How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Declared Snow Emergency: Tow Zone / Obstructing Snow Plow
When the City of Somerville declares a snow emergency, specific parking restrictions go into effect to ensure plows and emergency vehicles can navigate the streets. This violation means your vehicle was parked in a prohibited zone or on the wrong side of the street during the emergency, obstructing snow removal operations.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Declared Snow Emergency: Tow Zone / Obstructing Snow Plow
Winter in New England is charming until you see that bright orange envelope on your windshield. In the City of Somerville, a "Declared Snow Emergency" violation is one of the more expensive parking headaches you can encounter. With a base fine of $100.00, it’s a steep price to pay for being in the way of a snow plow, but these rules are strictly enforced to keep the narrow streets passable for emergency vehicles and plow trucks.
So, what exactly happened? When Somerville declares a snow emergency—usually indicated by blue lights at major intersections and citywide alerts—parking regulations change immediately. Typically, this means you must park on a specific side of the street or avoid main arteries entirely. If your vehicle was left in a spot that obstructed the path of a plow or was on the prohibited side during the emergency window, you likely received this citation. Because this is classified as a "Tow Zone" violation, there is a high chance your car was also relocated, adding to the frustration.
While these tickets are tough to fight, they aren't always bulletproof. Common angles for disputing this ticket involve timing and signage. For example, did you park before the emergency was officially declared, and were you unable to move the vehicle in time? Was the signage regarding the snow emergency rules unclear or obstructed by snow itself? Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled and you were waiting for a tow truck, providing evidence of a service call can sometimes help your case.
Ignoring this ticket is not a good strategy. Somerville has a structured late fee system that kicks in fairly quickly. If the ticket remains unpaid and undisputed for 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. Wait another three weeks (42 days total), and a second late fee of $15.00 applies. If you let it slide past 63 days, the Parking Clerk reports the non-payment to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), triggering a $40.00 referral fee and preventing you from renewing your license or registration.
That’s where Busted comes in. We make dealing with parking tickets in Somerville much simpler. You don't need to navigate the city's bureaucratic website alone. Our web app allows you to upload your ticket details securely. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, we can help you assemble your dispute evidence and present a professional argument to the city. If you’d rather just get it over with, we facilitate the payment process too, ensuring you avoid those escalating penalties.
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 |