How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Bus Stop
In the City of Somerville, it is illegal to park, stop, or stand in a zone designated as a bus stop. These areas are strictly reserved for MBTA buses to safely pick up and drop off passengers without obstructing traffic. Even if you remain in the driver's seat with the engine running, blocking access to the curb in these zones can result in a citation.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Bus Stop
Parking in the City of Somerville can feel like a competitive sport, and unfortunately, finding a ticket on your windshield is the participation trophy nobody wants. A Bus Stop violation is one of the more expensive citations you can receive in the city. With a base fine of $100.00, it is a significant hit to your wallet. These tickets are issued because public transit vehicles, specifically the large MBTA buses, require ample curb space to pull out of traffic safely. When a private vehicle blocks this zone, it forces the bus to stop in the active travel lane, causing traffic congestion and creating dangerous situations for passengers trying to board or exit the bus.
It is important to understand that bus stops are usually "No Stopping" or "No Standing" zones. This means the regulation applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless signage explicitly states otherwise. Many drivers mistakenly believe they can pull over for just a minute to drop off a friend or pick up a delivery order. However, parking enforcement officers in Somerville are vigilant about these zones because of the safety implications. Even if your hazard lights are on and you are sitting in the car, you are technically in violation if you are blocking the bus zone.
Despite the strict rules, citations are not always issued correctly. There are several angles you can look at if you feel your ticket was unfair. One common defense involves the visibility of the zone itself. If the red paint on the curb was severely faded, covered in snow, or if the "Bus Stop" signage was missing or obstructed by overgrown tree branches, you may have a valid case. Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical breakdown or you were dealing with a documented medical emergency, the city may dismiss the ticket upon review. Evidence is key, so photos of the scene or repair receipts are very helpful.
Ignoring the ticket is the worst thing you can do. Somerville has a tiered late fee structure that makes procrastination expensive. If the fine remains unpaid for 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If you wait 42 days, a second late fee of $15.00 is applied. After 63 days, the situation gets serious: the Parking Clerk reports the non-payment to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV), triggering a $40.00 non-renewal fee. This can prevent you from renewing your license or registration until the debt is settled.
Fortunately, resolving this doesn't require a trip to City Hall. The Busted web app offers a streamlined way to handle your citation. If you believe you have grounds to fight the ticket, you can use our platform to build your case. We ask you simple questions about the situation, help you organize your evidence, and handle the generation and mailing of your dispute letter. If you prefer to simply pay the fine and move on, you can do that securely through the Busted web app as well. It’s designed to save you time and help you navigate the municipal bureaucracy without the headache.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-42 days First late fee > 21 days unpaid and no hearing requested | $5.00 |
42-63 days Second late fee 21 days after the mailed notice if still unpaid (or no hearing request) | $15.00 |
After 63 days RMV referral fee - when Parking Clerk reports non-payment to Registrar of Motor Vehicles | $40.00 |