How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Double Parked
Double parking occurs when you stop or park your vehicle alongside another vehicle that is already parked at the curb, effectively blocking a lane of traffic. In the City of Somerville, this is strictly prohibited to ensure emergency vehicle access and traffic flow, regardless of whether your engine is running or your hazard lights are flashing.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Double Parked
Let’s be honest: parking in the City of Somerville can be a competitive sport. Between the narrow one-way streets and the density of the neighborhoods, finding a legal spot at the curb often feels like winning the lottery. It is incredibly tempting to just pull up alongside a parked car, throw on your hazard lights, and dash into a shop or drop off a passenger. Unfortunately, that convenience comes with a price tag. Double parking is one of the most commonly cited violations because it directly impacts the flow of traffic and can make streets impassable for emergency vehicles.
If you have received a ticket for being Double Parked, the base fine is $50.00. While that might not ruin your month, ignoring it certainly can. Somerville has a structured escalation for unpaid tickets that can turn a simple annoyance into a major headache. If the ticket remains unpaid for 21 days and you haven't requested a hearing, a $5.00 late fee is added. Let it slide for another three weeks (42 days total), and a second late fee of $15.00 is tacked on. If the ticket remains unresolved after 63 days, the Parking Clerk reports the non-payment to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This incurs an additional $40.00 referral fee and prevents you from renewing your license or registration until the debt is settled.
However, receiving a ticket doesn't automatically mean you are guilty. There are valid reasons to dispute a double parking violation, and the Busted web app is here to help you navigate that process. Generally, successful disputes rely on proving that the violation was unavoidable or that the ticket contains significant errors. For example, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical failure and you were waiting for a tow truck, providing a receipt from the towing company or a repair bill can be a strong defense. Similarly, if you were stopped due to a documented medical emergency, you may have grounds for dismissal. You should also check the ticket for factual errors; if the officer recorded the wrong license plate number or an incorrect location, the ticket may be invalid.
It is important to note that "just running in for a minute" or "keeping the engine running" are rarely accepted as valid defenses for double parking. The law focuses on the position of the vehicle rather than the intent of the driver.
We built the Busted web app to take the confusion out of this process. You don't need to navigate the city's municipal site alone or mail in checks. Through our platform, you can easily manage your ticket. If you believe you have a case, we can help you assemble your dispute evidence and submit it to the City of Somerville. If you prefer to just get it over with, we facilitate the payment to ensure you avoid those escalating late fees and the dreaded RMV hold. We handle the paperwork so you can get back to your day—hopefully with a legal parking spot next time.
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 |