How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Within 20 feet of intersection
In the City of Cambridge, you are prohibited from parking within 20 feet of an intersection to ensure visibility for other drivers and pedestrians. This is a general rule that applies to every corner in the city, even if there are no specific "No Parking" signs posted at that location. You must ensure there is adequate distance between your vehicle's bumper and the cross street.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Within 20 feet of intersection
Parking in the City of Cambridge can feel like a competitive sport, and finding a spot near a corner often feels like a victory—until you return to find a ticket tucked under your wiper blade. The violation for parking "Within 20 feet of an intersection" is one of the most common citations issued in the city. It catches many drivers off guard because it is a general traffic rule that applies even when there are no specific signs explicitly banning parking at that specific corner.
The base fine for this violation is $25.00. While that might not sound like a budget-breaker initially, the City of Cambridge is strict about timelines. If you do not pay or appeal the ticket within 21 days, a $10.00 late fee is added. Wait longer, and the penalties increase significantly: another $20.00 is added after 67 days, and a final $40.00 penalty hits after 104 days. Ignoring the ticket can turn a manageable $25.00 fine into a much larger headache, potentially preventing you from renewing your registration.
Why does this rule exist? It is primarily about safety and visibility. When a car is parked right up to the corner, it blocks the sightlines for drivers turning onto the street and pedestrians trying to cross. It also makes it difficult for larger vehicles, such as fire trucks or delivery vans, to make tight turns without clipping parked cars. However, because this distance is often visually estimated by the parking enforcement officer rather than measured with a tape measure, there is often room for error regarding exactly where the 20-foot mark lies.
If you believe you were parked legally, or if there were mitigating circumstances, you have the right to dispute the ticket. Common angles for appealing this specific violation involve the measurement itself. Was your car actually within 20 feet of the intersection, or did it just look close? The distance is usually measured from the end of the curb radius (where the curve ends and the straight curb begins) to your bumper. If the officer didn't provide photographic proof of the distance, or if the curb design is ambiguous, you may have a valid defense. Additionally, conflicting signage or faded curb markings can sometimes be grounds for dismissal.
Resolving this doesn't have to be a hassle. You can use the Busted web app to handle the dispute process entirely online. We help you formulate a professional defense based on the details of your citation. You simply answer a few questions about where you parked and upload a photo of your ticket. Our system generates the appeal letter for you and handles the mailing, so you don't have to deal with post office lines or confusing municipal websites. It is a straightforward way to fight back against unfair tickets and ensure your side of the story is heard.
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 |