How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Non-Compliance Moving Container / Portable
In the City of Somerville, you are required to obtain a specific permit before placing portable moving containers (like PODS) on a public street. This violation is issued when a container is found without a valid permit, or if the container remains on the street past the dates allowed by your permit.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Non-Compliance Moving Container / Portable
Moving into a new place is consistently ranked as one of life's most stressful events. Between packing boxes, hiring movers, and setting up utilities, the last thing you need is a neon orange envelope stuck to the side of your moving pod. If you have received a parking ticket for "Non-Compliance Moving Container / Portable" in the City of Somerville, you might be wondering what went wrong and how to fix it.
Understanding the Violation
Somerville is a dense city with limited street parking. To manage this, the city requires residents to obtain a Street Occupancy Permit before placing any large obstruction—like a portable storage unit or dumpster—on the public right-of-way. This violation is issued for one of three main reasons:
- No Permit: You placed a container on the street without applying for and receiving approval from the Traffic and Parking Department.
- Expired Permit: The container stayed on the street longer than the dates specified on your paperwork.
- Improper Display: You had a permit, but it wasn't taped clearly to the container for the parking enforcement officer to see.
The base fine for this infraction is $50.00. While this is lower than some other moving violations, it is an unnecessary expense during an already expensive move.
The Cost of Procrastination
It is easy to lose track of a ticket during the chaos of unpacking, but ignoring this fine is dangerous for your wallet. Somerville has a strict escalation structure for unpaid tickets:
- 21 Days: If unpaid after three weeks, a $5.00 late fee is added.
- 42 Days: If still unpaid three weeks after the first notice, a second late fee of $15.00 is applied.
- 63 Days (RMV Hold): This is the big one. If the ticket remains unresolved, the Parking Clerk reports the debt to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. This incurs a $40.00 surcharge and prevents you from renewing your driver’s license or vehicle registration until the debt is cleared.
Can You Dispute It?
Yes, you can. Because the Busted web app supports disputes for the City of Somerville, you have options if you believe the ticket was issued in error. Common angles for contesting this specific violation include:
- Valid Permit Existed: If you had a permit but the officer missed it, providing a copy of the permit and a photo of it attached to the container can often get the ticket dismissed.
- Private Property: If the container was actually in your driveway and not on the public street, you should not be cited for a street occupancy violation.
- Clerical Errors: Check the ticket for incorrect dates, times, or location details that do not match the reality of the situation.
Resolve It With Busted
Whether you decide to pay the $50.00 fine to get it over with or want to fight the ticket with evidence, the Busted web app is the easiest way to handle it. You don't need to mail a check or visit the Parking Clerk's office in person. Simply log in to our website, search for your ticket, and we will guide you through the entire process. We help ensure your dispute is filed correctly or your payment is processed instantly, letting you get back to enjoying your new home in Somerville.
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 |