How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Providence
Parking within twelve (12) inches of a driveway as measured by a line running along the curb in either direction
In Providence, you are prohibited from parking within 12 inches of a driveway entrance. This buffer zone is measured along the curb line starting from the edge of the driveway in either direction. The rule is strictly enforced to ensure that vehicles have enough room to turn safely into and out of the property.
Guide to Fighting City of Providence Parking within twelve (12) inches of a driveway as measured by a line running along the curb in either direction
Parking in the City of Providence can feel like a competitive sport, especially in dense residential neighborhoods or busy commercial districts. One of the most common ways drivers get tripped up is by misjudging the distance between their bumper and a driveway. While it might look like you have left enough room for a car to squeeze by, the city code is very specific: you must leave at least 12 inches of clearance from the driveway edge. This isn't just about blocking the driveway completely; it is about leaving enough turning radius for a vehicle to enter or exit without hopping the curb or hitting your car.
Why are these tickets issued so frequently? Often, it comes down to a simple lack of space. When street parking is scarce, drivers are tempted to maximize every inch of the curb. However, parking enforcement officers in Providence are vigilant about this rule because blocked driveways are a major complaint from residents and business owners. Even if the driveway owner can technically get their car out, if you are within that 12-inch zone, you are liable for a citation. The measurement is taken from the point where the curb begins to slope down for the driveway (the curb cut), extending along the street in either direction.
When it comes to resolving these tickets, time is your biggest enemy. The base fine for this violation is $32.00, which might seem manageable at first. However, the City of Providence has an aggressive escalation structure for unpaid fines. If you do not pay the ticket or enter a plea within 14 days, the fine doubles to $64.00. If you let it slide for another two weeks—reaching the 28-day mark—the fine triples to a staggering $96.00. That is a 200% increase simply for procrastinating. This rapid increase in cost makes handling the ticket immediately the most financial prudent decision.
Regarding disputes, valid defenses for driveway violations are generally rare unless the curb cut is completely degraded or invisible, or if the signage was misleading. However, you should be aware that disputing a ticket takes time and evidence. For this specific violation in Providence, Busted does not currently support the dispute process. We have found that for clear-cut distance violations, the success rate for dismissal is low, and the risk of incurring late fees while waiting for a hearing is high.
The best way to handle this citation is to settle it before the 14-day window closes. You can pay your City of Providence parking ticket directly through the Busted web app. We have streamlined the payment process to be fast, secure, and headache-free. There is no need to download a mobile app or navigate confusing municipal websites. Simply use our web-based platform to clear your balance instantly and ensure you don't get hit with that $64 or $96 penalty. Stay compliant and keep your vehicle registration safe by taking care of your fine today.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
14-28 days In the event any of the foregoing stated fines are not paid or a plea of not guilty to the citation is entered prior to the fourteenth day after date of violation, said fines shall be doubled. | $64.00 |
After 28 days In the event any of the foregoing stated fines are not paid or a plea of not guilty to the citation is entered subsequent to the fourteenth day and prior to the twenty-eighth day after date of violations, said fines shall be tripled. | $96.00 |