How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Leaving < 10 ft. Passage
In Somerville, you are required to leave at least 10 feet of clear roadway alongside your vehicle so traffic and emergency trucks can pass safely. You will receive this ticket if you park on a narrow street and your car restricts the remaining passage width to less than 10 feet, regardless of how close you are to the curb.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Leaving < 10 ft. Passage
Somerville is famous for its charm, its vibrant squares, and unfortunately, its incredibly narrow residential streets. If you drive anything larger than a compact car, you have probably felt the squeeze while navigating the neighborhoods. That tightness is exactly why the "Leaving Less Than 10 ft. Passage" rule exists. It is not just about inconveniencing your neighbors or blocking a delivery van; it is strictly about public safety. Emergency vehicles, particularly fire engines and ambulances, require a specific width of clear tarmac to navigate turns and straightaways without taking off side mirrors or getting stuck.
This violation is straightforward but often catches drivers off guard. You might be parked perfectly legal relative to the curb—within 12 inches, wheels straight, and not blocking a hydrant—but the context of the street matters. If the car across from you is also parked legally, the space left in the middle might be too tight. In Somerville, the burden is on the driver to ensure that once they walk away from their vehicle, a 10-foot wide lane remains open. If a parking enforcement officer measures the gap and finds only 9 feet, you are getting a $50 ticket.
While $50 is the base fine, ignoring it is a bad financial strategy. Somerville has a structured escalation for unpaid tickets that kicks in faster than you might expect. If you leave that ticket in your glovebox for more than 21 days without paying or requesting a hearing, a $5.00 late fee is tacked on. Let it slide past 42 days (or 21 days after a mailed notice), and another $15.00 is added. If you continue to ignore it past 63 days, the Parking Clerk reports the debt to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This triggers a "non-renewal" status on your registration and license, plus a hefty $40.00 RMV referral fee. Suddenly, a $50 annoyance has more than doubled in cost, and you can't renew your tags.
However, you do not have to just accept the ticket if you believe it was issued in error. Disputes are possible, but they require hard evidence. The most common defense involves proving that there was, in fact, 10 feet of space. If you return to your car and find the ticket, take a photo immediately with a tape measure showing the distance from your car's widest point (usually the mirror) to the obstruction opposite you. Other angles for dispute might include unclear signage or proving your vehicle was disabled and you were actively waiting for a tow. Keep in mind that subjective arguments like "I was only there for a minute" or "I didn't see another spot" rarely result in a dismissal.
Whether you decide to fight the ticket or just want to get it paid and over with, the Busted web app is the easiest way to handle it. We can help you organize your evidence and submit a dispute letter to the City of Somerville, or facilitate the payment so you don't get hit with those escalating late fees. Our system is designed to navigate the bureaucracy for you, ensuring your response is filed correctly and on time. Don't let a parking oversight ruin your week; handle it quickly through Busted and get back on the road.
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 |