How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Vehicle not plugged in (EV spot)
In the City of Cambridge, parking in a designated Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station requires you to be actively charging your car. If you park in these spots without physically connecting your vehicle to the power source, you are in violation of local ordinances, even if you are driving an electric vehicle.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Vehicle not plugged in (EV spot)
Driving an electric vehicle in the City of Cambridge is a great way to get around, but it comes with a specific set of parking etiquette and rules. One of the most common surprises for EV owners is returning to their car to find a ticket for "Vehicle not plugged in." It can feel frustrating, especially if you rightfully parked in an EV spot, but the city enforces this rule strictly. These designated spots are not just preferred parking for green vehicles; they are treated as fueling stations. The logic is simple: if you aren't plugged in, you are blocking the infrastructure for someone who might desperately need a charge.
Parking enforcement officers in Cambridge are trained to check for the physical connection between the charging station and your vehicle. Even if your battery is full, or if you simply forgot to attach the cable after parking, the lack of a connection is grounds for a citation. The city wants to ensure turnover at these stations so that the resources remain available to the public throughout the day. Unfortunately, this means that using the spot as a standard parking space without utilizing the charger will result in a $40.00 fine.
However, getting a ticket doesn't always mean you are out of luck. There are valid reasons why a citation might be unfair. For example, was the charging station broken or displaying an error message when you arrived? If the equipment was non-functional, you shouldn't be penalized for not using it, provided you can supply evidence like a photo of the broken screen. Another common dispute angle involves unclear signage. If the signs designating the spot as "EV Charging Only" were missing, graffiti-covered, or obscured by foliage, you may have grounds for a dismissal. Additionally, clerical errors on the ticket itself—such as an incorrect license plate number or the wrong location—can render the ticket invalid.
It is crucial to act fast. Ignoring the ticket will only make it more expensive. Cambridge imposes a $10.00 late fee if the ticket remains unpaid or unappealed after 21 days. If you wait 67 days, another $5.00 is added. If you let it linger past 104 days, a significant $40.00 fee is tacked on, more than doubling your original fine.
This is where the Busted web app can help. We understand that dealing with municipal parking authorities is a hassle. Since Busted supports disputes for the City of Cambridge, you can use our platform to challenge your ticket without the stress. simply go to our website, upload a photo of your citation, and answer a few questions about your situation. Our system helps you build a defense based on your specific circumstances. If you prefer to just pay the fine and move on, we facilitate secure payments as well. While we can't guarantee a dismissal, we can promise a smoother, more user-friendly experience than navigating the city's bureaucracy alone.
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. | $5.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |