How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Within 10 feet of hydrant
In the City of Cambridge, you are prohibited from parking your vehicle within 10 feet of a fire hydrant to ensure firefighters have unobstructed access during emergencies. This rule applies 24 hours a day, regardless of whether the curb is painted yellow or if specific signage is present. Drivers must visually estimate this distance to avoid receiving a citation or being towed.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Within 10 feet of hydrant
Parking in Cambridge can often feel like a competitive sport. Between the resident permit zones, street cleaning schedules, and the bustling activity around the squares, finding a legal spot is a victory in itself. However, that victory can turn sour quickly if you return to your vehicle to find a ticket tucked under the wiper blade. One of the most common and expensive violations in the city is parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
The City of Cambridge enforces this rule strictly for a very good reason: public safety. Firefighters need immediate and unobstructed access to water sources in the event of a fire. A vehicle parked too close can prevent a fire truck from connecting their hoses effectively, costing precious seconds in an emergency. Because of the severity of the potential consequences, the base fine for this violation is set at $100.00. It is a steep price to pay for a few inches of curb space, but the city maintains high penalties to discourage blocking these vital access points.
It is important to remember that unlike some other parking rules, the fire hydrant restriction is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no "free time" for hydrants. Additionally, the city is not required to paint the curb yellow or post a specific sign next to every hydrant; the presence of the hydrant itself is considered sufficient warning for all drivers.
However, receiving a ticket does not automatically mean you are out of options. There are valid reasons to dispute a hydrant citation. The most common defense is a measurement error. Parking enforcement officers are human, and sometimes their estimation of 10 feet is incorrect. If you can prove your bumper was actually 11 feet away, you have a strong case. Evidence is key here—photos showing your car's position relative to the hydrant, ideally with a measuring tape or a reference object, can be very persuasive.
Another potential angle for dispute is visibility. If the hydrant was completely obscured by a snowbank, overgrown vegetation, or construction debris, you might be able to argue that you could not reasonably see it. Furthermore, always check the ticket itself for clerical errors. If the officer wrote down the wrong license plate number or identified your vehicle incorrectly, the ticket could be dismissed based on those technical inaccuracies.
If you believe your ticket was issued unfairly, or if you simply want to ensure your payment is handled correctly without the headache, Busted is here to help. You do not need to navigate the city's bureaucratic systems alone. Our web app simplifies the entire process for you.
When you use Busted, we guide you through a simple workflow to understand the context of your parking violation. If you choose to contest the ticket, we help you compile your evidence and generate a professionally written defense letter tailored to Cambridge's specific regulations. If you prefer to just pay the fine, we can facilitate that as well to ensure it is processed before penalties accrue. Remember, you must pay or appeal within 21 days to avoid late fees, so acting quickly is essential.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-67 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $0.00 |
67-104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $0.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $0.00 |