How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Declared Snow Emergency: Within 10 ft. of Hydrant / Designated Fire Lane
During a declared snow emergency in Somerville, parking rules are strictly enforced to ensure emergency vehicle access. You are prohibited from parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or in a designated fire lane. This rule applies even if the spot is usually legal, as snow accumulation narrows streets and hinders fire crews.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Declared Snow Emergency: Within 10 ft. of Hydrant / Designated Fire Lane
Parking in Somerville during the winter is practically a competitive sport, and when a snow emergency is declared, the rules of the game change instantly. One of the most serious violations you can accidentally commit during these times is parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or in a designated fire lane. The city takes this incredibly seriously because snow accumulation can slow down emergency response times, and blocking a water source or a fire lane creates a genuine safety hazard for the community.
While the safety logic makes sense, finding a $100 ticket on your windshield is never a pleasant surprise. This specific violation combines two strict rules: the standard prohibition against blocking hydrants and the heightened restrictions of a snow emergency. Often, drivers get caught because snow banks make it difficult to judge the required 10-foot distance, or the hydrant itself might be obscured by a previous plow pass. In other cases, the "Fire Lane" markings on the curb might be covered in slush, making an illegal spot look like a safe haven when you are desperate to get out of the cold.
If you have received this citation, you might be wondering if it is worth fighting. There are a few common angles to consider when looking at the evidence. First, verify the timing. Was the snow emergency officially in effect at the exact time the ticket was issued? If the ban had been lifted or hadn't officially started yet, the "Declared Snow Emergency" portion of the violation is invalid. Second, consider visibility. If a snow mound completely buried the hydrant or the fire lane signage was unreadable due to severe weather conditions, you may have grounds for an appeal. Evidence is key here, so photos of the conditions at the time are crucial.
Ignoring the ticket is the only strategy guaranteed to fail. The base fine of $100 is steep, but it gets significantly more expensive if you procrastinate. If you leave it unpaid for 21 days without requesting a hearing, a $5 late fee is added. Wait another three weeks, and another $15 is tacked on. If the ticket remains unresolved after 63 days, the Parking Clerk notifies the RMV, resulting in a $40 non-renewal fee that prevents you from renewing your license or registration until the debt is cleared.
That is where the Busted web app comes in. We help you navigate the process without the headache of dealing with municipal paperwork directly. If you believe the ticket was issued in error—perhaps the hydrant was buried or you were actually outside the 10-foot zone—you can use our platform to submit your dispute evidence. If you would rather just put the incident behind you, we can facilitate the payment process too. While we cannot guarantee the city will dismiss the ticket, we make sure your argument is presented clearly and professionally.
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 |