand
Let’s be honest: parking in Cambridge is a competitive sport. Between the resident permits, the street cleaning schedules, and the sheer volume of cars, finding a spot can feel like a miracle. But that feeling of relief can vanish pretty quickly when you return to your car and find an orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade. If that ticket says "Taxi Stand," you’ve unfortunately parked in a zone reserved exclusively for licensed taxicabs.
Why are these tickets issued? The City of Cambridge designates specific curb space for taxis to ensure that public transportation remains efficient and that cabs have a safe place to pick up and drop off passengers. These zones are usually marked by specific signage and sometimes yellow paint on the curb. The enforcement officers are strict about this because a private car blocking a taxi stand forces cabs to double-park or circle the block, which causes traffic congestion and safety hazards. Even if you were just running in for a "quick" coffee or waiting for a friend, the law sees the vehicle as an obstruction.
The base fine for a Taxi Stand violation is $25.00. While this might not seem like a bank-breaker compared to some other infractions, the real danger lies in the late fees. Cambridge is aggressive with their timeline. If you don't pay or appeal the ticket within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. Let it slide for 67 days? That’s another $20.00. If you ignore it for more than 104 days, you’re looking at an additional $40.00 on top of everything else. Suddenly, a $25 ticket has transformed into a nearly $100 headache.
However, not every ticket is open-and-shut. There are valid reasons to dispute a citation. Common angles for appealing a taxi stand ticket include poor signage visibility. Was the "Taxi Stand" sign obscured by a tree branch, graffiti, or construction equipment? Was the curb paint so faded it was impossible to distinguish from a regular spot? Another angle is a medical emergency or a mechanical breakdown that forced you to pull over immediately. If you have evidence—like photos of the obscured sign or a receipt from a tow truck—you may have a case.
This is where Busted comes in. We understand that dealing with municipal websites and paperwork is the last thing you want to do. Through the Busted web app, you can manage your ticket seamlessly. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, we can help you formulate your dispute letter and send it off to the City of Cambridge on your behalf. If you’d rather just pay it and move on, we facilitate that too. While we can’t guarantee a dismissal, we can guarantee a much smoother process than handling it alone. Don't let those late fees stack up; handle your ticket today using our simple web interface.
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 |